Workforce Development Program

At LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, we are dedicated to empowering our early-stage investigators and postdoctoral fellows to excel as researchers, mentors, and leaders in cancer science. Our Workforce Development Program is designed to provide support for academic and professional growth, ensuring our investigators have the tools, networks, and confidence to drive innovation in cancer research and care.

Mentorship: Creating a Culture of Growth 

Our program emphasizes both receiving and providing mentorship, creating a continuum of learning and leadership.

• Guided mentorship for early career investigators: New faculty and postdoctoral fellows are matched with experienced mentors who provide individualized guidance in research strategy, academic advancement, and professional growth toward research independence.
• Transitioning mentees into mentors: As early-stage faculty and postdocs advance, we help them develop the skills to mentor others, strengthening our internal community and creating a culture of support and collaboration.

Professional Development: Disseminating Tools for Success 

By providing structured opportunities for career advancement, members can access a robust portfolio of professional development resources.

• Grant writing and publishing: Workshops help investigators refine research proposals, improve scientific writing, and navigate the funding landscape.
• Leadership skills training: Leadership opportunities include strategic planning, team building, and effective communication — essential skills for leading research programs and academic initiatives.
• Team science development: Courses equip investigators with the skills needed to effectively collaborate with others across research programs, including interdisciplinary communication, shared leadership and authorship plans, conflict management, and team-based research framework application.
• Community-engaged research connections: Through our Community Outreach and Engagement Research, investigators learn how to work directly with community members and patients to develop research questions that are scientifically sound and socially relevant.
• Access to LSU resources: Members receive ongoing information about upcoming seminars, professional skills workshops, and seed grants.

Progress Monitoring: Supporting Continuous Advancement

Our progress monitoring framework provides structured tracking and check-ins to help faculty and postdocs track and achieve their professional goals.

• Regular progress tracking: Our team will help keep tabs on publications, presentations, grant submissions, funding, professional development activities, and other key information.
• Mentorship feedback: Program leaders help identify resources and celebrate milestones in each academic journey.

Networking: Building Collaborative Communities

Our program fosters a vibrant network of researchers united by shared interests and goals.

• Networking groups: Faculty and postdocs are invited to join groups organized around research themes and professional development interests that provide spaces for idea exchange, peer support, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Collaborative opportunities: Through internal events and partnerships, participants can connect with colleagues from across LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center and the larger academic community, fostering collaborations and expanding research impact.

Our Commitment to LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center Researchers 

The Workforce Development Program at LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of cancer researchers and leaders. Through mentorship, professional development, community engagement, and leadership cultivation, we aim to create an environment where every investigator can thrive.

Together, we are shaping a stronger, more connected, and more innovative cancer research community.