The Urbana campus is home to nearly 600 postdoctoral scholars, who are an integral part of our campus community. You’ll find Illinois postdocs hard at work in labs, research facilities, and classrooms across campus.
What is a postdoc?
Postdoctoral scholars have completed their doctoral degree and are trainees in residence, preparing for their careers.
What is it like being a postdoc at Illinois?
“I have had great two years of my postdoctoral career in Urbana-Champaign. I am fully supported by my research advisor, Dr. John A. Rogers, not only for the research but also for pursuing further my academic career. (I can’t thank him enough for his support!) I have worked with very brilliant and talented people from various departments, which brings my research to another level. Additionally, the Beckman Institute and academic departments are very collaborative and easy to access. During my postdoctoral career, I always feel excited that I am conducting cutting edge research in a leading group. Urbana-Champaign is a small university town but great innovation starts here.”
- Ahyeon Koh, postdoctoral research associate in Material Science and Engineering
“Being a postdoc at Illinois provides opportunities for professional and personal growth. My interdisciplinary background enabled me to get involved with local conferences and workshops sponsored by the Beckman Institute and the Institute for Genomic Biology. The University also has an office specifically devoted to postdoctoral issues, which is rare amongst Universities. These professional opportunities are rounded out by social activities – given the large number of postdocs at the university, you have the opportunity to meet people from many cultures and walks of life.”
- Bradly Alicea, postdoctoral research associate in Crop Sciences
Postdoc Appreciation Week
To celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of our postdocs across campus, the Graduate College is delighted to participate in National Postdoc Appreciation Week from September 21 - 26. On Tuesday, the Postdoctoral Affairs Office in the Graduate College will host a reception for postdocs and on Saturday, the Society of Postdoctoral Scholars will hold a potluck and BBQ for postdocs and their families. See below for more information on both events.
Upcoming Events
Appreciation Reception for Postdoctoral Scholars
September 22, 4 - 6 p.m.
Illini Union, room 104
The Postdoctoral Affairs Office and the Graduate College invite all Illinois postdoctoral scholars to attend a reception to thank and acknowledge you for your contributions to campus. Meet postdocs from across campus and learn more about resources and upcoming events from the Postdoctoral Affairs Office.
Postdoc Potluck and BBQ
September 26, noon - 5 p.m.
Hessel Park, 1401 Grandview Dr., Champaign
The Society of Postdoctoral Scholars (SOPS) will host a potluck and BBQ at Hessel Park for postdocs and families. Burgers (veggie and non-veggie), hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be provided. Please bring one or two homemade dishes to share with others. There is a playground for kids at the park, so if you have family here, bring them with you.
Resources for Postdocs
Postdoctoral Affairs Office in the Graduate College is a centralized resource for the postdoctoral community. The office provides career and professional development resources for postdocs and assists faculty who are creating mentoring plans for postdocs. Visit the Postdoctoral Affairs Office for more information.
In the News
$5 Million gift honors Arnold Beckman and former Dean of the Graduate College, Theodore Brown. The gift will establish the Beckman-Brown Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Fellowship and the Annual Beckman-Brown Lecture on Interdisciplinary Science.