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Selecting Your First Post-Doctoral Position
Catherine M. Fuller, Ph.D.
University of Alabama, Birmingham
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 Catherine Fuller, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. She received her B.Sc. (Hons.) degree from the University of London, and her Ph.D. from the University of Liverpool, in the laboratory of O.H. Petersen. She was a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Irene Schulz at the Max Planck Institut fur Biophysik (Frankfurt, Germany), from 1985-1988. She joined the Department of Physiology and Biophysics as a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dale J. Benos in 1988. She joined the faculty of the department in 1995.
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Choosing your first postdoctoral position is an important step in your decision to become an academic scientist. For some people (usually the lucky few), the decision is obvious; they have already identified a mentor or perhaps have made the decision to leave the “traditional” academic environment for a position in industry, teaching, or in a completely different field, such as law. Women in particular may have chosen to focus on family and home, either planning to return to science at a later date or because they are following a partner. While all of these are personal decisions, this article assumes that you are about 12-18 months away from graduating with a Ph.D./D. Phil. and are beginning to consider traditional academic opportunities for your postdoctoral fellowship.
Set Your Goals
The first and most important question to ask yourself is where do you see yourself in 10-15 years time? If you are considering a postdoctoral position within the conventional university setting, then it is likely that you see yourself as a tenure-track or tenured faculty member with a mixed load of research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities. You are probably fully aware of the problems associated with such a position (dependence on external funding, heavy teaching loads, extensive committee assignments) from observing your current thesis advisor and other faculty members in your department. However, one would hope that you also feel the great satisfaction that comes from doing laboratory science, i.e., testing and proving an hypothesis, trouble-shooting experimental problems, and having a manuscript submitted for publication. This is why your choice of postdoctoral mentor can be so important; at best this person will continue to foster and encourage your efforts towards your chosen career and will have your best interests at heart; at worst he/she will be indifferent to your career goals and will be chiefly focused on their own success.
Selecting a Mentor
So, having thought about your future goals and having decided that you do indeed want to pursue a career in academic science, you now need to select a mentor. You should by now have had sufficient exposure to science to be excited by a particular area of research, which may or may not be related to your current thesis project. Make a realistic appraisal of your own skills, abilities, and accomplishments and factor this into your decision. What new skills and techniques do you want to learn? Take into account your publication record, which is important even at the level of a senior graduate student. Many, if not all, graduate programs require the publication of 1-2 manuscripts prior to graduation, and so you should have something to show for the time spent in graduate school in addition to your thesis. Good mentors will encourage their postdoctoral fellows and even graduate students to apply for independent funding, either through the NIH NRSA mechanism or through charitable foundations. It is far more likely that these applications will be successful if you are able to convince the reviewers of your ability to carry out a project using the evidence of prior publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Finding Potential Laboratories
It is common for people to take postdoctoral positions in laboratories run by colleagues/friends of their thesis advisor who work in related fields or with individuals they have met either at scientific meetings or while that individual was visiting their institution. However, do not be put off from applying for a position in an area unrelated to your thesis work if that is what interests you; over the course of your Ph.D. you will have acquired an easily transferable skill set and most prospective mentors will be willing to consider individuals with little project specific experience. Furthermore, do not allow yourself to be pushed into taking a position because it is convenient or because someone else thinks you should. You should have enough laboratory experience by now to realize that if you are working in an area or situation to which you are not committed, your research will quickly become tedious and uninteresting to you. Not being confined intellectually also extends to geographical locations. Many prospective postdoctoral fellows are restricted in their choice of location for their next job by family or other concerns. If you are fortunate enough that this does not apply to you, consider also the possibility of pursuing a postdoctoral fellowship outside of the country. If you speak a second language, your choice might be easier, but even if not, it is easier to function in a foreign country both in and out of the laboratory setting than you probably anticipate.
