Postdoc Mentoring Mosaic

Overview

Postdoc Mentoring Mosaic is an institution-wide mentoring program designed to complement mentoring by primary advisors by connecting postdoctoral scholars with a broader network of mentors. Through peer-to-peer and faculty mentoring opportunities, the program supports postdocs in navigating career pathways, professional development, and the transition to their next career stage.

Purpose

The purpose of Postdoc Mentoring Mosaic is to provide postdoctoral scholars with access to multiple mentoring perspectives beyond their primary advisor. By engaging with experienced peers and faculty mentors across the institution, postdocs gain guidance, insight, broad perspectives, and support tailored to their individual career goals.

Goals

Postdoc Mentoring Mosaic aims to:

  • Expand access to mentoring beyond the primary research advisor
  • Support postdoctoral scholars’ career exploration and professional development
  • Foster a sense of community and peer support among postdocs
  • Encourage cross-disciplinary mentoring relationships across the institution
  • Promote informed and intentional career decision-making

Eligibility

The program is open to all postdoctoral scholars at the University of New Mexico. Faculty mentors are drawn from across departments and disciplines and can be at any level.

Structure

Postdoc Mentoring Mosaic includes four components:

  1. Faculty Mentoring
    In addition to the postdoc’s relationship with their primary advisor faculty mentors are available to support the scholars in areas such as career planning, professional growth, research/teaching, and long-term goals in a confidential and supportive setting. Scholars are able to contact faculty mentors from a list that includes the mentors’ strengths and ask for assistance in these specific areas. The intensity of the mentoring is decided by the mentor and mentee, ranging from a brief question answered by email to a long-term mentoring relationship.
  2. Peer Mentoring
    Experienced postdoc volunteers (must be at UNM for no less than six months) are available to provide guidance on navigating the institution, managing postdoctoral responsibilities, and exploring career development opportunities. Similar to faculty mentors, mentees are able to contact mentors based on a list including the mentors’ strengths and the intensity of the mentoring can vary depending on what is most desirable for both parties.
  3. Individual Development Plans (IDPs)Individual Development Plans provide a structured approach to identifying career goals and plans to attain them and are most effective when discussed with a mentor. Many graduate and postdoctoral programs require their trainees to complete and regularly update IDPs. Additionally, the NSF and NIH both require postdocs who receive funding to complete an IDP annually.1,2
  4. WorkshopsAdditional program activities may include mentoring conversations, workshops, and panel discussions focused on career exploration and professional skill development. Workshops will be presented by peer and faculty mentors on professional development topics about which they are particularly passionate and/or skilled.
References
  1. National Science Foundation. Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 24-1) Chapter VII.B.7. https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1 accessed 7/24/26
  2. National Institutes of Health. Revised Policy: Descriptions on the Use of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Researchers Required in Annual Progress Reports beginning October 1, 2014. https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not-od-14-113.html accessed 7/24/26