Thread by @danmucida

Things I learned, or learned how to appreciate, during my tenure process, which just ended (well). 🧵

This is not meant to be a recipe.
The first thing I learned is that there are no recipes.

0-Look for a place that values your science, not how much money you’re bringing in. A place that supports junior faculty, not that sounds like they’re doing you a favor to hire you. I was lucky enough to be @RockefellerUniv, but this should be the rule, not exemption.

0b- Look for a place that gives you enough time for you to take risks, fail, and take more risks. You should be allowed to fail in the process.

1- Do not rush to fill your lab. You can be indeed your best postdoc for years. I was lucky enough to have a childhood friend and undergrad colleague as brilliant first postdoc, TwitterLess Bernardo Reis, who continues as a senior scientist in the lab.

1b- Do not rush to fill your lab. A lab manager, and you, can in theory continue doing what you did in your postdoc, or more. I was lucky enough to have TwitterLess Aneta Rogoz to join the lab in day 1. She remains essential for the lab atmosphere today.

1c- Do not rush. Get people who think differently, with different expertise, who do things as you would like things to be done, and also that can teach you even better ways. Foster corporation, not competition. Balance diversity & inclusion. Hire comrades&partners, not “hands”.

2- Dealing with people will be the most challenging part. Learn how to listen (it may take forever), treat people with equality while identifying each one’s individuality when leading with them

3- Look for potential, not only for accomplishments. Hire people who love science and you won’t need to worry about work hours or vacation. They will work as much as they need, take vacations as much as they need. It is ok.

4- When filling up, save money reducing waste, particularly in plastics (reuse if possible, for the environment), animals (for themselves and your budget).
Do not save money with salaries. Pay your people the best you’re allowed to. Do more to them than your PI did for you.

6- "Shoot for the moon", but don’t forget about the many interesting low-hanging fruits at your reach. Identify grants recognizing the "shoot for the moon" strategy , as well as the other.

7- Identify the journal your works fits best, but always deposit in pre-print servers at some moment of the review process. If the journal is complacent to reviewer’s bad behavior, change the journal, and let editors know.

8- Giving seminars and going to conferences is important. But learn how to say no. The most important place for you to be is still your lab.

9- Collaborate, but do not lose your ground (do not spread thin as they say).

10- Give postdocs the opportunity to work on something new and that they can take ENTIRELY with them if they decide to have their own lab. Your most important legacy very likely won't be your won work.

11- Always celebrate. Celebrate a submission, a paper and a grant. Also celebrate good science regardless of the journal’s opinion.

12- The lab size limit should be the one that you do not lose touch with raw data. If you can no longer discuss, or analyze RAW data with your people, it is a sign your lab is bigger than you can handle.

13- Pay attention to lab cycles. Sometimes things “synchronize” and you may end up needing to start everything again if you don’t. If someone knows a technique, it is important that this is passed along.

14- Create a positive environment, new people are welcomed and well trained, so they will welcome even more the next new people. Foster collaboration, not competition.

15- If your place is not what you want, find a new place, or change yours. One, or another.

Before I forget: #impeachBolsonaro