Trainee Resources
The Center for Reproductive Science (CRS) is dedicated to providing resources and facilitating opportunities to help focus our trainee scientists in their mission of career preparedness and success. CRS has a strong history of training graduate and postdoctoral scientists as well as clinical fellows who have gone on to positions in academia, medicine, industry, and the government sector. Together with The Graduate School (TGS), CRS has programming and has curated links to professional resources, networking opportunities, career building workshops and family resources, facilitating a rewarding experience at NU and aiding in the advancement of your career.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES
RESOURCES AT NORTHWESTERN AND LOCALLY
Northwestern is dedicated to providing an engaging and fulfilling educational environment for it's trainees. Resources and programming are offered by many NU departments and centers and are in place to accentuate career and professional development.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND ADVANCEMENT
CRS Awards and Scholarships: Provides research merit as well as travel awards to trainees who display excellence in their research and who travel to conferences to showcase their work.
The Collaborative Learning and Integrated Mentoring in the Biosciences Program (CLIMB): Online tutorial modules for written and oral communication skills development.
The Graduate School (TGS): Resources for educational and professional development, including funding for professional development, that are geared toward graduate and postdoctoral trainees.
Office of Fellowships: The Office of fellowships helps students identify fellowships and grants to advance their academic and professional goals.
Searle Center for Advanced Learning and Teaching: Programming to develop teaching skills through a certificate program for graduate students and postdocs whose career path is directed toward teaching.
The Writing Place: The Writing Place is a center for peer writing consultations that help students and faculty with any stage of their writing process including grants and essays for class.
PROGRAMMING AND COMMUNITY
CRS Career Catalyst Series: A monthly seminar that will provide trainees with a mix of professional development workshops, networking, and outreach activities.
Bioprofessionals Program: Programming that introduces students and postdocs to the various career paths available and helps develop the appropriate skills necessary for identified career paths.
Center for Civic Engagement: Center that supports all members of the University community to enhance their academic experience via introduction to social responsibility and active engagement with the community at large.
CHIentist: Organization that seeks to create a community of local scientists and hosts career building, professional development, and networking events.
RESOURCES OUTSIDE NORTHWESTERN
CRS's community has many ties to scientific societies and organizations nationally and internationally that support the advancement and career development of trainees in reproductive science. Below are links to programming and funds that support trainees whether graduate student, postdoctoral scientist, or clinical fellow.
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS): Society dedicated to “helping scientist and engineers forge successful career paths”, which provides resources on career development through online learning courses, networking, and communication skills development.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Society with resources for clinical scientists that includes online courses, research and travel grants as well as research merit awards.
American Society for Andrology: Society with resources geared toward reproductive scientists in training that provides information on career basics for advancement, grant writing and links to job postings.
Association for Women in Science: Organization with a strong dedication “to achieving equity and full participation of women in all disciplines and across all employment sections,” which provides information on jobs and resources on leadership and talent development.
The Endocrine Society (ENDO): International society with a wide range of educational and early career support including awards for research merit and travel and workshops on career development.
Frontiers in Reproduction (FIR): "Intensive 6-week-long laboratory and lecture course for scientists-in-training who seek to improve their knowledge and experimental skills in order to pursue a career in the Reproductive Sciences."
Society for Reproduction and Fertility: Society dedicated to support research and teaching in all aspects of reproductive biology which offers travel grants, scholarships, and merit awards for excellence.
Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: Society that offers information and links to REI fellowship.
Society for Reproductive Investigation: Society that offers a range of opportunities for career development, grant opportunities, networking interfaces, and job postings.
Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR): Society dedicated to the advancement of reproductive science and trainee success with awards for merit and conference travel for all levels of training.
Women in Bio: Society that supports the career development of female life scientists that offers career development scholarships, networking, and mentoring programs.
LIFE/WORK AND FAMILY AND WELLNESS RESOURCES
The Northwestern experience is not limited to scientific endeavors. Trainees' wellness and family life support are important factors in a enriching environment. Below are links to NU's resources in life, family, and wellbeing resources.The Center for Awareness, Response, and Education (CARE): A program at NU that is a "confidential space for individuals impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence or stalking, including friends or partners of survivors."
International Office at Northwestern: An office with programming and resources available for international scholars at Northwestern.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Northwestern: An office that focuses on creating and sustaining a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment for all Northwestern community members including students, faculty, staff and alumni.
The Office of Work/Life and Family: A resource that provides programming and resources for graduate students and postdoctoral scientists who are parents.
For resources specific to the stage of your career choose on of the links below.
For questions, comments or suggested additions please contact crs@northwestern.edu