“Life After the Ph.D.: Finding a Post-Doctoral Fellowship” Interview and Follow-up Donna H. Korzick, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Physiology and Kinesiology The Pennsylvania State University EB 2004

Interview and Follow-up I.The Interview A.Preparation for you visit: homework B.During your visit: listen and ask questions II.The Follow-Up A.After your visit: homework B.The Negotiation: salary, moving expenses, etc III.The Decision

How Long Does a Post- Doctoral Experience Last? 2 – 5 years Usually in one place Years 1-2: learn new techniques (tools in the toolbox) low risk project handed to you Years 3-5:high risk project make the project “your own” find YOUR niche Remember: Your #1 competition will be your Ph.D. advisor, find your niche

Preparing for the Interview  Get an itinerary beforehand (communicate with the secretary/administrative assistant)  Do your homework  Become familiar with the individuals on your itinerary  Perform a literature search/know their research  Have you been asked to give a seminar?  Obtain information on the type of room in which you will be presenting (large vs small group)  Know your audience and plan ahead

 Listen carefully -To what is said and unsaid - Be attentive  Ask questions of current trainees -examples “What is an average day like in the lab?” “ Do you meet with Dr. _____ often?” “What kind of projects are you working on?” During Your Visit

Questions You Should Ask Any Potential Post-Doctoral Mentor  Where will you fit in the general scheme of the lab?  To Whom will you report? your mentor? some middle-management flunky?  How much freedom/flexibility will you have?  What is his/her vision/goals for you?

Questions You Should Ask Any Potential Post-Doctoral Mentor, cont.  Low Risk vs High Risk Projects – make them articulate this plan  What is their philosophy on training post-doc’s?  Other career development issues: -Publishing -Grant writing individual NRSA transition awards (NIH KO1, AHA SDG)

The Follow-Up: After Your Visit  Thank you letter - avoid overly effusive language - be honest with a timeline for your decision  Talk to previous trainees about “what it’s really like” - get names from potential mentor - what they tell you or don’t tell you means alot!  Get input from your current mentor  Get input from senior investigators in the field about the mentor/laboratory

How Do You Negotiate An Offer Once a Mentor has been Identified? Things you should eventually ask about/expect: - “When and How” do you ask for this stuff? - Moving Expenses (this can be done by asking to start your salary one month earlier if moving expenses are not customary) - Guaranteed two years of support NIH Stipend: $35,568 (0 years experience) - Supplemental Pay: cost of living? - Full Benefit Package - Travel to at least one meeting/year

The Decision: How Do you Select the Perfect Post- Doctoral Mentor?  Follow Your Heart!  Environment/Resources  What is his/her reputation  Big Lab vs Little Lab? Lots of pressure vs less pressure  Pedigree goes a long way and opens doors!  Talk to people at meetings – What kind of reputation does he/she have?

Korzick’s Words of Wisdom  Good post-doc’s write their ticket….  Take advantage of every and any opportunity that comes your way – you’ll never have that much freedom again!  Publish Publish Publish  Get your own NRSA  Get a career development award to take with you!  Demonstrate independence and creativity every chance you get  Always do MORE than you are asked  Don’t be afraid to do something different – nothing is permanent!