Office for Postdoctoral Affairs and Early Career Research

The Office for Postdoctoral Affairs and Early Career Research (OPA) supports and assists Columbia Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists in their professional training and development, as well as offers in-depth guidance and resources to the Columbia University community on all matters pertaining to postdoctoral affairs.

See: Postdoc Union Agreement

To report compliance issues, see: Compliance Hotline

What We Do

Career Development

We design, organize, and provide professional and career development programming and resources for Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists across the University

Counseling

We counsel Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists with respect to mentors, housing, job opportunities, funding opportunities, University policies and practices, wellness, and life in NYC

Networking

We facilitate new Postdoc orientations, social, and networking events

Find Funding Opportunities

We educate Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists about University resources that can help them identify funding for research, training, and publishing

Increase Visibility

We undertake initiatives to increase visibility of and to assist in community building among Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists

Information Repository

We serve as an information repository and liaison among Postdocs, Associate Research Scientists, faculty, administrators, and external constituencies

Expert Guidance

We offer expert guidance and resources to the University community on the administrative management of Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists

Postdoctoral Training

We advocate for resources and policies that enhance Postdoctoral training and promote a supportive and inclusive training environment at the University

Services and Programs

Definition of a Postdoc

Describes each type of postdoctoral position at Columbia by title

2024 Handbook

For up to date, in-depth information on all policies, procedures, and offerings for Columbia Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists

FAQs

Quick answers to most frequently-asked questions

Career Development Programs

View the career development events and services offered to Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists

Wellness Programs

Focuses on multiple areas of wellness, such as social, physical, emotional, and occupational wellness, among others, for Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists

OPA Recorded Workshops

Both career-focused and wellness-focused recorded workshops

Housing and Benefits

Housing and Benefit options and resources available to Columbia Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists

Postdoctoral Hardship Support Fund

Provides financial assistance with a temporary hardship due to unexpected circumstances

Forms

Forms and letters regarding Postdocs at Columbia

New Postdocs

Need to know information for new Postdocs at Columbia

Postdoc Community

Get connected and involved with our Postdoc Groups

For Faculty and Administrators

Helpful information for Principal Investigators (faculty) and Administrators

Quick Guide to Research

Helpful information about selected University policies, and links to resources and services for the research community

Find Funding and Grants

Columbia resources that can help Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists with grant writing and finding funding

Office Directory

Medical Center Campus Office and Mailing Address:
154 Haven Avenue, Suite 313 (Monday - Friday)
New York, NY 10032

Morningside Campus Office:
Chandler Hall, Room 351
(By appointment only)

Please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 212.305.4073
Fax: 212.342.2991

New Columbia Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists: request to add your name to OPA listserv