Mentoring for postdocs is encouraged. When new postdocs arrive at the institute, they will be given the opportunity to opt-in to the MPIA Postdoc Mentoring Program (PoMP). Mentors will be randomly assigned (with a little fine-tuning to avoid possible conflicts of interest).
The purpose of this program is to provide additional structure and support to MPIA postdocs as they transition to independent scientific research and navigate the academic and/or industry job market. Through the program, postdocs will have the opportunity to be matched with a more senior mentor (a group leader or permanent staff member). The mentor is not intended to replace the role of the scientific supervisor, but rather to provide an additional source of perspective on common, non-scientific issues. For example, mentors can provide advice about career guidance, networking, writing and presentation skills, time management, mental health resources, and more.
Postdocs who are part of the Max Planck Postdoc Program are required to have a mentor; in this case, the mentor can be assigned through PoMP, or chosen directly by the postdoc.
