As a postdoc at MGH, the #1 research hospital in the US, you will have the opportunity to innovate and participate in cutting-edge research in medicine, with access to state-of-the-art resources and renowned experts in the field. Applying to be a part of MGH is easy and straightforward. Join us and be a part of the exciting world of medical research at MGH!
Click here to apply if you are an external applicant.
Internal applicants from MGH please apply here.
Life in Boston
Boston is a vibrant and culturally rich city that has a lot to offer for everyone. With its reputation as a hub for higher education, research, and innovation, Boston provides an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and attend world-class academic events. The city also boasts diverse neighborhoods and beautiful outdoor spaces, making it an attractive place to live for anyone looking for a high quality of life.
Cost
The cost of living in Boston is generally higher than in other US cities. As a postdoctoral fellow, it's important to consider this when planning your budget. However, with a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks, MGH helps postdocs manage the cost of living in Boston. Furthermore, there are plenty of affordable housing options available in and around the city, which can help to make life in Boston more manageable for postdocs.
Housing resources
Finding housing in Boston as a postdoc fellow can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help. Some popular neighborhoods near MGH for postdocs include Beacon Hill, West End, and Cambridge, which offer easy access to the hospital and a range of cultural and recreational opportunities. Many postdocs from MGH and Harvard also choose to live in Somerville, Jamaica Plain, or Brookline, which offer a more suburban feel while still being close to the city. There are also several housing programs available for postdocs, such as the Harvard University Housing program, which provides affordable options for postdocs in the area. Learn more here.
Additionally, there are several online resources available for finding housing and rental options in Boston, such as Zillow, Facebook groups, and Apartments.com, which can be helpful for postdocs looking to find a place to live near MGH.
Community
The community at MGH is vibrant and diverse, with postdocs from around the world working on cutting-edge research in medicine. As a postdoc at MGH, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with experts in your field, participate in a range of interdisciplinary research projects, and attend seminars and events that will enhance your professional development. Additionally, the MGPA provides a supportive and welcoming community, offering opportunities for networking, mentorship, and social connections that can help you thrive as a postdoc.
Read more about life in Boston, cost of living, and housing resources, and other benefits here.
Arriving in Boston
Arriving in Boston for the first time can be exciting and overwhelming. However, the city is welcoming and easy to navigate, with an excellent public transportation system and plenty of resources to help newcomers settle in. From the airport, you can take a taxi, ride-sharing service like Lyft or Uber, or public transportation to get to your new home.
Additionally, the Silver Line bus service is available for free between Logan Airport and South Station, where you can connect to the subway or commuter rail to reach your destination.
Temporary housing
There are many temporary housing options available in Boston, such as Airbnb, VRBO, or subleases, which can be a good way to get to know the city while you get settled in. However, it's important to do your research and read reviews to make sure the option is safe and fits your needs.
Commuting to MGH
Commuting to MGH is easy and convenient, with several public transportation options available, including buses, free shuttles, and the T. With several stations and stops located near the hospital, getting to MGH by public transport is easy.
As an employee of MGH, you can also avail subsidized monthly T-passes as well as parking benefits. You can find more information here.
Visas and immigration
For information related to visas and immigration, the Office for Global Professionals and Scholars (GPS) is the best point of contact at MGH. They provide comprehensive support and resources to help postdocs navigate the visa application process and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
To learn more, visit here.
Legal support
For legal support and advice, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers a comprehensive range of services. They provide confidential assistance on a variety of legal issues, including immigration, contracts, and housing. Postdocs can access these services to get help navigating legal challenges and ensure their rights are protected.
The EAP legal services page offers more information on the types of legal support available.
Notary public services are also provided to employees free of cost by MGH. Click here to learn more.
Banking and taxes
MGH offers a range of resources for postdocs related to banking and taxes. The Office for Global Professionals and Scholars (GPS) provides resources for learning more about banking and financial management, including tax preparation and filing. This page offers more information on available financial services and resources to help postdocs manage their finances while at MGH.
Funding
MGH provides funding resources and support for postdocs through various avenues, including institutional funding programs and external fellowship opportunities. The Center for Faculty Development (CFD) offers guidance and resources for postdocs seeking funding opportunities, including grant-writing workshops and one-on-one consultation services. Additionally, the CFD website provides a list of funding resources available for postdocs across a range of research disciplines.
Learn about more funding opportunities here and here.
Other funding resources are shared below. The following list is not comprehensive; postdocs are advised to do their own research to identify potential funding opportunities.
Funding databases:
- SPIN database
SPIN searches foundations and government databases and is a great place to look for funding. Advanced Search includes free text search as well as the ability to specify other detailed search criteria. - PIVOT
Maintains a database of grants, fellowships, and other funding information from public and private, domestic and international sources. Though the name refers to holdings on science funding, this service also offers a wealth of information on social sciences, humanities & community outreach funding. - Division of clinical research (DCR)
A list of resources to support clinical researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital. - Grants.gov
A single source for finding and applying for government-sponsored funding opportunities. All 26 grant-making agencies are required to post all discretionary grant programs on grants.gov. - NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts
The official publication/search tool for NIH medical and behavioral research grant policies, guidelines, and funding opportunities.
- GrantForward
Additional tips for identifying opportunities:
CRISP is a comprehensive database system that provides information on research projects and programs supported by the Department of Health and Human Services. By searching CRISP, applicants can identify which NIH Institutes and Centers have shown an interest in their research area in the past and use this information to target their search for funding opportunities that match their interests and expertise.
Software and IT
Postdoctoral fellows may access a variety of software and IT resources provided through the Research Information and Science Computing (RISC) organization at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The hospital's IT department also offers support for troubleshooting and technical assistance.
Learn more about available software and IT services here.
Careers in industry
Coming soon!
Talent acquisition partners
Coming soon!
MGH perks
As a postdoc at MGH, you can enjoy a range of perks through the Employee Perks Program. This includes discounts on fitness memberships, entertainment, travel, and shopping. You also have access to on-site fitness centers, wellness programs, and educational resources to help you grow personally and professionally. These perks can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance while enjoying all that Boston has to offer.
Learn more here.
Harvard perks
Postdocs with appointments at both MGH and Harvard can enjoy a wide range of benefits, including access to libraries and athletic facilities at both institutions, discounted tickets to cultural events, special pricing on various goods and services, and the free M2 Shuttle service.
For more info, visit this page.
Year-long volunteering program
More information coming soon!
Volunteering through MGH
As a postdoc at MGH, there are a variety of opportunities available for volunteering in the hospital and the surrounding community. These may include working with patients, assisting with research studies, or participating in outreach and education programs. Volunteering can provide valuable experience, networking opportunities, and the satisfaction of giving back to the community.
Learn more here.
So long, and thanks for all the fish.
(a.k.a. This information will be updated soon!)
Coming soon!