Published: Sept. 23, 2019

Dear Buffy,

When I interviewed for my postdoc, Professor Sarah Reginal told me that once I became comfortable with performing the regular research tasks in our center, I could develop and pursue a research project of my own. I’m at the end of my first year as a postdoc, and the possibility of developing a project of my own is seeming remote. My “routine tasks” take a good 45/50 hours a week, and since my initial interview there has been no mention of me having time for a project that I initiate. Professor Reginal is a major researcher in the area in which I hope to get a faculty position. How do I hold her to her promise without alienating her? I need a good recommendation letter.

Dear Promised One,

Assuming you have a 2-3 year postdoc, one year into your postdoc is a perfect time to raise this issue with your supervising professor. Set up a meeting with her. Tell her you’d like to take stock of your first year and plan for the remainder of your postdoc. I’d encourage you to prepare for the meeting by identifying the tasks you have mastered and the things you have learned. That is, express your appreciation for your experience so far. Then, bring up the issue of having time to develop your own research project. You might say something like, “Now that I’ve gotten comfortable with the responsibilities here, I wanted to figure out how we can revise my duties so I can begin work on a solo research project. At my interview we had discussed me doing this once I got up to speed on my new duties, and I see myself as at that point now.” Most faculty supervisors like to know that a postdoc’s experience with them has been valuable. Tell Professor Reginal about your proposed research project, working to show how the idea connects to an aspect of the work you’ve have done in your postdoc. Be specific about the amount of time per week (e.g., 10-12 hours) that you would need to accomplish  your project and come to the meeting with suggestions about who else might be able to do tasks or how the timeline for postdoc responsibilities could be altered a bit to make possible your proposal.

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"Buffy" is Karen Tracy, Professor Emeritus in Communication & Associate Director of Faculty Relations. Email her at karen.tracy@colorado.edu if you'd like to have a coaching session, a service available to all postdocs, or if you have a question for this column.