The Postdoc Board of UM
As part of Postdoc Appreciation Week, we spoke with UM's Postdoc Board. Alongside conducting their own research, the Board represents the interests and perspectives of the faculty’s postdoctoral community. According to the Board, postdoctoral researchers are a unique and vital part of the university ecosystem. They are highly skilled researchers who connect principal investigators, PhD candidates, students, technical staff, collaborators and external partners, all to keep research and education moving forward. Yet they do so while facing considerable career uncertainty at a time in their lives when many want to settle down. The Board recognises the positive steps UM has taken to support postdocs, but there is still room for improvement.
Nicky Beelen is researching ways to harness the capacity of the body's own immune system, specifically by using Natural Killer cells from healthy donors to treat patients with solid cancers.
Cassy Dingena is improving clinical outcomes by developing personalised care approaches that respond to each diabetic patient’s needs, daily habits, and disease progression while reducing the burden and costs of healthcare.
Rossella Avagliano Trezza is developing cell-based therapies for conjunctival diseases, as well as human in vitro models of the ocular surface to study disease mechanisms and test new treatments.
Leaders in research
Although their research fields differ, Nicky, Cassy and Rossella share the ambition to improve patients’ lives. Their postdoctoral work has also required them to develop skills beyond their scientific expertise. All three have strengthened their management and leadership skills and are now more independent and confident researchers. “We coordinate complex research activities, supervise students and junior researchers, collaborate with academic and industry partners, and write grant applications. Compared with a PhD, a postdoctoral position requires a much broader skill set than research alone.”
Growing as a postdoc is supported by a community of peers, the Board members emphasise. “You talk to many PhD candidates and senior scientists in your daily work, but rarely to people at the same career stage. A supportive postdoc network provides guidance, shared experiences and a sense of belonging.”
A network of postdocs
There is a growing recognition of postdocs within the university, reflected in various initiatives and events, centred around the Postdoc network: “The establishment of the UM Postdoc Network has been an important development. Postdocs are more connected and increasingly willing to engage in discussions about professional development, recognition and the future of the postdoctoral community. We are now working on ways to better communicate the support, such as onboarding, mentoring, career planning, professional development and information about academic and non-academic pathways.”
Postdoctoral researchers are highly skilled researchers who connect principal investigators, PhD candidates, students, technical staff, collaborators and external partners, all to keep research and education moving forward
Work in progress
The UM Postdoc Network and the Board’s efforts have improved some of the organisational struggles postdocs face, but there is still work to be done. “Although there is an increasing number of postdocs, the current academic model simply doesn’t have enough faculty positions for everyone. That leads to another project we need to tackle: how do we support postdocs who want to leave academia or pursue careers beyond the traditional tenure track?” At the same time, there is a need to better support postdocs who want to remain in academia by helping them navigate the path towards independence and identify opportunities to develop their careers within the university and the wider academic landscape.
Do you have an idea to support postdocs at UM and want to build this together with the postdoc network? Or do you simply want to help build the network? The Maastricht University Postdoc Network is looking for new members to help strengthen and expand its activities. Current opportunities include joining the Events Committee or taking on the role of Social Media Manager or Treasurer. These opportunities offer a chance to contribute to the postdoc community, develop new skills and connect with colleagues across Maastricht University. Those interested in getting involved can contact postdocnetwork@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
More general information about postdoctoral research and working as a postdoc at Maastricht University is available at https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/postdoctoral-research.
To stay up to date with events and activities, please follow the LinkedIn account UM Postdoc Network.