University of Pennsylvania
Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
Postdoc Annual Review
The Postdoctoral Annual Review Process
This resource is intended to assist faculty mentors in reviewing the performance and
achievements of postdoctoral appointees in their labs/clinics. This tool should be used in
conjunction with University and Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs (BPP) policies regarding
Postdoc and Mentor Obligations. Annual review files should be kept confidential. Electronic
copies of all four portions are available on the BPP website at
http://www.med.upenn.edu/postdoc.
The postdoctoral review process is designed to:
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Encourage constructive dialogue between postdocs and their mentors
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Clarify responsibilities and performance expectations
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Record information about performance and accomplishments
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Promote more effective performance
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Establish future goals for career growth and development
The specific goals of the review process are to:

Provide postdocs with feedback on their performance and accomplishments during the
previous year/review period

Assist postdocs in understanding their responsibilities
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Assist postdocs in understanding the mentor’s performance expectations

Identify goals for the upcoming year and specific plans to help postdocs meet those goals
Parts of the Postdoctoral Review Process:
Part 1
Obligations of Postdoctoral Appointees and Mentors-To be reviewed by both postdoc
and mentor upon initial appointment and during annual review periods.
Part 2
Postdoctoral Review Form-Is used to document Mentor's assessment of the postdoc's
previous year's performance and accomplishments. To be completed by the mentor prior
to discussion with postdoc.
Part 3
Self-Review Form-To be completed by the postdoc and submitted to the mentor prior to
discussion with mentor. Provides the postdoc an opportunity to provide his/her
perspective regarding performance during the review period. This worksheet also
prepares the postdoc for a participatory discussion with the mentor about his/her
performance and goals.
Part 4
Goals and Career Development for Next Review Cycle-To be mutually completed by
postdoc and mentor upon initial appointment and during annual review periods.
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 2006 Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
University of Pennsylvania
Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
Postdoc Annual Review
Part One
To be reviewed by Mentor and Postdoc
Obligations of Postdoctoral Fellows
From the Policy for Postdoctoral Fellows at the University of Pennsylvania (Almanac 2004)
“Postdoctoral fellows have certain obligations to their mentor, the group in which they are
working, the Department with which they are associated, the sponsor whose funds support them,
and the University. These obligations include but are not limited to: (i) the conscientious
discharge of their research, scholarly, and teaching responsibilities, as applicable; (ii) conformity
with ethical standards in research and scholarship; (iii) compliance with good scholarly practice
including the maintenance of adequate research records; (iv) observation of appropriate
guidelines regarding human subjects and due observation of University standards regarding use
of isotopes, chemicals, infectious agents, animals, and the like, if applicable; (v) open and timely
discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of tangible property such as
materials, reagents, and the like; (vi) discussion of laboratory records or scholarly materials, if
relevant; (vii) prior disclosure of appropriate scholarly information, findings or techniques
proposed for dissemination privately, at scholarly meetings, or in publications; (viii) collegial
conduct towards coworkers and members of the academic or research group; (vii) compliance
with all applicable University policies. “
Mentor Obligations
From the Guidelines for Postdoctoral Appointments, Training and Education in the School of
Medicine (approved May 2000)
Mentor's responsibilities include the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Develop a mutually established and definable named project.
Encourage presentation of postdoc's work internally and externally with due recognition.
Encourage postdoc’s to present their work and to publish their results in a timely fashion
Provide career guidance and set realistic career goals. (see Career Development Guidelines
below)
5. Meet with regularity to discuss project/career progression.
6. Provide a formal annual review of project/career progress.
Career Development Guidelines
Mentors should encourage postdocs to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Manage their own project, which should lead to a first author publication.
Learn chosen scientific discipline/field.
Learn technical skills.
Learn ancillary skills, e.g. writing, public speaking, networking, etc.
Present scientific work both inside and outside the University.
Write or assist in writing papers.
Apply for extramural support (e.g. NRSA postdoctoral fellowships, career
development awards, private foundation fellowships, etc.)
8. Participate in the review of journal articles and other publications.
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 2006 Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
University of Pennsylvania
Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
Postdoc Annual Review
Part Two
To be completed by Mentor
Postdoc Review Form
Postdoc Name___________________
Dept/Mentor_____________________
Hire Date_____________________
Review Date__________________
Has the postdoc's performance met expectations with respect to:
Needs
Solid
Exceptional
Improvement* Performance* Performance*
Knowledge of:
-
Chosen Scientific Discipline
Basic Laboratory Techniques
Knowledge of Specialized Techniques
Analytical and Quantitative Methods
Laboratory Equipment
Ancillary skills
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Laboratory Records and Data Management
Productivity and Publications
Quality of Work
Communication Skills
Cooperation with Others
Independent Management of Own Research
Project
Has the postdoc completed/attended any Core or Optional Elements of the Postdoctoral
Training Program?
Core Elements*
Program Name:
Date:
Optional Elements*
Program Name:
Date:
* Please See Appendix for Performance/Skill Definitions and list of Core and Optional Training Elements
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 2006 Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
University of Pennsylvania
Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
Postdoc Annual Review
Were the Projects/Goals that were set during the last review period or at the time of the initial
appointment completed/met?
______________________________________________________________________________
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Where publication expectations met?
______________________________________________________________________________
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Is the project ready for a public presentation and are there opportunities for the postdoc to
present the work?
______________________________________________________________________________
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Are there specific areas where the postdoc excels?
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Are there specific areas where improvement is desirable?
