9  Other researchers

9.1 Postdocs and staff

Postdocs (or postdoctoral fellows or postdoctoral trainees) are a strange position within academia. It is an awkward couple of years when you have lots of expertise, yet you are not in a permanent position. Unlike graduate school, you are expected to be more independent, although this depends on the lab and PI. The time as a postdoc can also feel lonely as you are not a graduate student and also not faculty. It is key to make connections with other postdocs or scientists on campus. During your time as a postdoc in the QEML, you will have several responsibilities:

  1. Working on projects/papers related to your postdoc position
  2. Finishing up old work
  3. Developing independent work
  4. Mentoring students
  5. Applying for funding and jobs

One of the most stressful parts of a postdoc position is the short-term and finite nature of the role. You only have a couple of years to find funding, find another postdoc position, or find a more permanent job. This means you should be applying for opportunities throughout your time as a postdoc.

My goal as an advisor with postdocs is to help them do good science and get the job they want.

Find more resources for postdocs at UNH here. https://www.unh.edu/research/about/postdoctoral-researchers

9.2 Lab Affiliates

A Lab Affiliate is a collaborator who is formally connected to the Quantitative Marine Ecology Lab (QMEL) but is not a full-time member (e.g., graduate student, postdoc, or staff). Affiliates contribute to the intellectual community, research mission, and broader impact of the lab while maintaining a primary appointment or role elsewhere.

Affiliates may include faculty collaborators, postdoctoral researchers, visiting scholars, research staff, external partners, or advanced trainees whose work aligns with QMEL’s focus on quantitative ecology, environmental data science, and marine systems.

9.2.1 Purpose

The Lab Affiliate designation recognizes sustained intellectual or research engagement with QMEL. Affiliates strengthen the lab’s collaborative network, contribute to scholarly output and training, and help advance interdisciplinary and applied research.

Affiliates may:

  • Collaborate on research projects, proposals, or publications with QMEL members
  • Participate in lab meetings, workshops, or seminars when relevant
  • Mentor students or provide technical or professional expertise
  • Contribute to teaching, training, or outreach activities associated with the lab
  • Support development of new partnerships or research directions

The specific level of engagement varies by affiliate and is determined in consultation with the Lab Director.

9.2.2 Benefits

Affiliates:

  • Are listed on the QMEL website and relevant materials
  • May use the Lab Affiliate title in professional contexts while affiliated
  • Are included in appropriate lab communications and events
  • May access shared intellectual resources, collaborations, and opportunities connected to the lab (as appropriate and available)

9.2.3 Term and Expectations

Lab Affiliate status is typically granted for a defined period (e.g., one to three years) and may be renewed based on continued engagement and alignment with QMEL’s mission. Affiliate status carries no salary support and does not imply formal supervisory or administrative responsibilities within the lab.

Overall, the Lab Affiliate role is designed to foster a flexible, collaborative community that extends QMEL’s reach while maintaining clear expectations around contribution and engagement.