Career Development Sessions
Thursday April 16, 2026
How to Have a Successful Postdoctoral Experience
Thursday April 16, 2026
8:30 – 9:30 AM
No fee, registration not required
Speaker: Bryan Monesson-Olson, Univ. of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
A postdoctoral fellowship is a pivotal time to deepen your research expertise and build the foundation for your future career. This session will offer practical strategies for maximizing your postdoctoral training—from cultivating an effective mentor–mentee relationship to leveraging institutional and professional resources. Participants will learn how to strengthen their research skills, actively plan for their next career steps, and position themselves for a smooth and successful transition into the next stage of their scientific journey.
How to Convert Your CV into a Résumé
Thursday April 16, 2026
10:00 – 11:00 AM
No fee, registration not required
Speaker: Derek Haseltine, Hertz Fndn., USA
For scientists pursuing careers beyond academia, how you present your experience on paper is essential. A well-crafted résumé can be the key to securing an interview and standing out in a competitive job market. This session will walk participants through the core elements of an effective résumé, highlight key differences between a résumé and an academic CV, and outline what employers look for when evaluating candidates. Attendees will receive guidance on transforming their own CVs into polished, professional résumés. Small breakout sessions for individual consulting will follow at 12:45 PM. Bring your CV!
Career Roundtable and Speed Networking
Sponsored by the AAI Minority Affairs Committee
Thursday April 16, 2026
12:45 – 1:45 PM
Fee and registration required
This lunchtime session offers small-group conversations with established immunologists and professionals who understand the career challenges of trainees and early-career scientists face—especially those from groups underrepresented in STEM.
You’ll benefit from:
- Practical guidance on navigating career decisions
- Personal stories from mentors who have been in your shoes
- A structured networking activity with real-time feedback on how to communicate your goals and your science
- A welcoming, supportive space to gain clarity and confidence.
|
Early/Regular |
On-site | |
|
Members |
$60 |
$75 |
|
Nonmembers |
$70 |
$85 |
Interactive Workshop: Navigating the NIH Funding Process
Thursday April 16, 2026
12:45 – 2:45 PM
No fee, registration not required
Chairs:
- Karobi Moitra, NIAID, NIH, USA
- Jyothi Arikkath, NIAID, NIH, USA
Speakers:
- Jyothi Arikkath, NIAID, NIH, USA
- Timothy Gondre-Lewis, NIAID, NIH, USA
- Lillian Kuo, NCI, NIH, USA
- Karobi Moitra, NIAID, NIH, USA
Join us for a fast-paced, hands-on workshop designed to help trainees and early-career scientists confidently step into the NIH funding world. In this two-hour interactive session, you will follow the full NIH grant cycle from an applicant’s perspective, learn how to identify and connect with the right Program Officers, and explore how F, K, and T mechanisms align with your career trajectory.
Through live demonstrations, guided exercises, and real-time discussion, we’ll demystify the NOFO, break down what reviewers look for, and provide advice on applying for your first R01 grant. The workshop will wrap up with a lively open Q&A and curated resources to help you take your next steps as a strong, strategic NIH applicant.
How to Convert Your CV into a Résumé: Individual Consulting
Thursday April 16, 2026
12:45 – 2:45 PM
No fee, sign up during How to Convert Your CV into a Resume lecture at 10:00 AM
Consultants:
- Jim Gould, Harvard Med. Sch., USA
- Derek Haseltine, Hertz Fndn., USA
- Bryan Monesson-Olson, Univ. of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
Receive personalized, one-on-one guidance to help you transform your academic CV into a compelling résumé for careers beyond academia. During these individual consulting sessions, experts will review your materials, provide targeted feedback, and help you highlight your strengths for a professional audience. Participants will have the opportunity to sign up for a consulting slot during the How to Convert Your CV into a Résumé session. Please bring a current CV and be prepared to discuss your career goals.