Advisor Expectations

SAO scientists are obligated to take full ownership of advising and mentoring the predoctoral fellows they oversee at SAO. Expected responsibilities include:

• Meeting regularly with students to monitor and guide their research.
• Providing timely feedback on drafts of journal papers, thesis chapters,
  resumes, etc.
• Introducing students to colleagues, postdocs, and students at the CfA -- especially important given the short time predocs spend at the CfA -- and to collaborators at other institutions.
• Organizing thesis committee meetings at least once each year and more often if a problem arises with the research.
• Providing public speaking opportunities for students to gain experience and ensure effective job talks in the future.
• Strategizing with the student about the postdoctoral fellowship application process.
• Giving long-term support to future job applications and prize nominations.

Advisors should also clearly state their expectations for the students, including:

• Predocs are expected to take initiative in meeting other scientists, postdocs, and students while at the CfA.
• Predocs are expected to come prepared to meetings, to have make substantial progress on paper drafts, etc as relevant to the situation.
• Predocs are expected to seek out help from their advisor, colleagues, or other students as needed.
• Predocs are expected to participate in the SAO Predoc Monthly Journal Club.