“Different Types of Post Docs, Institutions and Career Paths”

1. “Different Types of Post Docs, Institutions and Career Paths” 5th Annual Post Doctoral Institute Howard University University of Texas, El Paso Washington D.C. September 25-27, 2008 Dr. Steven G. Ullmann, Ph D. Professor and Director Programs in Health Sector Management and Policy and Special Assistant to the Provost

2. Why a Post Doc? It allows an opportunity to expand an area of research or move toward a new area of research It occurs prior to and in anticipation of pursuing a career in academics or in non-academic sectors Some individuals will undertake several Post Docs

3. Why a Post Doc? (continued) • In some fields, post docs are essentially a requirement and prerequisite to pursuing an academic career. (ie. The Sciences) • In some fields, it is an option. (Most of the Social Sciences, Humanities, Areas of Engineering).

4. If It Is An Option In Some Fields, Why Do It? • Doesn’t it slow my tenure track seeking options? • Think of the medical profession: What is an equivalent of a Post Doc? • A residency positiion • It is like the training wheels on a bicycle: • You will do 80-90% of what an academic or a Professional Scientist does while learning the techniques

5. If It Is An Option In Some Fields Why Do It? (continued…) • It allows one to develop the techniques and, ultimately, the track record for performing published research and obtaining research grants • The track record of published research can help to count toward tenure without having the tenure—earning clock begin ticking • Tenure track generally 5.5 years to 7 years – any head start is helpful

6. If It Is An Option Why Do It? (continued…) • Some universities (eg. University of Wisconsin, Madison, University of Miami) have special Post Doc programs which lead to a tenure-track faculty position within the University or the field in general (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor). • These programs are specifically aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented minority research focused faculty

7. It is Essentially An Application and Job Interview Process • One needs to obtain information while being interviewed and potentially being considered for the Post Doc position

8. What is your status as a Post Doc? • Super Graduate Student, usually a Post Doctorate Fellow • Supported by internal funds or a training grant. • Receive a stipend • Maybe benefits or benefits may be limited

9. What is your status as a Post Doc? (continued…) • Employee/Staff (Research Staff); Or Employee/Faculty • For example, a Post Doc Research Associate • May receive a salary, benefits, and often times benefits paid out of a research grant Are there different ranks attainable within these categories of Post Docs?

10. Who do you report to? • A specific faculty member • A department

11. What are the funding sources for research? • Federal Grants • eg. NSF, NIH, DOD, NIMH • Agency Grant • eg. American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association • Internal Funds *It is possible that your funding, and therefore your income and benefits status, may change

12. Responsibilities • Are responsibilities research focused or are there teaching responsibilities?

13. What is the Culture? • Solo publications • Joint publications • Status in Joint Publications • Will support exist to help complete and publish your research?

14. Feel Out the Culture of the Organization • Team approach • Boss/worker bee • True learning and research opportunity? Or, glorified lab assistant and coffee fetcher?

15. Personal Research Endeavors • How much latitude will you have to do your own research? • Teamwork, but also independent research, is critical in an academic field

16. Reputation • Consider the reputation of the laboratory, and/or division or department, you would be working with • Will open doors for future academic or industry careers

17. Additional Funds • Are there funds available to foster the presentation of your research at professional meetings? Conferences? • Are there funds for research support, such as supplies or computer databases?

18. Wages and Benefits • What is the stipend or wage? • What are the benefits? • Health? Dental? Vision? • Available for spouse/partner and/or dependents? • Retirement? • Life Insurance? • Disability? • Parking? • Other? • Are there tuition benefits for your spouse and/or dependents? • Housing available? • If not, what is the housing market like in the area?

19. Time Commitment • What are the working hour expectations/obligations? • What is the vacation policy? • What is the policy on sick leave, parental and/or maternity leave?

20. Time Limits • What are the time limits for being a Post Doc at the institution? • Typically three to five years, sometimes one renewal is possible • Time limits are not a bad thing

21. Considerations • Determine Post Doc representation in governance – institutional legislative issue • Determine grievance procedures

22. Conclusion • Remember that your professional life is one big interview • Be gracious • Do not be pushy • Remember these are your future colleagues and/or people who will be providing references and letters of recommendation • The professional world is very small • Enjoy the process and relish the outcome!