According to the new NIH/NSF definition (January 2007), a Post-Doc is:

“An individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue his or her chosen career path.”

The Keck Post-Doctoral Association of the Keck School of Medicine of USC (Keck PDA) was formed in 2007 to improve the daily life and morale of post-docs at the Keck School of Medicine of USC (KSOM), including the Keck School’s Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) affiliate. The Keck PDA consists entirely of postdoctoral research scholars (post-doctoral associates and post-doctoral fellows)

The major role of the Keck PDA is to bring the concerns of postdoctoral research scholars at the University of Southern California (USC) to the attention of the Administration for constructive changes in the research environment that lead to a fulfilling and positive postdoctoral experience at USC. In addition, Keck PDA, supported by the KSOM Office of Research Advancement, sponsors various events to facilitate the social integration, networking and career development of postdoctoral research scholars.