Mentoring & Training
A mentor is expected to provide the following to the postdoctoral trainee:
- Provision and maintenance of a research environment that is conducive to the postdoctoral scholar’s research and scholarly development.
- Mentoring in all relevant/applicable areas of professional development including grant writing, written and oral communication skills, manuscript preparation and teaching skills.
- Career counseling and assistance in job placement, including timely submission of letters of reference.
- Assistance in developing a professional development plan. MyIDP is one (free) example of a source for developing such a plan.
Applying for Grants
Grant-writing skills and careful administration of resources arising from grants are critical to the future success of postdoctoral trainees. With approval by the divisional dean, department chair and faculty mentor, postdoctoral scholars can serve as the co-principal investigators for grants and contracts and, in some instances, as principal investigators.
Accompanying the approval of the preceding levels of authority, however, is the responsibility for the chair and dean to ensure that the postdoctoral scholar is cognizant of all obligations and responsibilities associated with PI status. Normally, individuals who qualify for PI and co-PI status are postdoctoral scholars who are well advanced in their training with experience in directing research, managing budgets and supervising employees and who also understand the rules, regulations and policies of the university and the sponsoring agency.