Training researchers to

lead and manage successful teams

navigate career challenges

balance life and science

What We Do

We provide researchers with a leadership and management professional development experience that bolsters their success as they navigate their careers. Compass Scholars receive practical information, tools, and mentoring to be intentional and strategic in their communication, supervision, and mentoring approach. Scholars learn from one another and highly accomplished, experienced mentors in a collaborative community.

Compass was developed by a team of researchers, workplace psychologists, and career development experts who care about the success of scientists. We believe the keys to successfully running an independent lab or research team should be accessible to all.

 

Interested in seeing how Compass can help you succeed?

Faculty Program
Postdoc Program
Workshops for Academics
Workshops for R&D Companies

Helping Researchers Succeed in Their Careers and Their Science

Since 2022, Compass has trained over 1,200 faculty, postdocs, and research staff from over 150 institutions across North America. Our program equips scholars with the leadership and management skills needed to navigate their careers with clarity and build teams that produce stronger science.

What started as an NIH-funded program for junior faculty and postdocs in biomedical research has grown into a suite of four professional development experiences: a Faculty Track, a Postdoc Track, and workshops designed for research teams at both academic institutions and R&D companies.

Across all of our programs, the focus is the same—giving researchers practical knowledge, tools, and strategies to lead with intention, develop those around them, and find both achievement and fulfillment in their work.

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Create a productive work environment

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Build good relationships and teams

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Navigate managing projects and people

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Ensure rigorous, trustworthy research

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Engage effectively as a mentor and mentee

Fall Faculty applications are now open! 

Apply Now!

Compass rounded out training in areas of administration, leadership, and best practices. The peer mentoring teams were essential to staying accountable and getting input from fantastic interdisciplinary peers across the country.
– Joel Sprunger, University of Cincinnati

Compass was at the perfect time – just as I was starting my new lab at a new institution. It really helped me be thoughtful about the kind of lab environment I want to model, the things that are important to me, and how to communicate these and set expectations as I establish a new lab.
– Lisa Niswander, University of Buffalo

This course was one of the best things that I have done in my career to build a stronger foundation for leading others with clear communication of expectations, active listening, building relationships, setting team goals, and successfully collaborating with others.
– Rebekah Huber, Oregon Health & Science University

Compass has helped me tremendously in understanding different perspectives when solving team-related problems. I’ve gained insight into viewing challenges from a PI’s perspective as well, including the broader vision, constraints, and responsibilities that shape scientific decisions. I’ve really enjoyed this program and my connection with my Peer Mentoring Team—we even plan to continue meeting once a month.
– Dhayna Vettiatil, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Maintaining supportive connections and trusting others can be difficult, but my time in Compass helped me invest in those relationships and showed me that developing constructive connections is both possible and worthwhile.
– Noelle Sterling, University of Pennsylvania

I learned the importance of preparing ahead for different situations and thinking through possible solutions in advance. This has helped me feel more confident and respond more effectively when challenges arise. I truly appreciate the effort that went into organizing this program—I learned a great deal from it, and it has been very helpful for my development.
– Kangli Wang, University of California San Diego

Key Program Features

Practical Tools and Strategies

Across all Compass programs, Scholars gain immediately applicable skills, frameworks, and strategies grounded in research on leadership and team effectiveness. Every experience is designed so that learning translates directly into action.

Learning from Experts and Peers

Compass creates a welcoming environment where Scholars learn from experts while connecting with peers who understand the unique challenges of working in science. No one navigates this alone.

Active Practice and Application

Learning sticks when you practice it. Compass builds in opportunities to actively apply new skills in real time. Doing so reinforces long-term retention and ensures Scholars leave ready to lead, not just feel informed.