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The second type of project should be

designed to develop the skills of determining

which scientific questions are important,

timely and approachable. Not all questions

can be addressed with present techniques or

contemporary insights. How does one deter-

mine when to pursue a line of investigation

and when to terminate experiments if they

are not producing interpretable data?

Developing a “nose” for important questions

and novel approaches is a more risky line of

experimentation because these scouting

efforts can terminate in a dead end. However,

scientists who wish to lead an area of investi-

gation rather than simply follow approaches

that others have opened must hone these

skills for the future. This skill is also essential

for scientists in careers other than bench sci-

ence. For example, journal editors and scien-

tific reporters need to be able to recognize

blossoming areas of inquiry, just as the appli-

cant for scientific funding needs to identify

new areas of research. This type of project

often requires a more extended period of time

before it is productive and, therefore, is not

optimal for exercising the basic skills

obtained in the “bread and butter” project.

For those individuals interested in pursuing a

career as an independent investigator, tack-

ling this type of project often identifies future

areas of expertise and research.

Preparation for the future does not end

with addressing the technical aspects of sci-

ence. As with most careers, the social aspects

of a profession are also of great importance.

Science is increasingly a team endeavor,

requiring the input of many colleagues to

accomplish a goal. The postdoctoral fellow-

ship period is a time when many aspects of

scientific interactions can be practiced. If

graduate work did not offer the opportunity

to work with others in the laboratory or teach

techniques to others, the fellowship is an

excellent time to extend those experiences. In

addition to the interactions within the labora-

tory group, networking with other laboratory

groups within and among institutions is

important. Discussions and interactions with

other groups lay the basis for future letters of

recommendation, opportunities, friendships

and potential mentors.

Obtaining a graduate degree opens the

door to many professions, some of which

may not even exist at the present time.

Acquiring a basic set of skills as an investiga-

tor will position a new scientist for these

career opportunities and provide a solid plat-

form to launch an exciting future.■

174 CAREER ADVICE FOR LIFE SCIENTISTS II

Demonstrate productivity and creativity.

Refine your scientific way of thinking

and problem-solving.

Learn skills in writing papers and

shepherding them to publication.

Learn oral presentation skills.

Extend technical skills.

Learn grantsmanship.

Learn teaching and supervisory skills.

Learn how to work effectively with

others within the group.

Learn how to collaborate with peers.

Learn how to network.

Stay balanced and have fun.

ELEVEN GOALS FOR A SUCCESSFUL POSTDOCTORAL EXPERIENCE

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