Harvard Medicine

April 15, 2008
HMS postdoc office, formerly (name withheld by request)

postdoc outcomes

Tracking postdoc outcomes has been suggested but is not necessarily mandated by funding sources, which might account for the lack of data. There needs to be an institutional commitment to set up procedures and acquire funding to gather such data. Presently, it might not be as important to know actual numbers of fellows that pursue various careers other than faculty as to know the transitional paths taken. Positions in law, policy, education administration,and business (to give a few examples) are not attained in an immediate manner and may require some further training. Providing postdocs with access to career services will assist in gathering information on further training. A few postdocs willing to return and speak to others would be helpful also. Alternatively, one might consider setting up interdepartmental postdoctoral fellowships in the future. This might allow a science or engineering fellow to spent time in the business school, or the law school, or school of government. Retention of scientists is important. I see no mention of reentry programs per se. It is unclear as to whether courses might be open to those wishing to retrain. So many fellowships stipulate time from degree eligibility. This needs to be adressed at the funding level where retraining might restore eligibility.

These are all fantastic points, some of which are in the pipeline and some that need critical attention. Currently the HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows and Information Technology are developing a robust database of current postdocs that will allow for the collection of outcome data. Once launched we will be able to build a “postdoc alumni” network for future postdoctoral fellows to connect with others pursuing non-traditional careers in science and beyond.
We agree, that key to the future success of postdocs is receiving career services and counseling throughout their training at HMS and these resources are actively being negotiated. Currently, we are offering one-on-one counseling on Friday mornings, this is a pilot project that we hope to continue. Aside from one-on-one counseling, the Office also offers career panels, seminars, and monthly career discussion hours covering non-traditional career paths and the ancillary skills necessary for a meaningful career beyond the bench.

To quickly address retraining of scientists, it should be noted that Harvard-paid postdocs have the option of using the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to explore additional career options at many of our other Schools during their time at HMS.

The HMS//HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows

HMS Strategic Planning

Comments and Discussion