Support for Mentors

The desired outcome of a postdoctoral appointment is for the postdoc to receive sufficient and relevant training and experience to enhance their skill set and achieve a desired profession.

Mentoring is a sustained committed relationship from which both individuals benefit.

Guidelines for Mentoring Postdocs

  • Review the six core competencies established by the National Postdoctoral Association to offer guidance to postdoctoral associates and scholars.
    1. Discipline-specific conceptual knowledge
    2. Research skill development
    3. Communication skills
    4. Professionalism
    5. Leadership and management skills
    6. Responsible conduct of research
  • Clearly outline your expectations. Ask the postdoc to share their expectations.
  • Create a timeline of goals and expectations, for both you and the postdoc, for the duration of the postdoc appointment.
  • Assist the postdoc in developing an Individual Development Plan (IDP) within the first 2-3 months of the postdoctoral appointment. 
  • Periodically review the IDP and provide constructive feedback.
  • Review the Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and their Mentors (see below) and submit a signed copy to the Postdoctoral Programs Office within 90 days of the postdoc's start date.
  • Have regularly meetings to discuss progress.
  • Encourage the postdoc to network with individuals within and outside of the University and create opportunities for them to do so.
  • Encourage the postdoc to seek additional mentors who can contribute to the postdoc's success.
  • Encourage the postdoc to participate in University professional development events to further improve their research, teaching, and cross-cutting skills.
  • Promote research independence, creativity, and innovation in your postdoc.
  • Be conscious of the postdoc's mental well-being and work-life balance.
  • Provide career support and advice on job searches and finding the right position. Help the postdoc assess whether a particular opportunity fits the postdoc's skill set and long-term goals.

Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors

The Compact was drafted by the AAMC Group on Graduate Research, Education, and Training (GREAT) and its Postdoctorate Committee. Click here to read more. All new postdocs at the University of Miami are required to review the Compact (Click here to download the Compact) with their mentors, and return a signed copy to the Postdoctoral Programs Office at postdoc@miami.edu within 90 days of the start of the postdoctoral assignment.

Resources for Mentors