This document lists topics of importance when mentoring postdoctoral researchers. It is not exhaustive and planned activities should be complemented by including other mentoring mechanisms that have been found to be effective.
Communicating with Postdoctoral Mentees
- Schedule initial meeting to develop and discuss a development plan
Topics:- Frequency of meetings between faculty mentor and postdoctoral mentee to discuss
- research progress;
- development goals and progress.
- Opportunities and resources offered as part of Postdoctoral Mentoring Plan.
- Individual Development Plan (optional).
- Expectations for research progress, mentoring, scientific writing, and presentations.
- Frequency of meetings between faculty mentor and postdoctoral mentee to discuss
Skills Related to Research Efforts
- how to ask a clear and meaningful scientific question;
- selecting suitable approaches to address a scientific question experimentally;
- identifying suitable methodology;
- interpreting data obtained with different technological platforms;
- establishing reasonable timelines;
- keeping detailed and accurate records;
- demonstrating research integrity;
- discussing authorship order.
Supervisory and Mentoring Skills
- supervising and mentoring undergraduate students;
- assisting in the guidance of graduate students;
- help technical personnel with developing standard operating procedures;
- resources for honing supervisory and mentoring skills (e.g., Summer Mentoring Workshop for Intermediate Research Mentors; SWIRM).
Scientific Writing Skills
- expectations regarding writing manuscript and contributing to grant proposals;
- guidance and feedback to be given during writing process (e.g., writing style, presenting data effectively, choosing a journal; and understanding the review process);
- resources for honing writing skills.
Presentation Skills
- expectations and resources available to attend conferences and present work;
- outlining the process for honing presentation skills (e.g., practice presentations to peers and as part of McCarter Seminar Series);
- opportunities to get involved in teaching classes.
Critical Assessment Skills
- occasions for commenting on other research projects (e.g. lab meetings or reviewing symposium posters);
- opportunities for participating in reviewing journal manuscripts and grant proposals;
- guidance and feedback to be given on how to critique work effectively.
Building and Maintaining a Network
- steps faculty member will take to help with setting up networking connections (meeting leaders and peers in the field of research);
- other considerations (e.g., second mentor).
Career Guidance
- career guidance to be given by faculty member (e.g., annual review and discussion of realistic career options);
- attending relevant workshops at scientific conferences and/or the alumni panel organized as part of the annual NIH Biotechnology Graduate Training Program Symposium.