Postdoctoral Research Resources
Preparing
Onboarding
Welcome from the Postdoctoral Scholar Office
Postdoctoral Scholar Orientation – Attend the orientation given by the Postdoctoral Office. Both principal investigators (PI) and postdoctoral scholar will receive email invites. Orientations are given several times throughout the year.
ISU Postdoc Association (PDA) - Attend the General Meetings. The PDA provides a professional setting with guest speakers, great peer connections and discussions at social gatherings.
Ask your PI for available resources in the lab and at ISU that could facilitate the start-up period.
Postdocs will receive a welcome email from the postdoctoral scholar Office and also from the ISU Postdoc Association.
Benefits - An information packet will be sent in the email two to three weeks after your appointment begins.
Resources
- Benefits
- Pre-Arrival Info for New ISU Postdoctoral Scholars
- Post-Arrival for New ISU Postdoctoral Scholars
- First six months for postdoctoral scholars
- ISU Postdoc Association
- National Postdoc Association - International Postdoc Survival Guide
- International Students and Scholars Office
- Des Moines Airport Shuttle Service
- Jefferson Lines Bus Service
- Map
- Safety at Iowa State
- Weather
- Cyride
Wellness and Community
- ISU WellBeing
- ISU – Employee Assistance Program - 24/7 Benefits with a direct line to free confidential and professional help.
- University Resources
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
- Ames Public Library
- Ames Main Street Cultural District
- Ames Chamber of Commerce
- Ames Park and Recreation
- Discover Ames Events
- Main Street Farmer’s Market
- North Grand Farmer’s Market
- Iowa Public Radio
- Ames Public Library
Communication and Mentoring
Utilize the ISU Postdoctoral Scholar Experience Outline as a communication tool to discuss with your PI/Mentor your scientific, educational, and professional goals, expectations, etc.
Ask for any questions/clarification from your PI, colleagues, and department staff. Do not worry: Asking for clarification is expected. Having a clear understanding leads to meeting goals and achieving success.
Take the initiative - Seek additional mentors.
Resources
- NPA – Core Competencies Checklist
- University of Wisconsin ICTR Mentees: Selection Resources
- Making the Right Moves: a Practical Guide for New Faculty and Postdocs Burroughs Welcome Fund and Howard Hughes Institute
- How to Be Proactive in Your Mentoring Relationships - NPA
- English Together – ISSO Office: Weekly Meeting to practice English with people from different cultures and traditions
- Recovering From Postdoctoral Scholar Mistakes – Science Magazine
- Lessons Learned
- Conflict Management
- Ombuds Office - A service on campus that is a professional, confidential, independent, and neutral resource available to informally work through work-place challenges with colleagues or supervisors, or policies and procedures.