Establishing good communication between postdocs and mentors is vital for a successful relationship. MIT recommends using the documents in this toolkit to guide meetings at the beginning of the appointment and as part of the postdoc’s annual review.
Initial Meeting
As a starting point, the mentor must prepare a mentoring plan for each postdoc with the initial appointment. The postdoc and mentor should discuss the mentoring plan so that the postdoc may add information about individual career interests.
- Description of postdoctoral position: Describing the training status of MIT postdoctoral researchers.
- MIT Mentoring Plan Outline (for faculty advisors/mentors) [DOCX]: Topics that could be incorporated into a faculty advisor's mentoring plan proposal.
- MIT Postdoctoral Training Checklist (for postdocs) [DOCX]: A list of possible skills to build; the postdoc can refer to it periodically to monitor progress.
- Initial Meeting Form [DOCX]: Suggested discussion topics for an orientation meeting between a faculty advisor and new postdoc.
- Individual Development Plan (for postdocs): A personal assessment and planning vehicle to help guide the postdoc’s career objectives. Required by some sponsors.
Annual Development Review
MIT requires an annual development review as part of the re-appointment process.
- Postdoc responsibility: Provide a report outlining progress towards research and career goals.
- Mentor responsibility: Provide advice and expectations, including a candid assessment of the postdoc’s career goals, and whether remedial steps or additional career paths need to be considered.
- Postdoc and mentor collaboration: Meet in-person to review progress, set priorities, and discuss plans for career and professional development.
The Annual Development Review Form [DOCX] is a suggested template for the postdoctoral researcher (Part I) and mentor (Part II) to complete during the annual review process.
Throughout Postdoctoral Training
Postdocs are encouraged to revisit their Postdoctoral Training Checklist [DOCX] and Individual Development Plan throughout the postdoctoral training period to evaluate progress toward their career goals.
Updated November 7, 2025