The UAB Postdoctoral Association (PDA) is an organization dedicated to supporting postdoctoral scholars through professional development, networking, advocacy, and community engagement. Led by postdoctoral scholars, the PDA works to enhance the postdoctoral experience by providing opportunities to develop leadership, communication, project management, teamwork, and service skills while fostering meaningful connections across campus.
The PDA Executive Board plays a vital role in planning programs and events, representing the interests of the postdoctoral community, and helping shape initiatives that support postdoctoral scholars at UAB. Serving on the Executive Board is an excellent opportunity to build leadership experience, collaborate with peers, and make a lasting impact on the postdoctoral community.
All UAB postdoctoral scholars are automatically members of the PDA and are eligible to nominate themselves for Executive Board positions. Explore the available positions and their responsibilities below, and consider becoming part of the team that helps lead and strengthen the UAB postdoctoral community.
Election Timeline
- Call for Nominations: July 16 - August 6
- Publication of Candidates: August 7 - September 6
- Elections: September 7 - 18
- Election Results Announced: September 25
Positions:
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Chair
Chair
The Chair defines the overall vision, priorities, and direction of the organization for the 12‑month term while remaining responsive to input from the Executive Board. The Chair provides strategic leadership, ensures effective communication, and represents the PDA in all official capacities. For example, the Chair leads initiatives that support the professional development, well‑being, and success of postdoctoral scholars. This role requires strong engagement, consistent dedication, and a clear understanding that the position carries significant responsibility throughout the year. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential. -
Vice Chair
Vice Chair
The Vice Chair serves as the Chair’s primary partner in leadership and continuity planning. They help ensure stable, collaborative, and effective leadership and provide operational support to the Chair, promote follow-through on PDA priorities, and maintain momentum across Executive Board initiatives, committees, and events. Keys skills required of the position include sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion as well as adaptability and the ability to manage projects independently The Vice Chair should also be ready to step into a leadership continuity role when needed. -
Research Day Chair(s)
Research Day Chair(s)
The Research Day Chair(s) organizes and runs the annual Postdoc Research Day chair. They are responsible for the program development and execution of PDA's largest event. Thus, they must have strong skills in program and time management as well as communication. This positions allows the scholar to network across departments, schools, and units as well as postdocs, faculty, outside speakers, and administrators. Thus, someone who enjoys meeting people and coordinating would excel in this position. -
Secretary
Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for being present at all PDA monthly meetings and taking minutes. They also help manage the PDA email inbox and coordinate communication. Therefore, the Secretary should exhibit strong organizational and writing skills and be able mange inflow and outflow of information effectively. -
Event Coordinator
Event Coordinator
The Event Coordinator role focuses on conceiving, organizing, and executing social, networking, and professional development events that serve postdocs in alignment with the association’s mission and under the oversight of the Executive Board and Office of Postdoctoral Education. This typically includes planning the event calendar (e.g., networking mixers, seminars, town halls, Postdoctoral Research Day) and managing logistics such as venues, advertising, registration, and onsite flow. They also partner with the communications officer to promote events through email and social media and gathers feedback to improve programming for the postdoc community. -
Social Media & Communications Coordinator
Social Media & Communications Coordinator
The Social Media & Communications Coordinator lead communication and outreach efforts by managing communication platforms, promoting professional development and networking events, and disseminating resources and opportunities. They collaborate with Executive Board members to enhance engagement, foster an inclusive postdoctoral community, and strengthen communication between postdoctoral scholars and institutional leadership.