The postdoctoral years make up an important phase for an early career scientist. This is a time for extensive training, exposure to new ideas, and exploring options for the future. Who you train with will have a big impact on where you go next. Finding a mentor that works best for you and your needs is vital for your long-term success and happiness.

All prospective postdoctoral fellows are encouraged to reach out to individual investigators or speak with your current supervisor/thesis mentor for recommendations. Use these resources to identify prospective mentors:

• Michigan Experts database (by topic, name, or free text excerpts)
• Biomedical Sciences faculty search (by name, program, or research topic)
• Review department websites to identify faculty in your area of science: see a list of departments in the Medical School

Here are some questions to help guide you on your quest for a postdoctoral position:

• Do they have the research I want to do?
• Do they have a mentor that matches my interests?
• Can I visit the lab?
• Can I speak with current trainees to ask them about their experiences?
• Will this mentor support time outside of the lab to attend events, seminars and other professional development?
• Would I be the type of person who will do well there?
• What type of person would thrive there?
• What type of person would be frustrated?
• Where are the last few trainees now?
• What do I need to be happy?