Biophysical Society Bulletin | April 2020

Career Development

Working Towards and Negotiating Autonomy as a Postdoc

The transition period between earning a PhD and establishing a long-term sustainable career often involves post- doctoral training. Life as a postdoctoral researcher (postdoc) brings a number of exciting opportunities to join dif- ferent laboratories, acquire new skills, network, travel, etc. However, this time is equally challenging and brings a lot of uncertainties, especially about what future opportunities await. Developing certain skills is critical when pursuing career opportunities in either academia, industry, or other employment sectors. One such skill is autonomy or independence, which often receives less atten- tion during postdoctoral training compared to research-based and techniques-based skills and peer-reviewed publications. So how does one work towards gaining autonomy? Active communication is a critical first step. A postdoc should actively communicate with their supervisor and discuss their progress in the laboratory. They should explain their roles in any new developments such as designing a protocol or proce- dure that is efficient and resource-saving, or troubleshooting steps related to experiments or laboratory operation. A post- Cottrell Scholar Award (CSA) The CSA is available to early career faculty at US and Canadian research universities and primarily undergradu- ate institutions. Awards are for three-year projects in the amount of $100,000 for the entire project. Who may apply: Eligible applicants are tenure-track faculty who hold primary or courtesy appointments in chemistry, physics, or astronomy departments that offer bachelor’s and/or graduate degrees in the applicant’s discipline. Deadline: July 1, 2020 Website: https:/ rescorp.org/cottrell-scholars/cot- trell-scholar-award/guidelines Grants & Opportunities

doc should also take leadership roles in project development, implementation, figuring out funding opportunities for their work (e.g., postdoctoral fellowships and travel grants), as well as for research dissemination, such as writing manuscripts and presenting their research at conferences. One of the roles of a supervisor is to provide an environment that motivates trainees in their laboratory to come up with new ideas, ways to design experiments, and even realistic side-projects. A postdoc should always identify such opportunities and take a leadership role to demonstrate that they are ready to gain autonomy. A postdoctoral trainee should also communicate about their future goals with their supervisor and ask for sug- gestions to help them achieve those goals. Once a supervisor observes such signs of maturity, they would likely encour- age the trainee to further enhance their skills by assuming a semi-independent group leader role within their group. Aside from being an outstanding researcher, a postdoctoral trainee should also develop interpersonal skills, treat col- leagues in the laboratory and out with respect and fairness, have a long-term plan, and acknowledge help from colleagues

appropriately. — Molly Cule

Wellcome Collaborative Awards in Science Collaborative Awards promote the development of new ideas and speed the pace of discovery. This opportunity funds teams of researchers, consisting of independent research groups, to work together on the most import- ant scientific problems that can only be solved through collaborative efforts. Who may apply: Eligible applicants must be from teams of research programs at institutes in the United King- dom, Republic of Ireland, or in low- or middle-income countries. Deadline: April 21, 2020 Website: https:/wellcome.ac.uk/funding/schemes/col- laborative-awards-science

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