Two roads diverged after a postdoc, and we took the one non-traditionally traveled. Research Development (RD) is a non-traditional career path. RD professionals (RDP) make team science happen by guiding researchers and teams through proposal development, team science, and strategic planning for research innovation and excellence. Postdoctoral training confers effective and highly transferrable skills that make postdocs valuable as RDP candidates.

Speaker: Samarpita Sengupta, Ph.D., assistant dean for research, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona; member, Board of Directors, National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP); co-chair, iKNoW Affinity Group, NORDP; certified mentor trainer, CIMER. NORDP seeks to improve the visibility of RD as a viable, rewarding career path for scientists from all facets.