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What are the critical goals/projects for the upcoming review period?
______________________________________________________________________________
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 2006 Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
University of Pennsylvania
Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
Postdoc Annual Review
Part Three
To be completed by Postdoc
Self Review Form
Postdoc Name___________________
Dept/Mentor______________________
Hire Date_____________________
Review Date__________________
Please assess your performance with respect to:
Needs
Solid
Exceptional
Improvement* Performance* Performance*
Knowledge of:
-
Chosen Scientific Discipline
Basic Laboratory Techniques
Knowledge of Specialized Techniques
Analytical and Quantitative Methods
Laboratory Equipment
Ancillary skills
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Laboratory Records and Data Management
Productivity and Publications
Quality of Work
Communication Skills
Cooperation with Others
Independent Management of Own Research
Project
Have you completed/attended any Core or Optional Elements of the School of Medicine
Intramural Postdoctoral Training Program?
Core Elements*
Program Name:
Date:
Optional Elements*
Program Name:
Date:
*Please See Appendix for Performance/Skill Definitions and list of Core and Optional Training Elements
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 2006 Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
University of Pennsylvania
Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
Postdoc Annual Review
Were the Projects/Goals that were set during the last review period or at the time of the initial
appointment completed/met? If not, why not?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
What were your accomplishments during this review period? (I.e. list publications, presentations,
status of projects, etc.)?
______________________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Are there specific areas where you have excelled?
______________________________________________________________________________
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Are there specific areas you need/want to further develop?
______________________________________________________________________________
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What are the critical goals/projects for the upcoming review period?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
What professional development activities/opportunities (e.g., training, conferences, special
projects, etc.) would you like to pursue during the next review cycle that would enhance your
performance and skill development?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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 2006 Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
University of Pennsylvania
Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
Postdoc Annual Review
Part Four
To be completed by Mentor and Postdoc
Goals for Next Review Cycle
Goals, Projects and Responsibilities that were mutually discussed and selected for the next review period
Goal/Project/Responsibility
Expected Outcome
Future Career Development
Professional development activities/opportunities (e.g., trainings, conferences, special projects, etc.) planned for the next review period
Training/Conference/Opportunity
Date
Mentor
Signature __________________________________Date _______
Postdoc
Signature______________________________________ Date
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 2006 Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
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University of Pennsylvania
Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
Postdoc Annual Review
Appendix
To assist in completion of Self Review Form and Postdoc Review Form
Performance Definitions
Exceptional Performance
Performance is clearly and
consistently outstanding in most
aspects of current responsibilities.
Performance is consistently well
beyond the established
requirements.
Solid Performance
Performance consistently meets all
established requirements of the
position. Performance may have
occasionally surpassed requirements.
Represents good, reliable
performance.
Performance Needs
Improvement
Performance does not consistently
meet established requirements of the
position and requires improvement in
the areas noted.
Skill/Responsibility Definitions
Knowledge of Chosen Scientific Discipline
Demonstrates superior knowledge of the scientific literature
and applies this experimentally.
Knowledge of Basic Laboratory Techniques
Performs basic laboratory techniques at a skill level
commensurate with a terminal degree.
Knowledge of Specialized Techniques (e.g. Cell
Culture, Molecular Biological Methods,
Spectroscopy, Electrophysiology).
Performs specialized techniques at a skill level
commensurate with pre-doctoral training in those
techniques.
Knowledge of Analytical and Quantitative
Methods
Knowledge of Laboratory Equipment
Performs calculations and statistical analysis at a skill level
commensurate with a terminal degree.
Knowledge of Ancillary skills (writing,
networking, etc.)
Laboratory Records and Data Management
Demonstrates quality writing, networking and public
speaking skills regularly.
Productivity /Quality of Work:
Produces accurate, thorough, organized and complete work
in accordance with expected outcomes. Produces the
appropriate amount of work required for the position.
Communication Skills (i.e. writing,
speaking/presenting, interpersonal skills, etc.)
Cooperation with others
Expresses ideas verbally and in writing (if applicable), in a
thorough, well-organized, concise and accurate manner.
Independent Management of Own Research
Project
Manages own project with appropriate level of supervision
or guidance. Appropriately set priorities to accomplish
goals within established time frames.
Has working knowledge of the major equipment and
instruments required to perform the work.
Demonstrates good maintenance practices regarding
research records, notebooks and other data.
Works effectively, courteously and cooperatively with coworkers, supervisees, and administration. Resolves conflict
in an effective and timely manner. Makes constructive
suggestions to enhance lab/clinic goals.
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 2006 Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
University of Pennsylvania
Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
Postdoc Annual Review
Intramural Postdoctoral Training Program
Core Elements
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Bioethics Training
Chemical Hygiene, Environmental Health and Radiation Safety Training
Research Animal Policies, Practices, and Procedures Training*
Human Subject Research Training*
Public Seminar on Research
Competency in Scientific Writing
Regular Attendance at Seminars
*Individuals not conducting animal or human subject research are exempt from this training.
Optional Elements
1.
Research Success Skills
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2.
Peer Review
Scientific Writing
Grant Writing/Obtaining Grant Funding
Public Speaking
Establishing/Managing a Lab
Continuing Education
a. Coursework
b. Conference Attendance
c. Specialized Technique Training
3.
Career Guidance
a. Career Workshops
b. Career Advising and Programming
c. Biomedical Career Fair
4.
Career Development Opportunities (i.e. Internships in technology transfer,
business planning, or Bioethics; Teaching opportunities, etc.)
See the Training page for a more detailed description of training elements on-line
at www.med.upenn.edu/postdoc.
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 2006 Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs