Guidance on Choosing a Postdoctoral Position

The National Postdoctoral Association has developed A Prospective Postdoc's Guide to Choosing a Postdoc to assist graduate students in their decision to do a postdoc. This PDF includes resources to decide if a postdoc is right for you, choosing the right postdoc, creating your niche as a postdoc, how to apply for a postdoc, what to send in your postdoc application/letter, and acing your postdoc interview.

You must first define what kind of postdoc you need to reach your career goals and identify research areas/labs that excite you and will help you develop your career. 

Additional resources to help you choose the right postdoc that are mentioned in the PDF include:

• PLOS Biology article on Ten Simple Rules for Selecting a Postdoctoral Position.
• National Postdoctoral Association's Going in with Your Eyes Open: What to ask before you accept a U.S. Postdoc Position.
• National Postdoctoral Association's Finding the "Perfect Postdoc" For You by Carol L. Manahan, PhD.
• The Addgene blog post, Choosing a Good Mentor for Scientists by Joanne Kamens.
• If your career objective is to go into industry, consider a postdoc in industry or in a region with biotech/pharm companies. Read the Industrial postdocs: The road less traveled article at ScienceCareers.
• Recovering from postdoc mistakes by ScienceCareers for tips on taking charge of your career with your postdoc.