Ten Simple Rules for a successful remote postdoc

PLoS Comput Biol. 2020 May 7;16(5):e1007809. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007809. eCollection 2020 May.

Abstract

Postdocs are a critical transition for early-career researchers. This transient period, between finishing a PhD and finding a permanent position, is when early-career researchers develop independent research programs and establish collaborative relationships that can make a successful career. Traditionally, postdocs physically relocate-sometimes multiple times-for these short-term appointments, which creates challenges that can disproportionately affect members of traditionally underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, many research activities involving analytical and quantitative work do not require a physical presence in a lab and can be accomplished remotely. Other fields have embraced remote work, yet many academics have been hesitant to hire remote postdocs. In this article, we present advice to both principal investigators (PIs) and postdocs for successfully navigating a remote position. Using the combined experience of the authors (as either remote postdocs or employers of remote postdocs), we provide a road map to overcome the real (and perceived) obstacles associated with remote work. With planning, communication, and creativity, remote postdocs can be a fully functioning and productive member of a research lab. Further, our rules can be useful for research labs generally and can help foster a more flexible and inclusive environment.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Career Choice
  • Education, Distance / methods*
  • Education, Distance / trends
  • Engineering / education
  • Humans
  • Mathematics / education
  • Preceptorship / methods*
  • Research Personnel / education*
  • Science / education
  • Technology / education

Grants and funding

This work was partially supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s DataDriven Discovery Initiative through grant GBMF4563 to EPW (https://www.moore.org/programs/science). KRB was supported by National Science Foundation NRT- IGE grant #1545458 (awarded to M. Rubega) (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505473). CMM, SBB, KEI, and AKT are supported by the David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship, funded by the Cedar Tree Foundation and administered by the Society for Conservation Biology (http://cedartreefound.org/smith-fellows-program). AKT is also supported by a Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship (IT12751) co-sponsored by the Pacific Salmon Foundation and Genome British Columbia (https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/accelerate/fellowship). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.