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

“Different Types of Post Docs, Institutions and Career Paths”. 5 th 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

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

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  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!

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