Ten Simple Rules for a successful remote postdoc

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 timesfor 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.

Creating community: How we collectively built an adaptable postdoctoral program to develop skills and overcome isolation

“…Others have provided thoughtful and useful suggestions for what universities, professional societies, and academia as a whole can do to support early career researchers in this vulnerable and often lonely career stage (e.g., Stephan 2013;Powell 2015;Shaw et al 2015;Burgio et al 2020). Here, we complement these suggestions with our recommendations for how postdocs can create their own peer-led community.…”

“…Increasingly, postdocs can expand on the academic skills and knowledge gained in graduate school to build a bridge to careers outside the academy (Powell 2014;Sauermann & Roach 2016). Despite these benefits, personal and professional isolation is common among postdocs, resulting from relocation away from support networks or from remote work (Arnold 2014;Burgio et al 2020). These challenges can interfere with opportunities for development of skills and collaborations, introduce personal logistical constraints (e.g., childcare, inflexibility in job location of partners/family), and negatively affect productivity and mental health.…”

From a crisis to an opportunity: Eight insights for doing science in the COVID‐19 era and beyond

“…But working remotely sometimes raises a lot of challenges in terms of "real-time" collaboration (Geange et al, 2020;Holt et al, 2020;Trogisch et al, 2020). Online collaboration tools enable us to work together efficiently, either through facilitating communication, the sharing or storage of files and documentation, and the capacity to work in a coordinated manner (Burgio et al, 2020). Tools for online collaboration must support the three main requirements of most As the most popular tools for remote team communication, we may recommend a combination of a videoconferencing app (many such apps exist, and they have become very popular during social distancing), and online communication tools that allow group messaging.…”

Pipelines Bent, Pipelines Broken: Interdisciplinary Self-Reflection on the Impact of COVID-19 on Current and Future Research (Position Paper)

“…While permanent remote-working is often accepted in online business or web development, academia has mandated local collaboration thus far. We believe that working models such as a remote postdoctoral phase will become more common now that better acceptance and better infrastructure has made long-term remote working possible [8].…”