Education Department, Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York, United States of America.
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America.
PLoS Comput Biol. 2020 May 7;16(5):e1007809. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007809. eCollection 2020 May.
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.
博士后是早期职业研究人员的一个关键转折点。在完成博士学位和找到终身职位之间的这段过渡时期，早期职业研究人员会发展独立的研究计划，并建立可以成就成功事业的合作关系。传统上，博士后为了这些短期任命会搬迁——有时甚至多次搬迁——这给在科学、技术、工程和数学（STEM）领域中传统代表性不足的群体成员带来了不成比例的挑战。然而，许多涉及分析和定量工作的研究活动不需要在实验室中进行实际存在，并且可以远程完成。其他领域已经接受了远程工作，但许多学术界人士一直不愿雇用远程博士后。在本文中，我们为主要研究员（PI）和博士后提供了成功从事远程职位的建议。我们结合了作者（作为远程博士后或远程博士后雇主）的经验，提供了克服与远程工作相关的实际（和感知）障碍的路线图。通过计划、沟通和创造力，远程博士后可以成为研究实验室中一个功能齐全、富有成效的成员。此外，我们的规则对于研究实验室通常也是有用的，并有助于营造更灵活和包容的环境。
