The University of Texas at Austin will host the third UT System Postdoctoral Research Symposium in celebration of National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week at the Texas Union on Monday, September 14. The symposium promotes postdoctoral research contributions and fosters collaboration between postdoctoral scholars, principal investigators and leaders across the University of Texas System. Registration for the symposium is now open until August 31, 2026.
The theme of this year’s symposium is Success in a Dynamic Research Landscape. The event will focus on highlighting a variety of career and professional development options for postdoctoral scholars in an evolving academic landscape and a competitive job market. The symposium will feature invited talks from leaders in research, professional development and higher education as well as networking activities throughout the day to strengthen the postdoctoral community.
The symposium will offer two interactive discussions where current postdoctoral scholars can engage with professionals across academia, industry, government and non-profits. A panel of former postdoctoral scholars will share their firsthand experiences navigating the transition from postdoctoral training to their current career path. A second panel of industry hiring managers from a variety of organizations will share insights into career trends, workforce expectations and career opportunities.
Postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to present their scholarship during the poster session. The poster session will provide a unique opportunity to share original work with peers and potential future collaborators from across several universities across the UT System. Outstanding presentations will be recognized with first-, second-, and third-place awards. Abstracts should be submitted through the registration form by August 14, 2026.
In Postdoc Power Chats, current scholars will engage in roundtable-style small group discussions on a variety of topics, fostering engagement with multiple speakers and peers. Topics include the international postdoc experience, entrepreneurship, turning setbacks into success, using AI in the job search and careers in teaching.
The symposium will be followed by a reception at the Texas Union.
More information about the event, including travel and lodging, can be found on the symposium webpage. An event flyer is also available to share with fellow postdoctoral scholars and faculty.