Having basic expectations about our postdoctoral scholars is crucial because it ensures alignment between the scholar and their mentor and fosters a productive and mutually beneficial relationship. Clear expectations provide a framework for understanding responsibilities, work-life balance, and career development opportunities. They help establish goals, timelines, and measures of success. Moreover, knowing what to expect in terms of mentorship, funding, resources, and publication opportunities allows postdocs to focus on their research and professional growth. Ultimately, a shared understanding benefits the researcher, their mentor and the Kadanoff Center by enhancing collaboration and ensuring that valuable skills and contributions are cultivated effectively.
All postdoctoral scholars are expected to attend the weekly Kadanoff (Mondays at 1:30pm) and Theory Group (Wednesdays at 1:30pm) seminars, as well as their respective group meetings, during the school year. These are essential for fostering collaboration, staying informed about ongoing research, and contributing to the intellectual community. These seminars and meetings provide valuable opportunities to share ideas, gain feedback, and build professional relationships within the Kadanoff Center. While in person attendance is generally preferred, it is not required and remote connections and recordings are available for those times when in person attendance is impossible. Travel to conferences or other meetings are also an important piece of the postdoctoral experience that we expect our scholars to partake in. We hope that scholars will bring the knowledge they gained away from the University back to the Kadanoff Center to share with their colleagues.
While some postdoctoral scholars view the position as a stepping stone to an academic career, it is completely acceptable to transition out of academia. This decision should be viewed as a natural and valid career path. Postdoctoral training provides a wide range of transferable skills that are highly valued in many industries. If you are considering this path, it is important to have open and honest conversations with your mentor. They can offer guidance, connect you with relevant opportunities, and help you leverage your expertise in non-academic careers. Remember, your mentor’s role is to help you succeed in whatever path aligns with your goals, whether that’s inside or outside of academia. In the event that you secure a job during your postdoctoral appointment, we consider that a success and will work with you to transition as quickly and smoothly as possible from your appointment to your new position.