Office of Research Postdoctoral Affairs

Advancing Research Excellence and Career Growth

The Office of Research Postdoctoral Affairs (ORPA) at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is dedicated to fostering a thriving, inclusive research community. We support postdoctoral research scholars by offering administrative support, professional development opportunities, and mentorship to help them succeed in their research projects and career journeys. We believe that groundbreaking discoveries are made when talent is nurtured.

What ORPA Offers

  • The eMPOWr Professional Development Program that “empowers Mentorship, Project Management, Organizational Behavior & Writing”
  • Opportunities to mentor next-gen scientists and to receive mentorship from leading faculty in pediatric research
  • Career panels, grant-writing & speaking opportunities, seminars, and networking events
  • Help with navigating resources, such as human resources, payroll, and immigration support

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Postdoctoral Research Scholars at CHLA

Postdoctoral research scholars at CHLA are researchers mentored by faculty at CHLA in preparation for careers in academia, the public, or private sectors. These positions focus exclusively on research, not clinical training. Key details include:

  • Salary: Experience-based salary ladder, with annual increases
    Minimum annual salary is $70,013 (effective September 17, 2023).
  • Term Limits: Appointments are renewable annually until the postdoctoral research scholar completes 7 years of postdoctoral training. Extensions require approval from the Chief Scientific Officer.

Requirements:

  • Must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent in a relevant field. Pending graduates can apply with evidence of an approved thesis and expected graduation date, verified by the faculty mentor.
  • Must be dedicated to full-time research scholarship. Postdoctoral research scholars may not be appointed on a part-time basis. 

Expectations:

  • Conduct full-time research at CHLA.
  • Develop a “scholarship, teaching & service” portfolio to achieve your career goals.
  • Adhere to CHLA’s institutional policies, including those governing intellectual property.

Appointment Process

  • All appointments require a fixed-term offer letter following institutional templates that set forth the terms of the appointment.

Distinctions

Other research personnel job titles, such as research associate or research specialist are reserved for long-term, career employees. Unlike a postdoctoral research scholar appointment, research associate and research specialist appointments are not preparatory toward full-time academic, public and/or private sector careers.

Professional Development Opportunity

All CHLA Postdoctoral Research Fellows receive a free affiliate membership with the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) to enhance professional growth.

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