This book is a survival guide for first-time postdocs coming to or leaving the United Kingdom (UK) and revolves around the UK academic system. Nevertheless, it portrays the academic career system in general, not limited to the UK. The book is divided into 21 chapters, preceded by a Foreword and Introduction and followed by an Index. The authors have consolidated their postdoc experiences in the book.
Chapters 1–3 introduce the concept of a postdoctoral position and provide tips on applying for positions. Chapters 4–6 guide the reader not only at a professional level but also on a social level by providing the dos and don’ts of the job, including how to relate to one’s supervisor. Chapters 7–9 go beyond the tasks of a basic postdoc, but are nevertheless useful in developing one’s academic career; they talk about transferable skills through teaching and supervision and the benefits of networking.
Sometimes a postdoctoral topic can be risky and stressful. Chapters 10–12 bring out the bright side of the situation by encouraging postdocs to change their research topics. In fact, research can also be rewarding by diversifying one’s experience and managing stress when things get tough, all of which is well explained. The authors are realistic in their approach: all postdocs should have a plan B in case their plan A or main research topic supported by a grant does not reach its goal.
Chapter 13 reinforces research ethics, which is generally introduced during a PhD program. Chapter 14 helps the reader to understand the options after a postdoc, the challenges one faces in obtaining a job after this period, and how to decide on what is best in today’s job market. Chapters 15–17 expand on chapter 14 and propose academia options, such as working as a research fellow or taking the more traditional academic career path of lectureship specific to the UK or British academic systems. Chapter 18 provides tips for writing a good CV. This chapter could have been introduced earlier in the book, as writing a CV is important at all career stages. Chapter 19 provides probable interview questions, and Chapter 20 sums up the concepts provided in the book.
This book is well written and easy to follow not only by future postdocs but also by a more general readership. It highlights the pros and cons of a postdoctoral position and stresses the important fact that a postdoctoral position is not a career in itself, but prepares one for the next step in one’s career. The book also has numerous sketches and illustrations that are self-explanatory and amusing.
Reviewer: Protima Rauwel of Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia.
