Mentoring and Training Postdoctoral Researchers

The University of California and agencies that sponsor research emphasize effective mentoring of postdoctoral scholars. Indeed, as of 2009, the NSF requires each investigator to include a mentoring plan in each proposal that requests support for postdoctoral researchers. 

NSF Requirement for Mentoring Postdoctoral Research Fellows

Effective Jan. 5, 2009, NSF requires each proposal that includes a postdoctoral researcher on the budget to contain a separate mentoring plan that describes mentoring activities for the postdoctoral scholar. The following excerpt from the NSF Grant Proposal Guide (December 26, 2014) explains the requirement: 

“Each proposal that requests funding to support postdoctoral researchers must include, as a separate section within the 15-page Project Description, a description of the mentoring activities that will be provided for such individuals. • Examples of mentoring activities include, but are not limited to: career counseling; training in preparation of grant proposals, publications and presentations; guidance on ways to improve teaching and mentoring skills; guidance on how to effectively collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplinary areas; and training in responsible professional practices. Mentoring activities provided to postdoctoral researchers support on the project will evaluated under the Broader Impacts review criterion. • If a Postdoctoral Researcher Mentoring Plan is required, FastLane will not permit submission of a proposal if the Plan is missing.” 

UC Policy on Mentoring Postdoctoral Researchers

At the University of California, postdoctoral experience emphasizes scholarship and continued research training under the oversight of a faculty mentor. 

"Faculty mentors are responsible for guiding and monitoring the advanced training of postdoctoral scholars. In that role, faculty mentors should make clear the goals, objectives and expectations of the training program, and the responsibilities of postdoctoral scholars. They should regularly and frequently communicate with postdoctoral scholars, provide regular and timely assessments of the postdoctoral scholar's performance, and provide career advice and job placement assistance." From University of California Academic Personnal Manual, Section 390-6: Responsibility.

What is mentoring?

Scientific mentoring is a personal, one-on-one relationship between a more experienced scientist and a junior scientist, through which the trainee receives guidance and encouragement that contributes to professional development.

Why should you be a good mentor?

Good mentoring should be viewed as an essential ingredient for ensuring the postdoctoral-mentor relationship is professionally productive. Mentors also often mention deriving personal satisfaction from helping nurture the next generation of scientists. 

Traits of a good mentor:

  • Accessibility: Keep an open door and an approachable attitude.
  • Empathy: Use your personal insight into what the trainee is experiencing.
  • Open mindedness: Maintain respect for each trainee's individuality and for working styles.
  • Patience: Be aware that people make mistakes, and that each person matures at his or her own rate.
  • Honesty: Cultivate the ability to communicate hard truths about the tainee's chances of success.
  • Savviness: Pay attention to the pragmatic aspects of career development.
  • Trust: As a mentor, you are privvy to considerable information about your trainee, including accomplishments, failures, financial situations and possibly even personal information. Information should be treated as confidential so your trainees feel he or she can trust you and share ideas and problems with you. 

Strategies for effective mentoring in your lab:

  • Make everything a learning opportunity
  • Set specific goals and measures of accomplishment
  • Encourage strategic thinking and creativity
  • Uphold professional standards
  • Impart skills
  • Provide networking opportunities
  • Give moral support

Resources and Literature on Postdoctoral Mentoring