Inside the sealed envelope what’s in an (ideal) letter of recommendation Henrik Dohlman Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics University of North Carolina May 19, 2009

Qualities of the ideal job candidate Research Productivity Scholarship Communication Citizenship

Research Asks important questions Conceives and conducts purposeful and informative experiments, and critically interprets their outcome Knows the literature Understands the strengths and limitations of each method

Productivity Is a ‘self starter’ Is ‘versatile’ Manages time wisely Is assertive about seeking advice when necessary Is ‘versatile’ Is fearless and willing to use any tool needed to answer the question Manages time wisely Uses computers at work to do work Employers & NIH care only about data!

Scholarship Sees ‘the big picture’ Attends seminars Makes unexpected connections Reads the literature Is considered an expert Shares ideas Speaks up at meetings Is a resource to others

Communication Describes findings clearly and can explain the importance of her work Read Science and Nature. What makes these “short, high impact” articles so special? Seeks opportunities to present Takes the lead on writing manuscripts Speaks at meetings Seeks feedback Is enthusiastic

Communication 1. What is known? 2. What is not known? 3. What is the approach? 4. What is the result? 5. What is the conclusion?

Citizenship Is a ‘team player’ Raises the productivity of her peers Is willing to lend expertise by providing help that is useful and pertinent Takes responsibility Replace reagents & clean up after yourself Volunteers to do what needs to be done