Resources
Starting your Postdoc is exciting but can also be a little overwhelming! Below we provide some information and resources that will hopefully ease your transition to WHOI and the Cape Cod area. If you don't see something you think should be on here, don't hesitate to contact the PDA!
The WHOI page of Postdoc resources is a great place to find out lots of relevant info on being a postdoc at WHOI. With information on subjects such as:
- Salaries and Stipends
- Benefits
- Childcare Subsidies
- and much much more...
Here is a pdf of resources about applying for, selecting, and using your health care in Massachusetts
A few key resources:
- Explanations of healthcare terminology - for Postdocs, by Postdocs!
- The Massachusetts Health Connector - state-run marketplace to apply for and selecting health coverage
- Looking for housing? The WHOI Community Housing List is a great place to start. Browse available housing options in the Woods Hole Community.
- There are also several WHOI maintained housing options, see the WHOI housing website for details.
- Ask your advisor and department for advice or potential housing.
- Your postdoc peers are a great resource, reach out to the all-postdocs@whoi.edu listserv for advice on places to live and potential availability. (Click here to sign up for the all-postdocs listserv if you aren't already)
- Craigslist and Zillow are also useful resources.
- Taxes are hard! We have compiled a document of general information and links to help you on your way!
- Are you a Postdoc scholar? Here is a tax cheat sheet with some helpful advice on paying and filing taxes!
- This website and this presentation are available from the IRS to help you document your scholarships, fellowships, and/or grants.
For assistance with visa issues international members may contact WHOI's Human Resources Office or International Committee.
Here is a document with some guidelines for advisor-postdoc expectations and mentoring: Guidelines memo
There are many opportunities to find peer and professional mentors at WHOI, in addition to your Postdoctoral Sponsor/Advisor.
The PDA organizes a postdoc peer mentoring program matching new and incoming postdocs with folks who are already at WHOI. For more information or to request a mentor match, contact the PDA.
There is also an institution-wide Mentoring Program. Mentoring topics can include:
- understanding and navigating the promotion/tenure process at WHOI
- enhancing skills and abilities
- enhancing project management skills (financial management, personnel/resource management, time management )
- improving research project development and fundraising skills (proposal preparation, collegial networking, relationship building with program managers.)
- developing better communications skills (writing, verbal, presentations)
- developing or improving job search skills (for positions within and outside WHOI)
- making sound decisions about continuing education.
- Other endless possibilities....
WHOI is dedicated to fostering a culture based on strong values of respect, responsibility and integrity. The Institution provides several ways to report any actions or conditions that run counter to those values, and anonymous reporting options are available.
For links to the WHOI ethicspoint hotline (anonymous reporting option), see this webpage.
WHOI's anti-harassment policy is here.
We wish you well on your next adventure! Be aware that WHOI has updated its policies regarding retention/phasing out of your WHOI email now that the campus has made the switch to M365. Email accounts for postdocs will remain active for 180 days after your termination date, and your account and emails will be deleted 1 year after your termination date.