Mentoring
Mentoring is a hallmark of the Gladstone postdoctoral program. The
full development of postdoctoral fellows depends on an excellent
mentoring program to provide role models for scientists just establishing
their careers and to solve problems in the laboratory. Mentoring
Standards
have been developed and distributed to all investigators, postdoctoral
fellows, and graduate students. Each of us has a part in this important
effort.
Principal
Investigators
Mentoring is now a specific item for discussion during the annual
performance reviews, both between trainees and principal investigators
and between Directors and principal investigators. Mentors will
receive feedback about their performance in meeting the mentoring
standards. Principal investigators will receive additional training
in mentoring through management development seminars, talks by outside
investigators who are particularly successful mentors, and distribution
of pertinent literature. This training will focus on issues identified
as needing particular attention.
Postdoctoral
Fellows
We also want to make postdoctoral fellows more aware of procedures
that exist for addressing problems between postdoctoral fellows
and mentors. We encourage fellows to approach their mentor directly.
However, if further action is required, fellows can seek resolution
from the Institute’s Director, the postdoctoral
fellows advisor
in the Human Resources Department, or the President. The Directors
and the Human Resources Department will consider an external consultant
if the conflicts remain unresolved. Training in conflict resolution
(for mentors and trainees) will be incorporated into the in-house
training program (Gladstone Extension).
The
Institutes
Gladstone is creating a mentoring network that extends beyond the
individual laboratories. For example, a “Women in Science” seminar
series gives female fellows an opportunity to interact with successful
women scientists.
The Committee
on Advancement of Women Scientists at Gladstone,
in conjunction with the President, Directors and Human Resources
Department, continually evaluates and recommends changes and develop
new programs to advance women scientists in the Institutes.
|
