GETTING STARTED TOWARD A POSTDOC Danielle Mihram, Director Center for Excellence in Teaching University of Southern California

Goal of Postdoctoral Programs To enrich and broaden the research talent of highly qualified Ph.Ds. by providing opportunities for them: – To continue to pursue their research interests, – To develop expertise in new areas, or –To start a new line of research.

Selection Criteria Must have earned a Ph.D. Primary criteria: --Applicant’s scientific capability and potential (as evidenced by originality and independence) --Good match between the applicant’s research interests and the research opportunities available at research centers

When Do I start Planning? Typically the groundwork should begin at least a year in advance : –--Take the time to investigate available opportunities for research that fit your interests and abilities. –--After you have found a listing (listings) contact the appropriate Research adviser: Applicants are usually judged based on their proposed research as well as on their education and the expertise needed to conduct the research. –--Determine application deadlines

Sources of Information (I) 1. National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine (2000). Enhancing the Postdoctoral Experience for Scientists and Engineers: A Guide for Postdoctoral Scholars, Advisers, Institutions, Funding Organizations, and Disciplinary Societies. –--Provides principles, action points, and recommendations for enhancing the postdoctoral experience. Read it online free (PDF):

Sources of Information (II) 2. Research Centers Directory. Detroit, Mich.: Gale Research Co. Latest edition. Supplemented between editions by: New Research Centers. Doheny Reference AS25 D5 ED v. 1 AS25 D5 ED v. 2

Sources of Information (III) 3. Web sites of National Research Centers, National Academies or Institutes, Research Universities. –--Examples: National Center for Atmospheric Research – National Research Council – National Academy of Sciences: Postdoc Associations web links: –

Sources of Information (IV) 4. Web sites of national societies or organizations --Example: Geological Society of America: grants for Post-Doctorates – Postdoctoral Opportunities in Anthropology – “Post-Doc.com” Network –For book: Research-Doctorate Programs in the United States: Continuity and Change, See: