Dr. Jacquelyn Cragg is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and holds a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair and Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar Award. She was recently appointed as the Strategic Advisor, Postdoctoral Affairs, for a three-year term.
Why did you want to become a Strategic Advisor at Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies?
As a former UBC postdoctoral fellow, I know firsthand how transformative this stage can be in shaping one’s academic and professional path. I wanted to become a Strategic Advisor to help ensure postdocs feel supported, valued, and empowered, especially during a time that can be both incredibly rewarding and intensely challenging. This role allows me to advocate for policies and resources that reflect the critical contributions postdocs make to UBC’s research ecosystem.
What makes UBC an exciting place for postdoctoral fellows?
UBC is an exciting environment for postdoctoral fellows because of its strong culture of interdisciplinary research, global collaborations, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The breadth of expertise here, across faculties and research institutes, opens up rich opportunities for innovation, networking, and professional growth. There’s also a strong community of postdocs who support and learn from each other, which makes a real difference.
What do you want postdoctoral fellows to know about the Postdoctoral Fellows Office?
The Postdoctoral Fellows Office is here for you. Whether you’re navigating funding opportunities, looking for professional development, or simply trying to find your place at UBC, the office offers dedicated support and programming tailored to your needs.
What do you want faculty members to know about the Postdoctoral Fellows Office?
The Postdoctoral Fellows Office is a valuable partner for faculty supervisors. We offer resources, training, and guidance to help foster successful postdoc-PI relationships and ensure postdocs are well supported. Faculty members are critical to shaping the postdoc experience, and we’re here to support you in creating inclusive, high-impact research environments.
What will be your main area of focus in your new role?
My primary focus will be advocating for equitable compensation and creating more opportunities for postdocs to engage meaningfully in the university community.
Do you have any advice for graduate students who want to become a postdoctoral fellow?
Don’t hesitate to throw your hat in the ring for research opportunities; you’ll grow by saying yes to challenges. And as you navigate both success and setback, remember Rudyard Kipling’s advice: 'meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two impostors just the same.'