Chapter 13 - How to Choose a Postdoctoral Position

Abstract

This chapter outlines some of the elements that can help scientists decide from where to complete a postdoctoral fellowship. Many young investigators will complete two postdoctoral positions before finding a full-time position in academia or industry. Whether one is a PhD student about to complete one's thesis or a current postdoctoral fellow, the selection process is the same and can be summarized in one phrase: define one's goals. One way in which the scientists can accomplish this is to discuss their career plans with their mentor, colleagues, friends, and family. These are the people who know them and who can serve as a sounding board for their ideas. When deciding on a postdoctoral position, one area to consider is the kind of environment one wants to work in. Institutional choices are abundant, and each type has unique features. Compared to the relatively protected time of one's career in the postdoctoral period, institutional policies will most likely have a strong impact on one. Private universities have unique missions, depending on their charter. Federal research laboratories serve the needs of the public at large and have congressionally mandated research agendas. The scientists need to narrow their search process by determining the type of research they wish to pursue.