Research staff (often called 'Postdocs' although not all have the 'doc') are some of the most precarious academic staff in a university. Fixed-term contracts, uncertain career pathways, and high competition for permanent roles make this career stage exciting, but – at the same time – uncertain. One of the most effective ways to gain clarity, support, and direction in this environment is by finding a mentor.

Mentors can be many things to a less-experienced researcher. They can buoy you up by offering encouragement, information and experience. But they are not just a source of ready answers. By asking good questions and challenging you to think about the answers, they can empower you to develop your own career solutions.

So how exactly do you find a mentor?

This guide explores practical steps for finding the right mentor, building a mentoring relationship, and making the most of this professional connection.

Why Mentorship Matters

Mentorship in academia can significantly impact a researcher’s career trajectory. A good mentor can:

• Help you set and refine your career goals.
• Offer insights into the hidden rules of academic progression.
• Advise on publishing, grant applications, and networking.
• Act as a referee or provide letters of recommendation.
• Offer emotional support during professional challenges.

Mentors can also be a stabilising presence – something that’s particularly important for research staff on temporary contracts, who may otherwise feel that they are somehow disconnected from larger institutional structures, connected only to their PI, their ‘group’ or ‘lab’ or to other researchers.

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Needs

Before reaching out to a potential mentor, take time to reflect on what you hope to gain from the relationship. Consider the following questions:

• Are you seeking career advice, research guidance, or help navigating institutional politics?
• Do you want to stay in academia, or are you exploring non-academic careers?
• What specific skills or experiences do you want to develop?

In particular, consider how well you understand what a mentor can do for you. Mentors are often encouraged not to simply give you ready answers. Instead, their role is to support you to find your own solutions and progress your own career.

·        Are you ready to take up that challenge?

Understanding your needs will help you identify the right mentor and communicate your goals clearly.

Step 2: Identify Potential Mentors

There is no one-size-fits-all mentor. Depending on your goals, your ideal mentor might be:

• A senior academic in your department or discipline.
• A postdoc who is a few steps ahead of you and understands your current challenges.
• An academic outside your university with expertise in your research area.
• A professional in industry or the public sector, especially if you’re considering a career outside academia.

Bear in mind though that you might not want a mentor too close to your own work responsibilities. Your Line Manager or PI, for example, might be a natural first point of guidance. However, they may have too much invested in what you do to be entirely impartial.

Here are some ways to identify potential mentors:

Within Your Institution:

• Look around you: Are there people who have naturally supported you since you arrived? Are there those you have enjoyed sparring with in coffee-time discussions? Who do the people you know and trust go to for support and advice?
• Departmental Networks: Broaden your net by attending seminars, reading groups, or coffee mornings to meet staff informally. Attend events that you enjoy and that interest you, and note who you keep bumping into.
• Researcher Development: Many universities have a formal mentoring scheme for research staff. Get in touch with your Researcher Development team to find out more.

Beyond Your Institution:

• Academic Conferences: A great way to meet senior researchers who share your interests.
• Professional Societies: Many offer mentoring programs or facilitate networking.
• Social Media: Platforms like Twitter (X), BlueSky, ResearchGate, or LinkedIn can help you connect with academics across institutions.
• Alumni Networks: Universities often maintain networks of former students who are happy to mentor current researchers.

Step 3: Make the First Move

Approaching a potential mentor can feel intimidating, but most academics are flattered to be asked. Here are some tips to do it effectively:

• Be Specific: Explain why you’re contacting them, and what you’re hoping to gain.
• Be Respectful of Time: Acknowledge their workload and suggest a short initial meeting or call.
• Be Clear About Expectations: Are you looking for a one-off conversation or a longer-term mentoring relationship?

Sample Email Template:

Subject: Request for Mentorship/Advice

Dear Dr/Prof [Surname],

I’m a postdoctoral researcher in [Department] at the University of [Where]. I’m working on [brief project description]. I’ve followed your work in [specific area] for a long while, and I’m currently at a stage where I would really value some guidance regarding [specific goal or challenge].

If you’re open to it, I’d appreciate the opportunity to speak with you—either informally or potentially as a mentor—as I navigate my next career steps. I understand your time is valuable, so even a brief conversation would be hugely helpful.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

Step 4: Build the Relationship

If your initial outreach is successful, take the initiative to build a respectful and reciprocal relationship.

Establish a Framework (coaches call this ‘contracting’): In an initial meeting, set some expectations for the relationship.

• Agree on Expectations: Discuss how often you’ll meet, how you’ll meet, and what kind of support you’re hoping for. It’s also a good idea to give the relationship in initial time-limit (6 months/9 months etc.). That reassures the mentor that their commitment isn’t going to last for ever, and give you a natural stopping point if the relationship is becoming less useful. You can always extend, at that point, for a further period. 
• Set Boundaries: Clarify what your mentor can and cannot provide. Remember, they are not your manager.
• Agree a next meeting: Because, if you don’t do it now, it might never happen!

Then, ensure that you keep communication open, and come to each meeting ready:

• Update them periodically: There’s no harm in dropping them an update email occasionally.
• Prepare: For meetings with questions or topics to discuss.
• Follow up: On agreed actions, and share what happened.
• Thank them: Even in a small way – make sure that you offer to buy the coffee, for e.g.!

Be Flexible:

Sometimes mentoring relationships evolve—or fizzle. If it’s not working, it’s okay to move on and seek another mentor.

Step 5: Look Beyond Academia

If you’re considering a transition out of academia, or just want a non-academic view on things, seeking a mentor outside academia can be equally beneficial.

• Use LinkedIn to identify professionals in roles you admire.
• Attend Public Engagement or Policy Events to build networks outside traditional academic spaces.
• Talk to the careers service, or the Alumni office. They may have links to external partners.

When approaching non-academic mentors, frame your interest clearly, explaining your research background and what you’re looking to learn.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Waiting Too Long to Ask:

Many researchers hesitate, thinking they need to "prove" themselves before approaching a mentor. Don’t wait for the perfect time—it may never come.

Overloading One Person:

Spread your mentoring needs across several people. For instance, one mentor for career advice, another for research skills, and another for wellbeing.

Expecting All the Answers:

A mentor isn’t there to hand you a career plan. They’re there to help you develop your own.

Final Thoughts

Securing a mentor can be one of the most transformative steps in your research career. It’s not about finding the “perfect” mentor but building a network of relationships that support your development. Whether it’s through informal conversations, formal university schemes, or online networking, the key is to be proactive, reflective, and open to learning.

Remember: mentoring is a two-way street. As you gain experience, you’ll also find opportunities to mentor others. In doing so, you not only give back to your community but further clarify your own path forward.