National Postdoctoral Association

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is a member-driven organization that provides a unique, national voice for postdoctoral scholars. Since 2003, we have taken on the ambitious agenda to enhance the quality of the postdoctoral experience in the United States. We have assumed a leadership role in addressing the many issues confronting the postdoctoral community that are national in scope and requiring action beyond the local level.

What NPA Does

Advocacy

The NPA advocates for policies that promote positive change in the postdoctoral experience. We are recognized as the "key driver" in postdoctoral policies. We advocate for policy change within the research institutions that host postdoctoral scholars. Since our founding, more than 150 institutions have adopted portions of the NPA's Recommendations for Postdoctoral Policies and Practices. We continue to work with the leadership of federal agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, to develop new programs and policies for postdoctoral training, compensation, and benefits.

Resource Development

The NPA develops and provides resources that postdoctoral scholars and administrators need for success. Our resources cover a variety of topics and are available online, with selected resources for members-only.

Community-Building

The NPA provides opportunities for the postdoctoral community to connect. We host annual meetings for the postdoctoral community to gather and enhance their professional development and leadership skills. In 2009, the NPA established National Postdoc Appreciation Week to recognize the contributions of postdocs across the United States. On September 23, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.RES. 1545, which officially recognized National Postdoc Appreciation Week.

Benefits of the NPA membership

As Affiliate Members, you will gain access to an extensive postdoctoral network and a variety of benefits:

• Subscriptions to the NPA e-alerts and the POSTDOCket, our quarterly newsletter;
• Reduced registration fees to meetings;
• Discounts on selected products and services;
• Access to members-only Web content;
• Leadership and professional development opportunities through volunteer service;
• Our commitment to be your national voice on postdoctoral issues;
• And more! 

The University of Notre Dame is a sustaining member of the NPA. 

All ND Postdocs can join the NPA for free. Click here for instructions on how to become a member.