Secrets of a Successful Post-doc
Dining under the super moon recently, the conversation between two SWS (senior woman scientists) turned to the topic of how best to advise junior scientists embarking on a two-year post-doctoral fellowship. Here is our recipe for success: a) get your thesis papers submitted….on your own time; b) get your project off the ground quickly with an eye toward writing up new material by end of first year; and c) write/submit an NSF (or like) proposal in first year. If these tasks are accomplished, the second year will likely be even more productive and you will be strongly positioned in a cut-throat job market. If you are contemplating children, pay close attention to your benefits and the timing of allowed parental leaves. For instance, if you start employment at Columbia with a one-month-old you may have little recourse to stop your 2-yr employment clock.
Here is a link to an AGU webinar on same topic.














