ARC UE5 at the University of California San Francisco

ABSTRACT The University of California San Francisco's (UCSF) Advanced Research Careers (ARC) HUB is designed to provide comprehensive mentorship, training and career exploration for senior doctoral and postdoctoral scholars. The UCSF ARC HUB's initiatives are designed to equip scholars for a seamless transition into roles as research and teaching faculty or as researchers in the biotech sectors. Utilizing UCSF's established resources and proficiency in career and professional development, the program integrates evidence-based strategies rooted in career theory and proven methodologies aimed at doctoral and postdoctoral scholars. It provides platforms for both guided and self-directed information gathering related to the three career foci of the HUB. The HUB also offers innovative instruments for the identification and assessment of occupation related skills, knowledge, and competencies. Additionally, it gives access to extensive data on national and local workforce capacities, salary benchmarks, and growth projections. Scholars will be onboarded in cohorts, establish their peer coaching groups, and participate in a 3-day HUB Institute, providing them with a suite of professional development workshops and opportunities for networking. Coaches are senior faculty and biotech professionals trained in coaching and relevant career theory. The coaches will lead semi-structured monthly virtual meetups to discuss scholar progress as well as personal and professional issues related to scholars’ professional path and development. Finally, the program will provide monthly workshops on a variety of career related topics in the context of a four stage career development framework. These topics include Career Planning, Networking Strategies, Negotiation Skills, and Entrepreneurship and will be led by experienced professionals. Participants will also have access to career guidance professionals through the Office of Career and Professional Development at UCSF. The instruction and mentoring components of the program reflect the strengths-based approach designed to maximize informed career decision making, enhance career self-efficacy and optimize preparation and competitiveness for successful entry into the research workforce. As the program progresses and matures, we look to develop a robust alumni network that will enhance the training activities, as well as provide ongoing support, mentorship, and job opportunities.