Proposal writing is a key component of many academic careers in STEM. While many graduate and postdoctoral programs require proposal writing in the format of a research statement or a prospectus, we identified a need for postdoctoral scientists to gain additional insight into the proposal writing... Show moreProposal writing is a key component of many academic careers in STEM. While many graduate and postdoctoral programs require proposal writing in the format of a research statement or a prospectus, we identified a need for postdoctoral scientists to gain additional insight into the proposal writing, submission, and reviewing processes. We addressed these needs by facilitating a Mock Panel Review of proposals written by postdoctoral scientists that intend to apply for proposal funding. Participants in the Mock Panel Review include postdoctoral fellows as both proposal writers and proposal reviewers in addition to an experienced principal investigator or a Funding Agency Program Manager as the panel moderator. This guide includes a description of how to implement a Mock Panel Review in postdoctoral groups, including in-person, virtual, and mail-in formats. The National Center for Atmospheric Research Fellows Association views the Mock Panel Review as an invaluable exercise for learning more about the proposal writing and review processes. Several proposals that were submitted to previous Mock Panel Reviews have won research grants from various funding agencies. The aim of this guide is to share our experiences with the broader community in hopes of postdoctoral scientists becoming better equipped for supporting their research ideas and taking a confident next step in their future positions as Early Career Scientists. Show less