While not always the case, the majority of graduate students will leave their thesis lab in order to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship elsewhere. What about staying in your current lab or institution? The motivation for doing this could be to complete a long-term study or because you are very committed to the research done in that particular lab. If funding is available and the mentor is willing, this can be a very comfortable option and for some people it may be the best. However, you should think again about your position 10 or 15 years in the future; what additional skills or techniques will you learn by staying in your current lab? Is there really nothing you would learn by moving elsewhere? Your Ph.D. mentor may want you to stay on for a short time to finish experiments, write a paper, or to teach an incoming lab member a technique. In general, this is rarely a problem, but in this case, you should have a clear idea of how long a period is involved.
Consider the Laboratory
What other factors should you consider when choosing a postdoctoral laboratory? As it is likely that you will be asked to visit the prospective mentor and to give a short talk based on your thesis work, you should get the opportunity to visit the laboratory and to talk to the other postdocs and graduate students. Consider the size of the lab – is this a small lab of 3-4 people or are there many postdocs and students? In some large labs multiple postdocs might work on the same project – if this seems to be the case, do they have well-demarcated areas of responsibility or is there a lot of overlap? This latter situation can lead to an unpleasant and highly competitive working environment. Will you be the only postdoc in a lab with several graduate or undergraduate students – in this scenario, you may end up spending more time supervising and trouble-shooting student projects rather than working on your own research. Do the students and postdocs regularly attend local, national, or maybe even international meetings to present their work either orally or in poster format? Do they have the opportunity to present their work in-house? Do the people in the lab seem to get on well together? Are there lab activities in which everyone participates (parties, picnics, film nights, ski days etc.) or does there seem to be little social interaction? Remember, you are going to be spending many of your waking hours with these individuals! Most importantly, do the other people in the lab seem to be enjoying what they are doing – are they happy, confident, do they talk enthusiastically about their projects? Or do they seem stressed and depressed? Would you be excited to work there?
Consider the Mentor
Consider the mentor him/herself. Obviously you would want to work with someone with whom you can connect and by whom you are not intimidated. Is the prospective mentor a full professor with a solid track-record or a newly appointed assistant professor? In the first case, the laboratory environment is likely to be stable, the projects clearly focused, and all required equipment/techniques will be on hand. In the latter case, the laboratory environment may not be so established and publication rate may be slower, but it could be a very exciting opportunity and will provide hands-on experience of establishing a new lab that you can draw on when you are in a similar position. Does the mentor have time for you? If you like to interact closely with a mentor, working for a principle investigator who is a “star” may not be right for you, as that individual is likely to have a busy travel and administrative schedule. However, if you can work independently with little hands-on input from the PI, then such a position may be appropriate for you. On the other hand, a mentor that micro-manages the laboratory may make it difficult for you to work at all. Does the laboratory publish routinely in good journals? Or do they publish few papers but always in a high-impact journal? Or do they not publish much at all? Does the mentor give recognition and credit to the people in the laboratory when he/she is giving a talk? Is the mentor supportive of you applying for your own funding, or becoming involved in the teaching effort of the department? What are prior post-docs currently doing – are they in independent academic positions, in other science-related fields or are they out of science altogether?
Getting Advice
If you have a good relationship with your thesis advisor, this person can be one of your greatest assets in selecting a postdoctoral position and not just because he/she will be providing you with a letter of recommendation! It is likely that he/she may know the individual whom you are considering for your postdoctoral fellowship (if only by reputation) and will be able to offer you some insights as to the suitability of that position for you. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to broach this with your current thesis advisor, perhaps someone on your committee or another faculty member may be able to offer some advice. Your thesis advisor may not be fully supportive of your applying for a particular position; they may think that the work would be outside of your particular capabilities, may know something about that particular laboratory that you don’t, or (rarely) it may even reflect their own personal prejudice against an individual or research area. However, they should explain the basis for their opinion; again you can always seek the advice of others concerning the suitability of a particular lab.
