Yale Postdoc Initiative in RNA Careers

Yale PIRCs aims to foster professional growth for postdocs and Associate Research Scientists (ARSs) employed in groups that are members of the Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine. The two main programs under the initiative's umbrella promote our trainees' careers and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive academic environment.

Its objectives include:

• Providing professional support for postdocs in the field of RNA biology and therapeutics.
• Enhancing training experiences through career development, research guidance, and networking support.
• Offering opportunities for postdocs and ARSs to connect with faculty members outside their own lab.
• Strengthening community and inclusion within the center.

Additional components of the Yale RNA Postdoc Experience include:

• Speaking opportunities at RNA Club (with direct feedback on your science and presentation from two RNA Center PIs)
• Travel awards to the annual RNA Society Meeting
• Participation in the RNA Retreat, technology workshops, and the Sid Altman Symposium
• Eligibility for the Joan and Tom Steitz Fellows Program.

Build your mentoring team and expand your network within the RNA Center.

At a glance:

• Who: RNA Center postdocs-ARSs (mentees) + RNA Center faculty (mentors).
• Format: 1:1 mentor-mentee matches; pairs meet twice per year.
• Focus: career planning and other topics chosen by the mentor and mentee.
• Why it matters: supports networking within and beyond the Center; helps trainees form a mentoring team (including for K99/R00 planning).
• Timing: Kickoff social in October 2026.

How it works:

1. Kickoff social (October 2026): Mentor and mentee meets informally over refreshments.
2. Preference form: interested postdocs submit a short form indicating mentor preferences and goals.
3. Matching: program coordinators facilitate mentor–mentee pairings and share next-step guidance for scheduling.

Meet peers across labs and career stages.

At a glance:

• Who: RNA Center ARS/postdocs across labs and career stages.
• Format: a social gathering with refreshments and light activities designed to help participants connect.
• Outcome: participants are encouraged to connect with one or two peers as accountability partners (or a small group).
• Timing: Dates to be announced

How it works:

A social gathering among postdocs that includes refreshments and activities to help ARS/postdocs find peers with shared goals or concerns. By the end of the event, participants are encouraged to form connections with one or two peers to serve as accountability partners. Dates to be announced.