How to Become a Postdoctoral Fellow
Potential candidates are encouraged to reach out directly to a faculty member whose lab they are interested in joining. More information about projects in each lab may be found on our career page.
Postdoctoral researchers are central to our mission of conducting world-class research. Postdocs at CRI train in a highly collaborative environment, with labs that often work at the interface of regenerative medicine, cancer biology, and metabolism. Each postdoctoral fellow has the opportunity to acquire the diverse skills they need for an independent career in academia, biotech, or beyond.
Training and Career Development
Beyond traditional one-on-one mentoring by Principal Investigators, CRI has formalized mentoring across laboratories by creating a monthly skills-development seminar series in which all CRI faculty present to all trainees in the institute on skills such as manuscript reviewing, manuscript writing, presenting at scientific meetings, grant preparation, and getting and keeping a faculty position. Our postdocs are also invited to attend all faculty candidate talks and chalk talks to learn how to successfully interview for jobs and to prepare for their own job searches.
All CRI postdocs are enrolled in the Postdoctoral Training Program at UT Southwestern which covers ethics, career advancement, supervised research, and an individual development plan. Trainees can also elect to receive certifications in advanced research, scientific management, bioinformatics, cancer, and educational techniques. UT Southwestern also offers their own career-development seminars and symposiums. More information on these programs and training opportunities can be found at UT Southwestern’s Postdoctoral Affairs Office and Postdoctoral Association.
Benefits
Healthcare
Postdoctoral researchers paid by UT Southwestern are afforded medical insurance provided by the University of Texas System. Plans with additional medical coverage for family members, dental insurance and vision insurance are available. A benefit costs worksheet can be found here.
Retirement
Postdoctoral researchers paid for full-time work by UT Southwestern have two retirement options through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas or Optional Retirement Program, as well as a number of voluntary programs. Learn more about these programs.
Salary
Postdoctoral researchers at CRI are paid higher than the National Institutes of Health pay scale. Scholars who receive support from outside fellowships will receive a $2,000 bonus each year of their fellowships.
- 0-1 yr experience $70,000
- 1-2 yrs experience $72,100
- 2-3 yrs experience $74,263
- 3-4 yrs experience $76,491
- 4-5 yrs experience $78,786
- 5-6 yrs experience $81,149
Additional Benefits
Additional benefits available include two on-campus child care options for children ages six (6) weeks through kindergarten at the UTD Callier Child Development Center and First Step Learning Centre. Postdocs also receive free membership at the Bryan Williams, M.D. Student Center and discounted public transit passes and parking rates.
CRI Community
The CRI community plays a vital role in creating a world-class training and work environment that is collaborative, inclusive, and open to all researchers.
Life at CRI
CRI is home to over 150 researchers from all over the world working together to answer fundamental scientific questions. Nearly half the postdocs at CRI obtain outside fellowships to support their research and 28% are recruited to independent faculty positions when they finish their training.
Life at CRITrainee Profiles
Learn more about the remarkable CRI postdocs and graduate students and the projects they are working on.
Trainee ProfilesLife in Dallas
CRI is located in the heart of one of the most dynamic cities in the country. Dallas is a contemporary and rapidly growing city that offers a compelling blend of cultural, recreational, and entertainment activities, as well as affordable living and high quality of life.
Life in Dallas
