CRESST II Post-bac Positions and Support Program

Post-bac Positions       Post-bac Program       Meet Our Post-bacs

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 post-bac position. Head to our Scientific Research Opportunities page to learn how to apply. The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 11:59 pm EDT.

Post-bac Program

In addition to the research experience gained through a post-bac research project, post-bacs are also invited to participate in the CRESST II Post-bac Program. The goal of the Program is to help post-bacs become better prepared for the next steps in their career through the following four main areas: mentoring, networking, skill building, and preparing for graduate school or the job market. Past events include graduate school personal statement workshops, goal planning sessions, career path panels, conference preparation, and more. More information about our current 2023-2024 CRESST II post-bac year can be found below.

2023-2024 Post-bac Program

The 2023-2024 CRESST II Post-bac Program started in Fall 2023 by supporting 17 post-bacs through mentorship, networking, skill building, and preparing for graduate school or the job market.

This year, CRESST II is working in tandem with the GSFC NGAPS+ group to support post-bacs through the NASA-PEER Constellation Mentorship Program. The Program provides post-bacs with support and community during their time at GSFC and beyond, via the constellation mentorship approach.

During the autumn and early winter months, CRESST II and NASA-PEER organized multiple events specifically designed to meet the needs of the post-bacs.

September

• Meeting the small constellation group of mentors and post-bacs for more individualized support and guidance.

October

• Walking post-bacs through the anatomy of a graduate school personal statement.

• Taking NASA headshots for each post-bac’s NASA bio page and our Meet our Post-bacs page.

November

• Revising the most recent draft of the post-bac’s graduate school personal statement.

• Hosting the CRESST II Post-bac Program-wide Kick-off Meeting, where sponsors, mentors, and post-bacs gathered to discuss previous events and future plans.

• Visiting the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) for an inside look at the Astronomy Department.

• Crafting an effective Curriculum Vitae through the CV Workshop.

December

• Creating a personal online presence through the Online Business Card Workshop.

• Connection with constellation mentors and collecting feedback about the program.

• Celebrating the end of 2023 and all post-bacs and mentors have achieved at the NASA-PEER Potluck Celebration.

• Preparing for upcoming conferences with general tips and guidance including those attending and presenting at the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Winter Meeting.

January

• Interviewing advice and mock graduate school interviews.

• Connecting with the post-bacs and collecting feedback during a mid-year check-in.

Other Support

• Weekly co-writing hours.

• Regular constellation groups meetings.

• Regular lunches to say hello.