Gould named executive director of Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

The University of Louisville School of Medicine has named Jim Gould, PhD, as executive director of the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies effective September 28. 

Gould returns to UofL with more than a decade of experience advancing graduate and postdoctoral education, research rigor, career readiness and professional development. He most recently served as director for Postdoctoral Affairs and program director for Responsible Conduct of Research at Harvard Medical School, where he developed and implemented programs and policies to support trainees and their professional growth.  

“Dr. Gould brings a unique combination of experience, expertise and a personal connection to our School of Medicine,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, dean of the School of Medicine. “He understands what it means to be a trainee at UofL and has spent his career since then helping trainees navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with building a career in science and medicine. We are excited to welcome him home and look forward to the leadership he will bring to our programs.” 

In his new role, Gould will lead the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and work with faculty, program leaders and trainees to strengthen graduate and postdoctoral education across the School of Medicine. His work will include advancing research training, professional development and career preparation while fostering opportunities for collaboration across disciplines.  

Gould has shared his expertise in trainee development through speaking and writing nationally and internationally. He is the author of Making the Most of the Postdoc and host of the Propelling Careers podcast, both focused on helping postdoctoral scholars make informed decisions about their professional development and career paths. 

His appointment comes as the field of medicine prepares learners for an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving medical and research landscape. From emerging technologies to new approaches to biomedical discovery, the next generation of scientists and physicians will help define what comes next. 

“Preparing the future of medicine means investing in the people who will shape it,” said Bumpous. “Our graduate students and postdoctoral trainees bring curiosity and creativity to some of the most important questions in science. Dr. Gould’s expertise will help us strengthen the environment in which they learn, discover and prepare to lead.” 

Gould earned his PhD in molecular biology and biochemistry from the UofL School of Medicine and completed his postdoctoral training at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, part of the National Cancer Institute. 

His return to UofL brings his career in trainee development back to the institution where his own scientific training began.