This series spotlights Duke neuroscience postdocs who have successfully transitioned to new career paths, sharing their job search strategies and insights into how their postdoctoral training prepared them for their next role. Each profile offers practical advice and inspiration for postdocs navigating their own career transitions.

For Dr. Scott Smyre, postdoctoral training in Duke’s Neurobiology department provided a chance to develop the skills he utilizes daily in his current position as a Staff Scientist at Wake Forest School of Medicine.

During his time as a postdoc in the lab of John Pearson from 2023 to 2025, Scott applied advanced machine learning techniques including autoencoders and transformers to create models integrating diverse data types, including video, audio, and neural inputs. Through this project Scott gained direct mentorship and training on Python, deep learning and coding practices that are directly applicable to his current work. Moreover, Scott says, his service and leadership engagement with multiple department committees allowed him to continue building his CV, further strengthening his competitiveness on the job market.

In his current role, Scott relishes the opportunity to mentor graduate students going through the same program where Scott – a Wake Forest alum – completed his own PhD. This unique perspective helps Scott to understand student’s challenges and advise them, and he relates that mentorship is his favorite aspect of the job.

Scott encourages current postdocs to start trying early – both applying and, especially, networking. Scott’s own job search took about six months, and he advises, “update your LinkedIn and post that you are looking for a position and the type of position you are looking for. It is a very powerful site that can open you up to networks you didn’t even know existed.” In addition, Scott recommends reaching out to Duke’s Director of Postdoctoral Services Molly Starback, whose resume review and networking connections can be instrumental in landing a position. Thanks for the advice Scott, and we look forward to watching you flouring in your new role!