Conflict Resolution
Addressing and resolving conflicts in the workplace can be stressful and challenging. At Penn, no postdoc has to navigate these challenges alone though. Below are various resources available to Postdocs, and postdocs are always welcome to contact Joshua Darfler, Administrative Director, to speak directly and discuss options available.
- Overview of Resources
- Faculty Liaisons & Departmental Leadership
- Ombuds Office
- Associate Vice President for Equity and Title IX Officer
- Office of Equal Opportunity Programs (OEOP)
- Additional Resources
Overview of Resources
An overview from the Office of Postdoctoral Affair's listing many of the resources available to postdocs to assist with conflict resolution at Penn.
OPA's Overview of resources at Penn
Additionally, Postdocs can learn more about the official Grievance Process for Postdocs:
Faculty Liaisons & Departmental Leadership
Click here to view a list of Faculty Liaisons in Basic Research Departments (PSOM only)
Postdocs in the Perelman School of Medicine's basic science departments are encouraged to reach out to their departmental faculty liaisons to discuss any concerns about their research or possible conflicts with their faculty mentors.
Postdocs in the Perelman School of Medicine's clinical departments can reach out to the Vice Chair of Research for their departments to discuss similar concerns.
Postdocs outside of Penn Medicine, are encouraged to contact their departmental Chairs, or other department leadership if they want to discuss concerns happening in the lab.
Ombuds Office
The Ombuds Office welcomes any member of the Penn community who is experiencing difficulty, conflict, or confusion at work, within their studies, or throughout their life at the University more broadly. They offer an accessible and safe place to resolve differences, explore matters of concern, improve communication, and generate and evaluate options.
Their mission is to ameliorate those conditions that may impede community members finding satisfaction with their lives at Penn. The Ombuds' door is open to students, staff, and faculty, and they encourage people to contact them at the earliest stages of a problem so that we can assist before it escalates.
Associate Vice President for Equity and Title IX Officer
Associate Vice President for Equity and Title IX Officer Website
The Office of the Associate Vice President for Equity and Title IX Officer (AVP-Title IX Officer) provides strategic leadership for the University’s efforts to comply with Title IX and foster gender equity. The AVP-Title IX Officer oversees the University’s response to reports of sexual misconduct and the investigation of complaints against Penn faculty, staff and enrolled students that allege violations of the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. Throughout the investigative process, the AVP-Title IX Officer ensures that those making complaints and those responding to complaints are treated fairly and respectfully.
In addition, the AVP-Title IX Office collaborates with other campus resource offices to educate students, faculty and staff about resources available to prevent and respond to concerns of sexual misconduct. The AVP-Title IX Officer works with the Penn community to implement the Sexual Misconduct Policy which became effective July 1, 2022.
Office of Equal Opportunity Programs (OEOP)
Office of Equal Opportunity Programs (OEOP) Website
The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs is responsible for implementing and advocating for University policies, procedures, and priorities to help realize its vision of a respectful and engaged community.
The Office works in close collaboration with the Division of Human Resources on issues related to staff and applicants for employment. The Office also works in close collaboration with the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty on issues related to faculty and postdocs.
Additional Resources
Office of the Chaplain & The Spiritual & Religious Life Center (SPARC) - The Chaplain is the administrative officer of the University responsible to the Provost for the oversight and coordination of religious activities on the campus. The Chaplain supports the academic mission of the University by facilitating and encouraging initiatives concerned with the moral, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of university life.
Trainee Advancement Alliance (TAA) - TAA is a collaborative group of Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS) graduate students, Biomedical Postdoctoral Program (BPP) postdocs, and Penn faculty members dedicated to cultivating a high-caliber research community by establishing robust support mechanisms for trainees navigating challenges and adversity in their academic and professional journeys. With the full support and access to resources within Research Trainee Affairs, TAA will provide trainee support for members of the Penn Medicine research training community, especially those who have faced barriers to research and educational success.
Center for Community Standards and Accountability Center (CSA) - The mission of the Center for Community Standards and Accountability Center (CSA) is to promote accountability, integrity, healing, and community building within the Penn community. CSA works to resolve violations of the Code of Academic Integrity and the Code of Student Conduct, as well as to coordinate university response to address incidents of bias and harm within our community