About
About the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) is the central student services office for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in the biomedical sciences programs at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Our team unifies training resources, advising, and professional development so trainees can thrive—from their first day in the lab to their next career step. By integrating career‑readiness and professional development programming into the graduate and postdoctoral timeline, we prepare our scholars for success whether they choose careers in academia, industry, government, or the nonprofit sector.
Our approach unfolds through four interconnected pillars:
- Recruitment initiatives showcase the UMN Medical School as a destination where scientists from every background can thrive.
- Retention strategies, ranging from bridge funding and wellness resources to peer‑mentoring communities, help trainees stay engaged and on track.
- Research Education efforts provide hands-on training in responsible conduct in research, advanced methodologies, and scholarly communication to produce investigators who can tackle the most pressing biomedical scientific questions.
- Career Development services combine resume/CV reviews, networking workshops, and experiential learning into the curriculum so that graduates leave with both scientific expertise and professional agility.
Together, these pillars form a cohesive framework that guides trainees from admits to alumni!
Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The biomedical sciences graduate programs are committed to increasing the impact and quality of its faculty and graduate students by fostering a diverse, collaborative environment that promotes respect and civility, provides equal access to opportunities, and free from harassment, bullying, intimidation, and threatening behavior that interferes with the ability to work or study.
The contributions of scientists whose backgrounds encompass diversity including culture, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, and economic background are vital to our creative and productive research environment. Incorporating diversity in our community, curriculum, and research are essential for improving the health and knowledge of all.
As a part of this strategy, we strive to provide a learning environment that supports all of our students during their training. Together with the Medical School's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we offer programming and a list of resources on student and community organizations as well as cultural resources.