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PIs, I want to give you some advice about hiring #postdocs. (Mostly bc I see a lot of y’all here giving advice to grad students). A thread.
If you want to build a diverse and inclusive research group, DO advertise and make your hiring process transparent. You have nothing to lose
If you want to build a diverse and inclusive research group, DO advertise and make your hiring process transparent. You have nothing to lose
Tell applicants what they can expect and why you are conducting the interview process the way you are (i.e. Are they just meeting with you? With the entire lab? What are you looking for and what should they look for?).
If a prospective #postdoc applies through a recruitment program, it is only an indication that the person may feel more comfortable applying through a structured platform. Nothing about their abilities or interest.
Please strongly consider cutting words such as “talented” and “outstanding” from your postdoc ads. What do those words mean in science anyway? Be scientific and brave and say how you quantify those attributes.
If their initial appointment is for a limited time (usually 1 year), does this mean you’ll kick them out after if they don’t get a fellowship? Tell them! This can be a huge source of anxiety for a postdoc with limited support, i.e. low income, or international.
When a new postdoc starts in your lab, try to tell them how you think your lab works and what your expectations are. They likely only have 1 other lab experience, likely different from what your lab is like. It’s ok to be proactive and not let them wonder and guess.
Do you want your postdocs to apply fellowships? Tell them. And not just “you need to get money or I can’t keep you around." Try something like “I think this fellowship would be great for you and you deserve it”.
Nominate them for things! Introduce them to influential people who may review their fellowships. Act as a SPONSOR! You are in the privileged position of authority.
It's in your best interest as a PI to sit with your new (or old) #postdocs and do an IDP (individual development plan). Make it a comfortable and safe discussion. If you expect that they follow in your footstep and they want to do science policy, some disconnects will happen.
It's great to keep giving advice to prospective #postdocs about how to navigate the system. But it's better to identify where you, as a PI, can change the system a little bit and make it fairer and more inclusive. You have the power.
