Graduate Students & Postdoctoral Scholars

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Graduate & Postdoc Chemist Magazine

Find career advice, wellness, career paths, fellowships, and general topics related to grad student and postdoc life.

 


Members of ACS's first graduate student organization at Georgetown University
Members of ACS's first graduate student organization at Georgetown University
Courtesy of Trevor Lyons

Graduate Student Organizations

Start an ACS Graduate Student Organization at your institution to build a community for grad students interested in networking, career preparation, outreach, and professional development. 


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Career Planning

Learn about career workshops, academic careers, networking, interviewing, and the new ChemIDP online tool.


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Awards and Fellowships

Find research and postdoctoral fellowships, travel awards, leadership awards, and more.


Learn about upcoming ACS Meetings and other events


Well-being

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, there is no consensus around a single definition of wellbeing. However, "in simple terms well-being can be described as judging life positively and feeling good." "Well-being integrates mental health (mind) and physical health (body) resulting in more holistic approaches to disease prevention and health promotion."


Professional Development & Networking


Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

In this section, you will find programs and resources aimed to bring awareness on DEI issues and to increase diversity in the chemical sciences. 


ACS Reports and Studies on Graduate and Postdoctoral Training

  • 2019 ACS Postdoc Survey
    See the results of a survey of postdoctoral scholars in the chemical sciences. Questions focused on career interests and plans, postdoc competencies, and contextual factors that guide the career decision making process (e.g. values, mentors…). 
  • 2019 ACS Graduate Student Survey
    See the results of a survey of graduate students in the chemical sciences. Questions focused on career interests and plans, graduate education competencies, and contextual factors such as advisors and mentors, resources, support, and satisfaction with graduate school. 
  • 2013 ACS Graduate Student Survey
    See the results of a survey of graduate students in the chemical sciences. Questions focused on career goals and preparation, quality of relationships with adviser(s) and peers, resources, funding and overall satisfaction with graduate school.
  • ACS Presidential Commission Report on Graduate Education
    Read the report which focuses on the purpose of graduate education in the chemical sciences and addresses important societal issues as well as the needs of graduate students.

Mentoring


Safety

Chemical Laboratory Safety:

Psychological Safety:


Prospective Graduate Students


Resources for International Students and Postdocs