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How to find a science postdoctoral position

This talk provides an in-depth overview of how to find and succeed in a postdoctoral position in the sciences. Led by Carol Thornber, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the University of Rhode Island, the session covers what a postdoc is, how to discover available positions, the pros and cons of pursuing a postdoc, and strategies for maximizing your experience. Attendees will learn about networking, resources for job searching, mentor considerations, and tips for transitioning to permanent positions. This essential guide is designed for emerging scientists aiming to advance their careers.

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How to find a science postdoctoral position

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  1. How to find a science postdoctoral position Carol Thornber, PhD Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences University of Rhode Island thornber@uri.edu

  2. Talk Outline • What is a postdoc? • How do you find postdoc openings? • Getting the most out of your postdoc

  3. What is a postdoc? • Need PhD or equivalent (e.g. MD) • Full time research/teaching • Appointment from 1-5 years • Supervised by mentor/advisor • Prep. for professional/academic career • Independent or on someone’s grant

  4. History of postdocs • First postdocs-- 1876-- at Johns Hopkins U. • Recent increase in postdocs • In 1975: 16,000 postdocs • In 1995: 35,00 postdocs • Today: over 50,000 postdocs • Out of 350 doctorate-granting institutions surveyed, more than two-thirds from 50 institutions

  5. What types of postdocs exist? • Academia • Government • Industry/Nonprofits

  6. The good & the bad of postdocs • Good: • Opportunity to develop new, independent research project • Form new collaborations • Flexibility • Bad: • Low pay • Nebulous status

  7. Do YOU need to do a postdoc? • Determine your ULTIMATE career goal • Is a postdoc needed/useful for career goal? • Pitfalls: Postdocs may… • Fail to find full time employment afterwards • Receive insufficient mentoring/support • Not have enough independence to establish themselves as scientists

  8. Talk Outline • What is a postdoc? • How do you find postdoc openings? • Getting the most out of your postdoc

  9. How to find a postdoc • Biggest resource::: networking • Go to lots of meetings, talk with PIs whose research you like • Ask your colleagues/advisors • Email potential mentors

  10. How to find a postdoc: specific • Science http://nextwave.sciencemag.org/ • Nature http://www.naturejobs.com • The Chronicle of Higher Education http://www.chronicle.com

  11. How to find a postdoc: specific • Major funding agency websites: • NSF • NIH • NOAA • …and others! • Professional societies: • Websites • Listservers • Meetings • Individual university websites

  12. How to find a postdoc: specific • Research organizations (examples): • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories • Los Alamos National Laboratories • Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute • Professional websites: • www.findapostdoc.com (Europe only) • www.postdocjobs.com • http://www7.nationalacademies.org/postdoc/

  13. Things to consider… • Different fields - will broaden your CV • New “hot” topics with more funding • Geography: where to live? • United States • International

  14. Postdocs At UC Davis • UCD Office of Grad Studies’ website http://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu • PROF (Professors of the Future, http://prof.ucdavis.edu) • UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship

  15. What to look for in your mentor • Is this person active in their field? (publications, grants, etc) • What are his/her grad students, postdocs working on? • Will this person be a good colleague? • What is the funding situation?

  16. Before you accept an offer…. • Is this what you want?? • Confirm in an offer letter: • Salary • Benefits (family coverage?) • Starting, ending dates • Expectations of your research • Evaluate the institution

  17. Before you accept an offer…. • Make sure you will be done with your PhD PRIOR to the starting date • Take time off!

  18. Talk Outline • What is a postdoc? • How do you find postdoc openings? • Getting the most out of your postdoc

  19. What to expect when you start • Ability to get a new project up and running QUICKLY • Different dynamics than grad students

  20. What to expect when you start • Ability to get a new project up and running QUICKLY • Different dynamics than grad students • Advise, mentor grads and undergrads And/Or • Run the lab • Look for local postdoc network for info

  21. Make the most of your time! • Meet, network with range of faculty/colleagues • NOT just your mentor(s)! • Participate in seminars, group research projects • Publish like mad

  22. Make the most of your time! • Go to meetings and more meetings, even if you have to pay for them • Look for supplemental (funding) opportunities • TEACH A COURSE, if you want to become a professor

  23. Start looking for “real” jobs…. • Develop your career • Make your research independent of your grad, postdoc mentors • Network, network, network • Realize that a postdoc is not a permanent position

  24. For more information…. • UCD Postdoctoral Scholars’ Association http://postdocs.ucdavis.edu • Postdoc Network (Science’s Nextwave) http://nextwave.sciencemag.org/pdn/index.shtml • Enhancing the Postdoctoral Experience for Scientists and Engineers: A Guide for Postdoctoral Scholars, Advisers, Institutions, Funding Organizations, and Disciplinary Societies http://books.nap.edu/catalog/9831.html (under $12)

  25. THANK YOU: • Joanne Bookmeyer • Tom Peavy

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