The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs supports the professional development of postdoctoral fellows and scholars through several mechanisms:

• direct support of programs targeted specifically for post-docs
• indirect support through programs targeted to basic scientists and researchers but also open to postdoctoral fellows and scholars
• administrative support of the Postdoctoral Steering Committee.

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs provides administrative and organizational support for the Postdoctoral Steering Committee, a group of postdoctoral fellows who are responsible for generating and planning activities for the postdoctoral community in the college. In this role, the Office of Professional Development helps to coordinate plans and provide logistic support for various activities.

"Data & Dine" is an annual event sponsored by the Office of Professional Development in conjunction with the Postdoctoral Steering Committee. This event is an opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to showcase their research and interact with faculty in congenial surroundings at a local facility.

Appointment of postdoctoral fellows and scholars is governed by Penn State Policy HR68 (Postdoctoral Appointments). This policy defines postdoctoral appointments, specifies salaries and benefits, and describes grievance procedures.