Program Officer Helps Trainees + Junior Faculty Find Their Way

Name: Delany Torres (he/him)

PhD: Molecular Biophysics and Neuroscience, Leibniz Universitaet Hannover, 2008

What was your main area of research?

I studied the biophysical properties of ion permeation through neurotransmitter transporters.

What is your current job?

I am a Program Director at the National Institute of Aging (NIA)/National Institute of Health (NIH), based in Bethesda, Maryland.

I work on grants administration, funding decisions, and creation of funding opportunities.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I'm a Program Officer of Training and Career Development, so my favorite thing is mentoring and helping trainees and junior faculty find their way.

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

Problem solving, organizational skills, critical thinking, oral and written communication

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

Attending career panels

PhD ➡️ Postdoctoral Fellow ➡️ Scientific Review Officer ➡️ Program Officer

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

Talk to people that currently hold this position and learn the way into the system.

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

I never held a position in academia. It would have been easy for me, but I changed my mind last minute.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

I would still recommend pursuing postdoctoral training, at least 2 years.

Are there any components of your identity you would like to share, including how they have impacted your journey?

I have a passion for helping others excel in their careers, a passion for teaching what I have learned and the resources that I know.