title: Translational Science Project Team Managers: Qualitative Insights and Implications from Current and Previous Postdoctoral Experiences.
abstract: The development of leadership and project management skills is increasingly important to the evolution of translational science and team-based endeavors. Team science is dependent upon individuals at various stages in their careers, inclusive of postdocs. Data from case histories, as well as from interviews with current and former postdocs, and those supervising postdocs, indicate six essential tasks required of project managers in multidisciplinary translational teams, along with eight skill-related themes critical to their success. To optimize the opportunities available and to ensure sequential development of team project management skills, a life cycle model for the development of translational team skills is proposed, ranging from graduate trainees, postdocs, assistant professors, and finally to mature scientists. Specific goals, challenges and project management roles and tasks are recommended for each stage for the life cycle.
authors.affiliation: University of Houston Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX 77058, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Wooten
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
authors.forename: Sara M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Dann
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
authors.forename: Celeste C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Finnerty
authors.affiliation: Texas State University, 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Kotarba
keywords: multidisciplinary science teams; postdoctoral leadership development; project management; team science; translational science