======= Date Modified 21 Apr 2011 23:33:04 =======
Hi, everyone! I still have about a year before I finish PhD., and I hope some knowledgeable postdoc can help me with my dilemma.

I moved to Germany from the US in the middle of my PhD. studies to follow my PI. At the time, my boyfriend and I have been dating for almost two years, and intensely discussed how to make the LDR work. He is currently a first year PhD. student in the same city. Our plan is for me to come back and do a postdoc while he finishes his studies. After that, we are open to possibilities.

The good thing about the city is that it has a number of labs that I might actually be interested in science-wise. However, it is very likely that I might end up in the same institutions as where I got my PhD. (I am still registered under my US university) Some PIs tell me that this is BAD for my career. I justify it to myself with these reasons: 1) I don't want to become a PI. I am more intrigued by the prospect of working for the industry, 2) It's a different lab, and possibly a different institution.

Dear postdocs, would it really be that BAD? I'm open to doing a second postdoc in another city. Thanks for looking and will appreciate any advice.

(P.S. Why don't I make a jump into the industry? Because being a non-US citizen, the easiest way for me to get a job with my qualifications is a postdoc. I still love science anyway, and premature marriage to my American boyfriend is out of the question)

Hey there! I think opinion will be divided on this one. I have done my BSc, MSc, and PhD at the same university, and am applying for a post-doc here as well. This is for a number of reasons- fantastic department and supervisors, great part of the UK to live in (really good for outdoor sports which my fiance and I love), near to family and friends for both of us, and also the fact that my fiance wants to apply for a PGCE here to start next year. Since we're planning to live together from Sept onwards, I could do with a post-doc at the same university. Some people will argue that it is bad for your career, but then if you are already in a good department with good, well-reknowned and supportive sups, then you are likely to be successful in terms of publications, networking, building up your profile etc, although of course you would miss out on opportunities that moving to a new uni would provide you with. I think you just need to decide what your priorities are. For me, in a way it's simple- putting all of these factors aside, I am still in the best university in the UK and probably in Europe to do my research. Secondly, whilst I want a successful career in research, my hobbies and family and the happiness of my fiance are key factors that affect my well-being, so I am prepared to factor those into the equation when deciding whether to move on or not. If you are at a good university and feel that you would do well out of a post-doc there then I don't see any reason why you shouldn't stay. If there are better opportunities career-wise elsewhere then maybe have a look around and see what's available. Personally, I would put your happiness first, and if you are prepared to move away for the next post-doc then great- I don't think you will do yourself any harm by staying where you are for one for now. I am prepared to move away in the future but right now all of my priorities are met by where I am already! Do what feels right! Best, KB