Final Thoughts
Clearly, not all of the points or concerns outlined above will apply to every mentor/postdoctoral fellow combination, but they represent points that should be considered based on your own career goals and personal situation. The most important thing to consider is the project itself. If the topic you will be working on genuinely interests you and can sustain you during those sometimes long periods when “nothing works,” then the stage should be set for a successful first postdoctoral experience.
Comments:
I would strongly suggest that a trainee consider a position in an area different to your thesis work. This will broaden your perspective and add new techniques to your repertoire. All other things being equal, it will make you more employable after your postdoc.
Postdocs often overlook the environment in which the laboratory and mentor function. Institutional resources vary widely. This applies to financial resources, availability of core equipment, the collaborative environment, and additional training opportunities through postdoctoral offices. It is increasingly recognized that a single mentor cannot provide the breadth of training necessary for a successful scientific career (see APS Professional Skills document). The presence of a postdoctoral office with workshops and seminars on critical skills such as laboratory management, negotiation, presentation skills, etc. can enhance the postdoctoral experience.
Philip S. Clifford
Medical College of Wisconsin
This article does a great job of summarizing some important things to consider when choosing a lab for your postdoc. One piece of advice given to me as a senior graduate student which I found to be very helpful was to visit the laboratory in person, and be sure that there is time allotted for you talk to the current graduate students and postdocs when your prospective advisor is not around. (It's been said that if the advisor does not give you a chance to talk to your potential lab mates when he/she is not around, this is a serious "red flag.") This is a great chance to ask direct questions like, "So, what is he/she like as an advisor?" The current postdocs and students, in my experience, will give you blatantly honest answers to these types of questions. This is also an important way to gauge whether your working style will be compatible with that of your advisor (does he/she micromanage? alternatively, is he/she so busy that they are not around when you need them?).
Jennifer L. Pluznick
Yale University
Additional issues worthy of consideration are benefits, including health insurance (particularly if you need coverage for your family-this may not be available), and family leave policies.
If you anticipate ultimately applying for positions involving teaching, you should try to find a postdoc where teaching opportunities will be available but not overly cumbersome (see also Finding Teaching Experiences During Your Postdoc).
Another issue is eligibility for grants. Eligibility for fellowship grants is straightforward, but eligibility for the next phase in granting is not. Most of the entry level independent grants (ones most helpful for your job search) are supported by foundations, and they typically require applicants to hold a faculty level position at the time of application. Some institutions have such a position available for senior postdocs (titles vary), and some do not. You can ask about this directly, as well as what the funding other postdocs have obtained after their fellowship grants.
These are important and practical details, but most important is your passion for your area of research. Your passion and vision of why your research is important is an absolute prerequisite for your success.
Caroline R. Sussman
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Re: "think again about your position 10 or 15 years in the future"
Unless you plan on a very long postdoc or numerous postdocs, I would say this window would be more like 5-10 yrs. Most job interviews, etc. seem to ask you to project 5-10 yrs in the future.
Kimberly A. Huey
University of Illinois
(For trainees considering a postdoc in industry)
The main key to getting into Industrial positions is Network, Network, Network (i.e. by attending Industry meetings in one's discipline, having your Mentor introduce you to former students that have obtained jobs in Industry etc.). The Industry-focused job-search engine (Medzilla.com) is also a good place to search out post-doc positions in Industry.
Nansie A. McHugh
Huntingdon Life Sciences
Questions
Question 1:
If the person searching for a postdoc has a family or is planning one, when would you broach this subject with them?
Responses:
I don’t think I would broach it with them; it really doesn’t make a difference as to whether I would hire that person or not. The only thing that really matters is whether I think they can do the project and whether they are interested in the lab. and the work that we do.
