Enhancing the Postdoctoral Experience for Scientists and Engineers : A Guide for Postdoctoral Scholars, Advisors, Institutions, Funding Organizations, and Disciplinary Societies

by Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy (U. S.) Panel on Policy Implications of Greenhouse Warming

• ISBN13: 9780309069960
• ISBN10: 0309069963
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-10-01
• Publisher: Natl Academy Pr

Summary

The concept of postdoctoral training came to science and engineering about a century ago. Since the 1960s, the performance of research in the United States has increasingly relied on these recent Ph.D.s who work full-time, but on a temporary basis, to gain additional research experience in preparation for a professional research career.Such experiences are increasingly seen as central to careers in research. But for many, the postdoctoral experience falls short of expectations. Some postdocs indicate that they have not received the recognition, standing, or compensation that is commensurate with their experience and skills. Is this the case? If so, how can the postdoctoral experience be enhanced for the over 40,000 individuals who hold these positions at university, government, and industry laboratories?This new book offers its assessment of the postdoctoral experience and provides principles, action points, and recommendations for enhancing that experience. It is a practical guidebook thatwill be a "must read" for a variety of audiences.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary	p. 1
Postdoctoral Scholars in US Institutions	p. 4
Features of the Postdoctoral Experience	p. 21
Rights, Opportunities, and Responsibilities of the Postdoc	p. 42
The Postdoc and the Adviser	p. 57
The Postdoc and the Institution	p. 70
The Postdoc and the Funding Organization	p. 88
The Postdoc and the Disciplinary Societies	p. 95
Principles, Actions Points, and Recommendations for Enhancing the Postdoctoral Experience	p. 97
Bibliography	p. 110
Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy: Member and Staff Biographical Information	p. 115
Analysis of Quantitative Data on Postdocs	p. 122
Results of Survey of Organizations with Postdoctoral Scholars	p. 138
Summary of Workshop on Enhancing the Postdoctoral Experience	p. 159
Summary of Results from Institutional Focus Groups	p. 175
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.