PME Postdoc Office has developed these resources and tools with postdoc professional growth and success in mind. These tools are designed to support postdocs in making the most of their postdoctoral training, enhancing career advancement, and positioning them for success.
- PME Postdoc Handbook: This is a guide for incoming and existing postdocs to help them navigate their time at an PME University of Chicago. It has information on guidelines and policies, benefits, expectations, training and education, resources, and an onboarding checklist.
- PME Postdoc Ethics Training: PME Postdoc Office conducts an in-person Responsible Conduct of Research Training for PME Postdocs. In addition postdocs take the course online through CITI and complete the modules with an average score of 80% to get a completion certificate. This is a mandatory training.
- Postdoc Progress Assessment Form: This form provides a structured framework for evaluating progress during the time as a PME postdoc, facilitating constructive feedback sessions, and identifying areas for growth. It helps document achievements, milestones, and skills acquired, which are essential for showcasing your progress in grant applications and career advancement. In addition, it is also important to plan next step and career growth.
The form is to be shared and discussed between faculty and postdoc to facilitate career growth, feedback, and reappointment. It is recommended to have this meeting 3 months prior to reappointment which can facilitate enough notice to HR, especially in case visa renewal for postdoc is required and gives time for negotiations and discussion, if needed.
- Postdoc-Faculty Expectation Alignment Document: Clear alignment of expectations between postdocs and their mentors is crucial for effective mentorship and successful project outcomes. This document ensures that both parties are on the same page regarding research goals, timelines, and responsibilities, fostering a productive working relationship. Again, this tool is to be shared and discussed between faculty and postdoc.
- Postdoc Roadmap: A roadmap outlining research plan and career goals is invaluable for staying focused and organized. It helps postdocs prioritize tasks, set realistic timelines, and track your progress towards milestones, ultimately contributing to career progression and grant success. This tool is for postdocs self-reflection to plan what skills they need to develop in their postdoc timeline.
- Postdoc Skills Self-Assessment: Self-awareness of your skills and areas for improvement is key to personal and professional growth. This assessment tool enables you to reflect on your strengths, identify areas for development, and tailor your training and career development activities accordingly. Again, this tool is for postdocs self-reflection.
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Some of these documents are intended to provide postdocs and faculty with a model document that can be used as is or as a starting point to customize for their own needs.
These tools are designed to streamline processes, promote accountability, and ultimately enhance the overall postdoc experience within PME. And given that the career and professional development plan is a valued component of training grants and fellowship applications, these tools can play a pivotal role in enhancing the competitiveness of grant applications to secure external funding. PME Postdoc Office encourages postdocs to familiarize themselves with these tools and integrate them into their postdoc journey. Proactive engagement with these resources will undoubtedly contribute to success and fulfillment during this important phase of your career.
If postdocs have any questions or would like to meet individually to strategize for the particular needs, schedule an appointment with Vipul Sharma, Director for PME Postdoctoral Affairs.