Cathy Fuller
Most PIs are empathetic about family issues, and more and more institutions are establishing family-friendly policies. Once there is agreement that the personalities and scientific goal goals match, the prospective postdoc should bring up the topic. That gives time for the institution and prospective employer to provide assistance if needed
Paco Andrade
University of Kentucky
The post-doc years are a critical step in the career of a developing scientist. Productivity during these years sets the stage for the individual’s potential advancement into a tenure-track position if pursuing a career in academia. Thus, mentors often have high expectations of a strong work ethic and time commitment from their post-doctoral fellows. Therefore, introduction of family concerns to any potential mentor by the prospective post-doc may alleviate problems that may arise later based on these expectations. Remember, your post-doctoral mentor will be an important part of your career advancement. Their recommendation will be an important component of your faculty application and your mentor may also provide important input to colleagues involved in faculty searches at other institutions. Many post-doctoral mentors provide strong support to those with family needs. However, introduction of this subject up-front may help you decide whether or not this particular mentor will fall into that category!
Barbara Alexander
University of Mississippi
I believe in full disclosure when you’re applying for a postdoc or a job. This is not to say that a postdoc should expect special treatment just because they have a family.
Jane Reckelhoff
University of Mississippi
Question 2:
What's a good timeline of when to start looking for postdocs, considering that a lab you may be interested in may not have funding for a postdoc and therefore would require time to obtain funding? Also, is there a potential need for back-up plans should the lab not obtain funding?
Responses:
I think the best time to start thinking about a post-doc is probably about 18 months away from graduation; the best time to start seriously looking for one is when you are about a year away. This should give you time to explore all the options, and if needs be put an application together for funding. Many labs will take a post-doc guaranteeing funding for some amount of time, with the understanding that the post-doc will apply for independent funding at some point in the future. If your position is contingent on a particular lab obtaining funding via the PI’s RO1 or some similar mechanism, then yes, you should have a back up plan, either applying for your own funding through a mentored award or something similar or an alternate laboratory. I think you need to know that salary support is in place before you move across the country (or even across a city!).
Cathy Fuller
University of Alabama, Birmingham
About 2 years prior to graduation, the student should identify a handful of labs where he/she might like to go for a postdoc. That allows for ample time to visit the labs and narrow the choices down. Ideally, the student would go to the best lab, with the most interesting science and lots of funding. Reality and the student's professional development require that he/she obtain his/her own funding in the form of a postdoctoral fellowship. A fellowship insulates the student from funding lapses in the lab and provide some independence as well.
Paco Andrade
University of Kentucky
Always have a back up plan. And, never wait until graduation to begin your search. Your search for a potential post-doctoral position should start no later than at least one year in advance. Take advantage of national meetings that often include a networking system for matching mentors and post-docs (such as EB). Meetings also provide an informal opportunity to network and meet potential mentors. Do not be afraid to ask a potential mentor for their business card and keep in touch if their research is of interest. Importantly, talk to other students or post-doctoral fellows in their laboratory for feedback. Remember, your research laboratory is often your home away from home during these years, and you also want to work with someone that will benefit your career. If you will be applying for a post-doctoral fellowship award, keep those deadline dates in mind as often they may only occur once a year.
Barbara Alexander
University of Mississippi
Start looking for a postdoc about 6 months to a year before finishing graduate school. I would avoid planning to go to a laboratory that doesn’t have money to support your salary for 1-2 years. How would a potential postdoc get money to support his/her salary? Write grant yourself? Remember that you would have to do this about an area that you have no experience with presumably, that you are not published in, and that you have no time for when you are finishing your graduate work and writing your thesis. Alternatively, depending on a grant of your potential advisor? This is also difficult. What is the evidence that the mentor can support your research if he/she can’t support your salary? It is better to choose a new postdoc mentor who has funding for your salary and research up front.
Jane Reckelhoff
University of Mississippi
I think you should start looking for a postdoc about a year before you plan to defend your dissertation. That way you have plenty of time to plan interviews, talk to former trainees, write a fellowship, etc. The sooner you develop a relationship with the person who will be you postdoc mentor, the easier transition from grad student to postdoc and changing labs will be. I always think you need a "Plan B" because having options makes your life much easier and less stressful.
Keshari Thakali
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Question 3:
How do you negotiate the position to make sure that the your goals and the goals of the mentor are met (i.e., maybe draft a contract or something)?
