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Personal thoughts on how to go from PhD degree to independent group leader.
Johan [email protected]
MD 2007, LundPhD 2007, LundPostdoc 2007-2011, Whitehead Institute, MIT, Boston,Group leader 2011- now, Lund
Where to go?
Why postdoc (“post PhD”)?
• …California and learn to surf.
• …a big city and enjoy life
• …Lund and not need to sell my renovated “bostadsrätt”.
So I can live in:
Why postdoc (“pre-group leader”)?
• So I in a few years can become an independent researcher.
• Good! Then you need a plan!
http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/34849/title/Best-Places-to-Work-Postdocs-2013/
What you need after postdoc to start an independent research group:
• Ideas– Identify scientific problems YOU will solve– Think large and long-term
• Money – Get your grant applications funded
• CV– Pedigree, good training– A clear scientific identity– Publication without PhD supervisor
• Scientific leadership– Take courses and co-supervise students
• Network– Not only past supervisors, break free!
How to choose/get the ultimate postdoc experience?
• Identify at least 3 dream labs with research topics that fit your long-term goals. Get postdoc interviews.
• Find out about each PI and lab– Cheap labor vs. mentored career development?– A place where your own ideas will grow?– Success ratio of previous postdocs?– Informal talks with postdocs, what is the lab really like?
• Find out about the institution– Benefits– Scientific interactions– Housing
Do I have to leave Sweden?
• It will be much, much easier to become an independent scientist if you do!– Independence!– New skills!– Network!– Funding!
Tips on getting grantsduring and after postdoc
• Take out your PhD as late as possible– Many start up grants can only be applied
for within 5-7 years after PhD.• Start long before deadline, feedback
from peers!• A good postdoc lab and you will be
funded by VR, EMBO et c.
How long should a postdoc be?
• Move on from your postdoc while your first paper is still hot.– A good paper is important but most important is that you
have great ideas for future studies.– When you have your great ideas, move! – Don’t start working on you great future ideas until you leave
your postdoc lab!– If possible, leave on good terms with the PI.– If not possible, leave anyway!– Start looking for the next place long before you intend to
move. It takes time to get a position, grants, collaborations, staff et c.
Return to Sweden or even Lund?
• Most postdocs return but……the more options you keep open the greater your chances will be!
Several postdoc grants come with “återvändarbidrag” to help you get back home. This can be a great help or a trap!
