
Postdoctoral Experience
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) serves as an advocate and central resource for the more than 700 postdoctoral researchers from all 15 colleges at Ohio State. The OPA provides training programs, career development opportunities and events to help the university's postdocs prepare for successful research careers in academia, industry, government and other employment sectors. The Office is a partnership between the Office of Research and the Graduate School.
Advocacy
- General Policies
- Benefits
- Conflict Resolution
Professional Development
- Fellowship/Grant Writing
- Mentoring Plans
- Career Path Guidance
Mentorship
- Resources
- Training
- Mentoring Plan Assistance
Increased Fellowships/Funding
- Postdoc Orientation
- Professional Development Events
- Paid National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) Membership
- Sponsorship for the NPA Meeting
- Ohio State Postdoc-Related Data Collection
A postdoctoral researcher is an employee of the university in pursuit of continued education and specialized research training and experience.
Postdoctoral researchers:
- Typically perform services on a grant or contract awarded to a faculty advisor in exchange for compensation during training
- Receive a salary
A postdoctoral fellow is not an employee of the university. They are trainees in pursuit of specialized research and training experiences for their own benefit.
Postdoctoral fellows:
- Receive a stipend rather than perform a service in return for compensation
- Are supported by a true fellowship or training grant
Noah Weisleder
Director
Dr. Weisleder is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology at The Ohio State University. Dr. Weisleder has published numerous peer-reviewed publications or book chapters in the fields of muscle and cardiovascular physiology. His research in these areas has been supported by the NIH and several private foundations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation and the National Football League. Additionally, he is an inventor on dozens of US and international patents. He has received a Fellowship from the American Heart Association, a Pathway to Independence Award from the National Institutes of Health and the Kauffman Foundation Outstanding Postdoctoral Entrepreneur Award.
Learn more about Dr. Weisleder and his research interests.
Marcela Hernandez
Administrative Director
A molecular biologist and biochemist by training, Dr. Hernandez designs and implements programs to enhance retention, and support of postdoctoral scholars including a special focus on those with underrepresented backgrounds. She became a scientist thanks to an excellent PhD mentor who inspired her, trained her, and mentored her. For this reason she is very passionate about mentoring and is working to help the next generation of STEM professionals navigate successfully to rewarding careers.
Learn more about Dr. Hernandez’ professional trajectory.
Fatima Vakil
Program Assistant
COLLEGE LIAISONS
Lori Kaser
Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Kim Lightle
Education and Human Ecology
Jeff Mason
Medicine
Brian Orefice
Arts and Sciences
La’tonia Stiner Jones
Engineering
STUDENT ASSISTANTS
Ada Kanapskyte
kanapskyte.1@osu.edu
Rylee Kohr
kohr.19@osu.edu
Akaysha Nolan
nolan.255@osu.edu