Fresh out of the box – defining who you are Jennifer Gooch, PhD Emory University Department of Medicine / Renal Atlanta VAMC

The independent researcher Doctoral graduates Post-doctoral trainees Faculty Tenure-track faculty 100% 65% 33% 15%

Part 1: What is independence and how do you get it? Part 2: Now that I am independent, what does that mean?

What is independence? Traditional / simple answer: Develop and pursue your own research objectives Work in your own lab space Principal Investigator (PI) on a grant Senior author on publications

Independence…cont’d Other answers? Occupy a unique niche Specialized skill or expertise Run a core lab Teach a demanding course Add value

An independent academic scientist is… Someone with expertise in a specialized area (usually research) and directs the course of their own work. The person who fills out all the paperwork!

How do you get there? *Move Get an RO1 *Publish without mentor PI on Starter grant 1-2 post-doc fellowships * Whatever you do, do not have children

Establish an area of expertise Write a review Join a professional society Organize a session at a meeting Invite other experts in your area to your institution to give seminars (and meet you)

Publish without mentor To move or not to move? Don’t move PI on grant Publish without mentor INDEPENDENT! Move

Collaborating with previous mentor Your topic / area: You are senior author

Family…….? Graduate students Post-doc Tenured Faculty All Men Women 13% 12% 14% 40% 50% 30% 65% 72% 50%

Figure 6. The “Baby Lag” for Tenure-Track Women Faculty at the University of California From: M.A. Mason and M. Goulden. Do Babies Matter (Part II)? Closing the Baby Gap. Academe 90(6), 2004. Freely available at: http://www.aaup.org/AAUP/pubsres/academe/2004/ND/Feat/04ndmaso.htm

Take-home Independence is the start of a sustainable career built on an area of expertise. There are many “guidelines” but few rules for getting there.

Now that you are there – Who are you? Faculty “Early career” “Junior” Colleague Employee Mentor / advisor Manager Accountant Salesman

Emory HSC organizational chart SOM DOM Renal You Are Here Gooch Lab

The view above: Mentors SOM DOM Renal

The view above: Mentors Finding a mentor: Programs versus Brownian movement? Mentors don’t have to look like you, they just have to be invested in you. It is okay (and usually good) to have more than one mentor.

What mentors can contribute to independence Role model / advice Networking – their network becomes your network [consider this when choosing a mentor(s)] Service and teaching opportunities

The view around: colleagues and collaborators

Networking with your peers Look around – your peers are also future division chiefs, department chairs, deans, APS Presidents, etc. Find shared interests or activities Put time into these relationships – they will pay off in many ways

Develop collaborations Adds techniques to your research toolbox Co-authorships are a great way to increase your productivity!

The view below: employees, students and fellows Gooch Lab

You are now the boss Manage employees Mentor students and trainees You are now a role model

Managing employees Graduate students: 4-5 years Post-doctoral research fellows: 2-4 years Technicians / Research assistants: 2-3 years

You are now a role model! “In response to open-ended questions on our survey, many respondents said that they did not want lifestyles like those of their advisers or other faculty in their departments.” From: Why Graduate Students Reject the Fast Track A study of thousands of doctoral students shows that they want balanced lives. By M.A. Mason, M. Goulden, and K. Frasch. Academe 1:11–16, 2009. Freely available online at: http://www.aaup.org/AAUP/pubsres/academe/2009/JF/Feat/maso.htm

Model what you value Passion for science Hobbies Exercise Family