Compact
The compact between postdoctoral scholars and faculty mentors is a document to initiate discussion about the postdoc-mentor relationship and obligations for a high-quality postdoctoral training experience.
Compact Details
- Recognizes that a postdoctoral appointment is a time-bound training position where a scholar should demonstrate preparation for a timely transition to an independent career.
- Develops a mutually defined research project(s) with the mentor that includes well-defined goals.
- Participates actively and conscientiously in a research project(s) outlined in discussion with the faculty.
- Creates an Individual Development Plan when they arrive at UNMC. Seeks regular feedback on their performance and participates in a formal evaluation by the mentor at least annually through the UNeVal online performance evaluation system. Modifies the IDP as their research and career goals evolve.
- Proactively works to develop new knowledge, skills and abilities that will make them a better scientist.
- Exhibits good laboratory practice including the careful maintenance of research records and maintains compliance with all university and professional standards for biosafety, animals and human subjects.
- Complies with UNMC policies, agreements, and guidelines on scientific conduct, confidentiality, intellectual property, and laboratory practices, including those involving mentor's projects (current or prospective) for the training purposes.
- Maintains collegial conduct towards mentor and co-workers. Complies with all UNMC, NIH, NSF and other relevant professional codes of conduct for interpersonal relationships.
- Attends orientation and mandatory Responsible Conduct in Research workshop in the first year. Attends career building programs offered by the Office of Postdoctoral Education and other University departments. Completes certificate programs to build professional skills outside of the laboratory.
- Understands that wellness is a critical part of any successful and sustainable scientific career and takes proactive steps to foster physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
- Recognize that a postdoctoral appointment is a time-bound training position and their obligation to a postdoctoral scholar is to prepare them for timely transition to an independent career.
- Ensures that a mutually agreed upon set of expectations and goals are in place at the outset of the postdoctoral training.
- Provides adequate facilities, resources and guidance to achieve the agreed upon goals of the postdoctoral scholar.
- Ensures timely submission of the scholar’s research for publication/presentation and that they get appropriate credit.
- Provides adequate guidance and mentoring in manuscript preparation and presentation of scientific work.
- Meets with a new postdoctoral scholar to build an Individual Development Plan. Reviews scholar's performance annually, in terms of research endeavor and career development through UNeVal online performance evaluation system. Discusses how research and career goals may have evolved.
- Complies with all UNMC, NIH, NSF and other relevant professional codes of conduct for interpersonal relationships.
- Ensures that a postdoctoral scholar attends Orientation and mandatory training (IDP, CITI and RCR workshop) in their first year.
- Encourages scholars to attend career development workshops/seminars and complete certificate programs.
- Understands that wellness is a critical part of any successful and sustainable scientific career and takes proactive steps to foster the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of their mentees.