Responses:
Many PIs include a statement of goals in the offer letter. If that is not the case, it is perfectly appropriate for the prospective postdoc to request that such agreement be included in the letter. In addition, some institutions now require that both parties provide a written agreement of expectations and responsibilities prior to hiring.
Paco Andrade
University of Kentucky
Have a frank discussion. Discuss your goals with them, and have the potential mentor discuss their expectations and goals for you. Also, talk to others in their laboratory for feedback. Is what the potential mentor ‘preaches’, the same as what they ‘practice!”
Barbara Alexander
University of Mississippi
I have never seen a contract drawn up to specify fellowship goals. A frank discussion with a potential postdoc mentor should suffice. Visit the laboratory that you want to work in before you accept a postdoctoral position. Meet with the potential advisor and determine salary, benefits (health insurance), etc. (these are usually set by the institution, not the mentor). At that time discuss the things you define as a successful postdoctoral fellowship: learning as many new techniques as possible, publishing as many papers in quality journals as possible, help in finding a position at the end of the fellowship (whether this is another postdoc or a position—industry, academics, other), additional classes to augment your education, ability to present your work at your place of work (i.e. at least yearly departmental seminars, quarterly lab meetings) as well as yearly national/international meetings. By gauging your potential advisor’s agreement to these things, you can determine whether you will be able to work together. You, of course, are making the promise in return that you will work to the best of your ability to accomplish these goals as well.
Jane Reckelhoff
University of Mississippi
My postdoc mentor and I discussed this when I interviewed with her and we talk about my goals and her goals for me regularly (at least once a month). Since I'm only a year into this postdoc, I'm not sure if all of my goals will be met and now think that a contract would have been a good idea. You need to be honest with yourself and your mentor about what you want to accomplish as a postdoc and also in your career.
Keshari Thakali
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
See also the FASEB Individual Development Plan (pdf file) and Sample Annual Review
Question 4:
Where do you start looking for postdocs?
Responses:
There are multiple ways to find a post-doc – if you are interested in a particular research area or laboratory then write to the PI directly – I would suggest a real paper letter rather than email which is easily overlooked or deleted. Make sure you include a summary of what you have been doing for your thesis work and why you want to come to that particular lab. Include your CV and a copy of your most important publications (most likely those on which you are the first author). Scan the jobs sections of the scientific press (Science, Nature) and ask your current mentor for suggestions/referrals. Also tap your friends and colleagues for ideas.
Cathy Fuller
University of Alabama, Birmingham
Cast as wide a net as possible. Some students are restricted geographically for family and personal issues. Ideally, the quality of the lab, the PI and the institution should be the main reasons for selecting a postdoctoral fellowship.
Paco Andrade
University of Kentucky
Start with your current mentor for suggestions; network at meetings, not only with potential mentors, but also with students and post-docs from other institutions; utilize the formal networking available (EB for example) at national meetings; and talk to former graduates from your department for leads at departments where they are current post-docs or even junior faculty.
Barbara Alexander
University of Mississippi
Anywhere postdoctoral positions are advertised: Science or other journals specific to your field of interest, the Chronicle of Higher Education, APS listserv advertising positions, sign up for the FASEB Placement Service at EB meetings. Talk to your graduate mentor or other faculty and have them recommend investigators that they know who would be good potential postdoctoral mentors. At national/international meetings, talk to potential mentors whose work interests you.
Jane Reckelhoff
University of Mississippi
I met (and continue to meet) as many people as possible at meetings such as Experimental Biology and American Heart Association conferences. Every time I talked to someone, I mentioned that I was about a year away from defending and was looking for a postdoctoral position. I looked in the back of journals such as Science, Hypertension and Molecular Interventions. I asked my graduate advisor and faculty in my department who they would recommend doing a postdoc with. In the end, I sent out emails to people I was interested in working with and asked them if they looking for a postdoc. I think that Science's NextWave has listings for postdoc positions and there are likely many online resources for finding postdoctoral opportunities.
Keshari Thakali
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences