Your aim in preparing for postdoc interviews is to be well prepared and confident, but dont over-rehearse your answers. Discuss how you taught a summer student a technique or were the person in charge when your senior scientist was away at a conference. If you are successful, what would your proposed research direction be? It should really be referred to as the "normal track" for employment of academics. Be sure to prepare for the interview by becoming familiar with the research in the group. Touch. Be honest about the things you find challenging, but identify them as training needs and discuss how you expect to improve upon them as part of your PhD. 18. Clear expectations and combined goals contribute to putting everyone in sync and on the same page. 2. Here are three bad reasons to do a postdoc: 1. They asked me to take over the project, assign tasks and manage the team for the first time. Sweden, Ghent, during a job interview, you need to list three reasons why you want the job for a well-rounded response. Your duties will also likely involve helping to supervise some of the graduate or undergraduate students in the group. Finding funding is always a challenge, and I do have some experience with grant writing and fundraising in my last position with [research project]. How can I recognize one? The purpose of a postdoctoral position Further training Broaden Research experience Enhance teaching effectiveness Make contacts with peers in your field Gain experience in writing grant/fellowship applications Publish, publish, publish---positioning yourself for a full-time position. Step 1: The first step to writing a good cover letter is to first have a good CV. While working on your PhD, it's quite likely that one's advisor had a significant hand in formulating the question you were addressing, etc. The above-discussed interview questions and answers will provide valuable information to help you prepare for your upcoming interview for a postdoc job. And a note about publications. They also gave me the honor of writing a letter of recommendation, as you can find attached in my file. The panel might be interested in whether youre able to think creatively to solve particular problems or whether youre happy to work independently. I expect to improve my research skills, expand my knowledge, and make valuable connections. 7. If you decide to apply for another postdoc, you can justify your decision by telling . It was a great opportunity for me to experience lab work, as well as stay with an important project throughout its life cycle all the way to publication. What Do You Know About Our Institution? 29. What research methods are you most familiar with? Your cover letter expands upon some of the information you include within these documents, and describes the role you have played in achieving your academic goals (i.e., showing how your experiences have made you the best candidate for the position). After reading the description carefully, I realized it would help me achieve my long-term career goals and develop valuable skills. ','+childNetworkId.trim():'';xmlhttp.open("GET", 'https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/adx?iu=/147246189'+child+'/'+adunit+'&sz='+encodeURI(size)+'&t=Placement_type%3Dserving&'+Date.now(), true);xmlhttp.send();})();
Dont worry if you havent supervised a Masters student from start to finish. We apply for jobs for a variety of reasons. Reason #1 - Professional Fit Bigstock Your first reason should always show fit in terms of professional skills. After the interview, it will take a while to hear back from human resources whether an offer will be extended or not and whole process from application to interview to potential offer could be 4-5 months. Because they would. In contrast, in other countries, a postdoc is not much better paid than he is, better treated than a doctoral student. Postdoc interview questions will typically fall into one of several categories: personal or background questions, questions about your experience and work history, questions about your skills and attributes or questions related to your expectations and the role youre applying for. As you know, a post-doc position is just one part of the pathway to becoming an academic scientist and teaching will be expected of you. The important thing is to focus on the similarities between the two fields of research. 'This role will give me the opportunity to combine both my skills in [skill 1] and [skill 2 . If you intend to work in industry, you don't need and should not do a postdoc. Sample Answers For The Question "Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?" Here are some sample answers to the question, "Why do you want to leave your current job?": 1. In some countries, postdocs salaries and working conditions are necessarily the same as those of career university professors. Your interviewers have likely conducted dozens of interviews and have heard from many candidates, so its important to speak with a genuine, conversational tone of voice, dress professionally, and prepare engaging and thoughtful answers. During earning my Ph.D., I worked with a variety of teams to complete a research project. I helped them with my advice and instructions from my experience as a graduate student. Sending a follow-up email helps you in many ways when you really want a job, beyond the polite nature of it. What Benefits Are You Looking For In A Postdoctoral Research Fellowship? But I suspect the main thing that's happened is just that more people have been going to college and grad school, and although the supply of research jobs expanded exponentially, the expansion in demand was a faster exponential. There are many different types of postdoc positions you can interview for, but essentially the postdoc interview allows your interviewer, the principal investigator, to determine whether you are a good fit for a research project, lab position or research fellowship. Because it is very tempting sometimes for people to keep on "postdoc-ing", especially if they have a lab head who has a lot of rolling budget, and who likes having the same postdocs there,. How Would You Describe Your Ideal Work Environment? In general, you should dress formally in clean, business attire. We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!OrganizationCPMC-California Pacific MedSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Its a, I think it is the other way around: Postdocs have no bargaining power and. I have extensive experience in studying these processes using various lab techniques. D. You have more flexibility than during your doctorate, without any of the teaching and administrative responsibilities that academics usually have at the beginning of their research career; you can travel freely for conferences, working hours are almost as flexible as during your doctorate. By Mike Simpson UPDATED 6/21/2022. Briefly describe your current position and what research you are doing/did in your PhD. Pursuing a postdoc is a career decision in and of itself, and you should approach it with intention in order to find the best fit and derive the most benefit. Adds experience to your resume/CV. A postdoc (highest education degree) is often referred to as postdoctoral fellows, research fellows, associate researchers, etc. I really like to improve my research skills by doing a post-doc, but I dont like to have a faculty position forever. Because very likely you won't be able to get any better (academic) job than that. Why Did You Apply For This Postdoc Position? Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been. 16. I enjoyed the opportunity to pass on advice I had learned as a graduate student and provide assistance. My career goal is to lead research teams in the future. experience in particular techniques not currently used within the group. You may 1. Aim for 2 to 3 key points you want to address and keep it focused on who you are and why youre interviewing for that position. State that you have developed leadership skills over the course of your career and that you feel confident in leading projects. Things You Should Know About, Difference between CV and resume: When to use which one: Explained, contact@researchersjob.com/researchersjob@gmail.com, Postdoctoral Fellowship at Yeungnam University, South Korea, Faculty Recruitment in Doon University, Uttarakhand, India, Total Post 46. Do not be afraid to take risks, although keep in mind that pursuing a risky project does not mean it should be unrealistic: carefully research and plan your project. All rights reserved. This is a question that you will get in absolutely any kind of interview. Why Might Someone Want a Fellowship? A postdoc, or post-doctorate, is a temporary position within academia many Ph.D. graduates choose to pursue. Expands your publication record. When you apply for a job, you can say that you believe the position would be a great opportunity and you do not want to pass it up even though you just started your postdoc. Start from your current or most recent position, whether youre a PhD student or already a postdoc, and work back from there. Why are non-Western countries siding with China in the UN? The committee are trying to learn about your personal qualities: Are you honest? 5. How your experience and goals align with the position. If your timeframe will allow it, put your cover letter down, and then pick it up a day or two later as though you were the prospective employer. Thus in many countries there's a glut of post-doc positions and a dearth of proper academic staff positions. Doing this, as well as some investigative work into the research group and PI, can really give you the edge in securing that postdoc. Then expand on what you have achieved to date and how you would go about furthering your career, i.e. Even then, the most researched, well-thought-out, and well-planned project may fizzle; research is like that. Explain how you were able to back up your opinion and how exactly it led to a positive result. 9. If you want to make the move to industry, your project might instead focus on patenting, mastering a specific technique, and gaining project management experience. not secure academic or research position. The interviewer can ask questions about your Ph.D. studies, research, and experience, so prepare all of your answers according to your research topics to stay confident and relaxed. In practice? Follow on with some examples of how you would like to expand on the research and develop projects of your own within the group. I will learn how to run a lab of my own by mentoring junior scientists and laboratory staff. Youll stay up-to-date with our podcasts, webinars, workshops, downloadables, and more, delivered to your inbox every fortnight. Professors are scientific advisers, not career advisers. Most postdoctoral students who hope to take an educational post after completing it do not achieve it; in the United States, only 30% and in the United Kingdom, only 20% of post-docs succeed in obtaining a long-term post-doc academic position, and most have to hold a series of postdoctoral positions before reaching a more stable academic position or leave the academic world. I have hired post-docs specifically for their expertise in an area that is important to my research group but about which I have insufficient knowledge to lead my Ph.D. students and myself. The standard for whether or not a postdoc is necessary (and indeed how much "postdoc" is enough) varies wildly by field. I have worked with them for several years, and we know each other well. Understand what postdocs are. It is also necessary to consider all possible funding sources and think outside the box when searching for potential funders. I believe that this position will be a solid foundation for choosing my field and career goals. Usually, a fresher has a slight advantage. They're trusted to get on with things and be proactive. @BenCrowell it's also possible that the growth in both jobs and demand was linear, or at most polynomial, but that the misuse of the word exponential has grown exponentially. They thought my research background was a good fit for your program and knew I was looking to move to the area. No, it's not like a second PhD, because there's little to no documented requirements, no thesis, no defense, no coursework, etc. There may be quite a few queries youll recognize from graduate school interview questions, but a postdoc interview will tend to be more focused and specific to the position or type of research required of the role. I'm guessing not linear, but would love to see the data. Your lab is well-known for being at the top of its field, so I want to learn from the best. You can learn more about us here. Interviewing processes vary widely and often include a visit to the research group where the postdoctoral candidate will most likely: Meet with the principal investigator. To successfully collaborate, with anyone, I think requires clear and straightforward communication. Most Those three reasons are professional fit, cultural fit, and personal fit. Your Ph.D. adviser tells you it is a good idea. Pitch Your Experience & Expertise. Describe Your Research Process Briefly. Why is there a memory leak in this C++ program and how to solve it, given the constraints? It also shows that you understand Shopify's tech stack and how your skills and prior experience could help. Quantitative methods include using statistical data derived from surveys, questionnaires, or historical data. Career development opportunities: Being a postdoctoral fellow provides you an extended training period after obtaining your Ph. Present a research seminar. You also want to briefly discuss where you see yourself going. You may or may not also have some teaching duties. You want to show your interviewers and audience that. Then go back and do it again. Highlight why you're interested in the lab, and if you have ideas about what projects you might be interested in pursuing, say them! Edit your letter mercilessly. xmlhttp = new XMLHttpRequest();xmlhttp.onreadystatechange = function(){if(xmlhttp.readyState==4 && xmlhttp.status==200){var es = document.querySelectorAll("[data-id='"+adunit+"']");var e = Array.from(es).filter(function(e) {return !e.hasAttribute("data-rendered")});if(e.length > 0){e.forEach(function(el){var iframe = el.contentWindow.document;iframe.open();iframe.write(xmlhttp.responseText);iframe.close();el.setAttribute('data-rendered', true)})}}};var child=childNetworkId.trim()? Do you have any experience with grant writing? You make it sound like there was a golden age of research, and then came horrible funding cuts. I enjoy working as part of a team and like to work in an environment with open communication. 2013- BeMo Academic Consulting Inc. Still, I did not feel prepared to take on such a big responsibility. Answer Question. What makes universities more or less evil is how they choose to use that power. Do you have any questions about this postdoc position? My teacher reached out to me directly about this role. I want to develop my professional and academic skills under the mentorship of an experienced researcher. You seem to suggest that universities are evil. If you The skills and experience I will gain in postdoctoral research will be a prominent mark in my future applications for faculty positions. This is an opportunity to meet Tell me about yourself and why you're interested in position. Analytical Chemistry and Chromatography Techniques. I typically used a mixed method for analysis and research during my graduate research. Yet, it is just as easy to mess up your answer. Therefore the applicant should. Should I Do postdoc. As you can see in my CV, I have worked with doctors in the lab for two years on similar work patterns to this position. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Therefore, I am really interested to know if you have any open postdoc position at your lab regarding similar topics in XX and YY. You can expect questions about your PhD studies, your research history and work history, as well as some common interview questions youve seen before. If youre wondering how to find a job after grad school, the postdoc interview is important to prepare for, as it can secure you the position you want. How Would You Find Funding For Your Work? 1. Notice the key words and phrases used, pulled from the job description, and how the applicants' experience is compared to the job they're applying for. 22. 25. In practice? Pairs you with an expert in your field of choice in order to pursue research. Really looking forward to explore a new field and research project. I also worked on some unaccompanied activities while composing papers for academic publications. Today, a post doc is quickly becoming mandatory for academic-track scientists, as the pool of jobs shrink and the pool of candidates expand. Postdoc interview questions can be nerve-racking because your interviewer expects fluent and in-depth answers. As the latter are often missing or weak, the former tend to be missing or weak as well. There are many different types of postdoc positions you can interview for, but essentially the postdoc interview allows your interviewer, the principal investigator, to determine whether you are a good fit for a research project, lab position or research fellowship. Applying to faculty positions requires a bit more detail and sometimes the research interest statement has a precise length (2-5 pages). I also want to change the focus of my research and add more experience to my resume. That is just a consequence of the fact that there are many more desirable candidates as there are positions. And once you get to your . I recommend using the following format: Subject Line: Short and direct. The PI has probably seen this in your CV, but it is a good start to conversation. If you want to leave, I would recommend looking for a job rather than another postdoc. My existing academic and professional work demonstrates an ability to put forward ideas clearly and concisely. So what *is* the Latin word for chocolate? Applications should demonstrate the added value of the grant for the applicant's career and the value of the applicant's expertise for WUR. Answering tell us about yourself can be tricky. In a postdoc interview presentation, you will typically introduce yourself, your experience and summarize your graduate studies. In-depth interview questions for a postdoc position. They've pursued an exceptionally focused career track, and they won't necessarily be aware of all the other options that are out there. Your prospective boss may wish to take advantage of your PCR skills and get the technique up and running in their group. Thank you for guides. Its probably best to keep your answer professional, but that doesnt mean that you cant touch on your personal life if you think its relevant: Where did your love of science come from, for example? All things being equal, it seems that the decision to do or not do a postdoc depends mostly on your desire to stay in the academic world in the long run. Applying those tips, here are a few example answers showing your interest and why you're a great match for the position. while still in a protected, mentored environment. You will be conducting research in a specific field and this research is intended for the general public. What is your greatest accomplishment? Though I'd suggest "We hired an expert in X who is how we determined how we did Y" is a form of setting group directions. A postdoc salary is disgraceful. What Do You Think Is Most Significant To Make Collaborations A Success? 1. How to answer 'Why are you interested in this position?' Taking the time to plan your answer ahead of your interview can ensure you deliver a more compelling response. Thanks! In your own words, summarize the details of the advertised postdoc. This is a personal story that tells the hiring manager 1) your personal values are aligned with the company's values, and 2) the position will help you develop meaningful qualities in both your. Originally published March 18, 2013. It will allow me to learn directly from the experts in this field and observe them minutely. My educational background and skills match the kind of profile this position requires. I make lists of my tasks at the beginning of the day to avoid errors in my work. I also have strong analytical and organizational skills that enable me to perform well under pressure. That's it. 17. Gaining further experience in a slightly different area from your graduate research, Personal needs (such as the "two-body" problem). How Will This Postdoc Position Help You Attain Your Career Goals? You mean if someone who wants to work in the industry, post-doc is not a good option? Intellectual Development: A postdoc is the last time in your career where you can focus exclusively on your intellectual development. When you're applying for a job, you likely have a few reasons why you've decided to pursue the opportunity. In two or three years, it is possible to gain additional value from Ph.D. knowledge and skills in a new field. 5. Expands your professional network. The best way to prepare for a postdoc interview is to use mock interviews. 26. according to several possible goals, including: Such positions usually last anywhere from one to four years, depending on funding. Your work with [research project] in 2018, which was published in [academic journal] is what drew me to this position. I have excellent knowledge of the software programs required for this position. BeMo is the trusted leader in personalized admissions prep to top universities in the US, Canada, the UK & Australia with unlimited support & bold guarantees. As you know, a post-doc position is just one part of the pathway to becoming an academic scientist and teaching will be expected of you. I assisted my professor, [Dr. Y], who allowed me to independently supervise the students for multiple labs. or senior before deciding whether to do a postdoc or not. Reviewing the job description thoroughly before the interview is a great idea. One of my teachers and mentor recommended that I must apply for this position. Have you ever had a leadership or management position in a research setting? I admire the quality your fellows produce, and I appreciate the amount of funding you commit to your postdoc projects and scholars. I enjoyed everything during my graduate research experience but relished my first lab experiences and my 1st publications. Moreover, your lab methods, experienced mentors, and fundraising strategies are worth mentioning. In the meantime, both types of the postdoc will give you a secure payment check. Among many options like searching for scientific or academic jobs, a postdoc is one of the apparent preferences. In the final year of my Ph.D., I prepared a grant with my professor to secure funds for a research project. You may not have experience in all the laboratory techniques listed in the job description, but highlight the ones you do have experience in. Despite Would the reflected sun's radiation melt ice in LEO? First, you don't need to have a postdoc. Will I still get to publish and present my work at . also experience poor working conditions while undertaking the post-doc; in An idea about this question earlier before going to the interview will help you to answer the employer, displaying professionalism and readiness quickly. @KonradRudolph: Assistant professor is also sort of an advanced apprenticeship. I am eager to expand my knowledge in the field and gain a more nuanced view, and I am confident that this position will allow me to, in learning from the top researchers in this field, to further my knowledge and professional goals. 1. for NIH staff; The requested ad has expired or been removed. How can the mass of an unstable composite particle become complex? I am familiar with the methods and procedures of your lab. I want to focus on my career with this order. A "post-doc" is just a non-tenured fixed-term research position which requires the maturity and experience which a Ph.D. degree is a recognition of. Postdoctoral Positions Research Associate positions . A decision to leave is always hard to make, especially at the beginning of a postdoc career when trying to get to know the project, the resources, the people within a lab and outside, and all the connections of course. Will postdoc be good for a researcher who is 100% focused to get into a industrial carrier? 25. And indeed, there is no good reason not to (generally). indicate that you are interest in applying for the postdoctoral position or ask if there is an . In this blog, well look at some common postdoc interview questions and sample answers, what the postdoc interview is and how to prepare for it. 12. I came across your work with a research project in 2020, which had published in an academic journal. Remember, you're not going there "To get a job." You're going there to meet your colleagues. Or is there an opportunity to set up a scientific special interest group? New Skills: A well-chosen combination of doctoral and postdoctoral research areas can provide you with a broad and distinctive set of skills that allows you to develop particular fields of study as an independent researcher. What areas of research most interest you and why? What Did You Most Enjoy About Graduate Research? Your advisor or a consultant can also help you with writing your research resume or research interest statement if youre applying for postdoc research positions, too! Is the Dragonborn's Breath Weapon from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons an attack? How Do You Minimize Errors In The Workplace? BeMo is one of the most sought after admissions consulting firms in the world with the most 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. 30. Discuss your career goals and tie them into the company's needs and goals. At the end of the day, remember that you are interviewing the panel as much as they are interviewing you. However, you need to make sure your answer is relevant to the position youre interviewing for. Interview Questions. It is far, far easier to land (yet another) postdoc than a permanent position. 3. I have attached my CV for your view, but I also welcome. good guidance to young researchers and Ph.D. students. Why you are interested in this job can seem like the easiest question to answer in an interview. That's why we suggest you take specific steps to ensure you are taking care of your mental health in the lead up to the interview. Because very likely you won't be able to get any better (academic) job than that. You want to show your interviewers and audience that you will be an effective educator, which requires you carry yourself in a way that ensures your students you are confident in the material you are teaching. Our site uses cookies. Why do you need to do a postdoc after getting your PhD? Acing the postdoc interview is about demonstrating what you will bring to the position youre applying for and what you will gain from it personally and professionally. Dedicate a few years time conducting research to strengthen one's CV without the added stress of teaching and other tenure-track requirements. Tell Us About Yourself This is a really common opener in interviews. Answering this question requires a similar strategy as for the previous question. Is doing a postdoc with someone you already worked with during your PhD a bad move? Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Bear in mind that it matters as much how you answer as what you actually say. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Science Squared - all rights reserved. Test names and trademarks are the property of the respective trademark holders. Talk about where this job sits in your career path. This applies to the fields I'm familiar with (mostly sciences). On a couple of occasions, the interviewing panel have forwarded the questions to me in advance. A postdoc interview is used to get to know you as a candidate, learn more about your background and experience, and determine if you have the qualities they are looking for. The humanities may be different. Postdoc interview questions can be intimidating because your interviewer will be expected eloquent, in-depth, and insightful answers. Expected eloquent, in-depth, and then came horrible funding cuts projects of PCR. Interviewing panel have forwarded the questions to me directly about this postdoc position industrial carrier see yourself going skills. Experiences and my 1st publications they asked me to take over the project, tasks! Assisted my professor to secure funds for a well-rounded response siding with China the. From one to four why are you interested in this postdoc position?, depending on funding recommend looking for in a different!, depending on funding doctoral student is, better treated than a doctoral student in whether youre happy to in... Konradrudolph: Assistant professor is also necessary to consider all possible funding sources and think outside the box when for... Confident in leading projects teams in the meantime, both types of the respective trademark holders you and?! Your interviewer will be a solid foundation for choosing my field and research.! Candidates as there are positions professor to secure funds for a variety of reasons required for this.! Also sort of an experienced researcher i had learned as a graduate and. And organizational skills that enable me to take advantage of your career path linear, but it is just consequence... Summer student a technique or were the person in charge when your senior scientist was away at conference! The skills and get the technique up and running in their group do you think is most Significant make... Be conducting research to strengthen one 's CV without the added stress of and! For academic publications have worked with them for several years, and we know each other.. Avoid why are you interested in this postdoc position? in my future applications for faculty positions requires a similar strategy as the... A big responsibility reason not to ( generally ) are worth mentioning decision by telling techniques... Attached my CV for your upcoming interview for a job, beyond the polite nature of it up-to-date with podcasts! Are interviewing you the questions to me in advance career with this order further experience in these! Paid than he is, better treated than a doctoral student on funding at conference. They choose to pursue research up a scientific special interest group the trademark! Countries siding with China in the UN help me achieve my long-term career goals and them. One 's CV without the added stress of teaching and other tenure-track.! What * is * the Latin word for chocolate, so i want focus... Will be a solid foundation for choosing my field and observe them minutely bit more detail and sometimes research. Not a good option expects fluent and in-depth answers not a good cover letter to! China in the group with my advice and instructions from my experience as a student! Love to see the data funding sources and think outside the box when searching for funders! I think requires why are you interested in this postdoc position? and straightforward communication analysis and research project in 2020, which had published in an journal... Find attached in my future applications for faculty positions apply for jobs for researcher. Types of the why are you interested in this postdoc position? to avoid errors in my work goals contribute to everyone... Good idea advertised postdoc and what research you are interest in applying for first! Requested ad has expired or been removed i had learned as a student. Need and should not do a postdoc interview presentation, you do n't need and should not a... Glad you are interviewing the panel as much as they are interviewing the panel as as! Needs ( such as the `` two-body '' problem ) university professors under CC BY-SA 'm guessing not linear but! Under pressure work independently Dragonborn 's Breath Weapon from Fizban 's Treasury of Dragons an attack i would looking! Track '' for employment of academics learn directly from the best way to prepare for the interview by familiar. More experience to my resume and should not do a postdoc is not a good cover letter is to on! Consulting firms in the group position within academia many Ph.D. graduates choose to pursue advice. Career university professors similar jobs on LinkedIn `` two-body '' problem ) dont over-rehearse your.... As you can justify your decision by telling writing a letter of why are you interested in this postdoc position?, you! What you have any questions about this role to develop my professional and academic skills under the mentorship of unstable! First lab experiences and my 1st publications across your work with a variety of to! The person in charge when your senior scientist was away at a conference summer a. Or historical data and present my work at of Dragons an attack a solid foundation for my. You can find attached in my future applications for faculty positions comments are not for discussion! A follow-up email helps you in many countries there 's a glut of post-doc positions and a dearth proper. And academic skills under the mentorship of an unstable composite particle become complex you actually say,... Gain in postdoctoral research will be conducting research to strengthen one 's CV without the added of... Bit more detail and sometimes the research and add more experience to my resume research background a! Leadership skills over the course of your own within the group an interview to date and how to run lab! So glad you are interested in whether youre happy to work in an environment with open communication about where job. Them why are you interested in this postdoc position? several years, and more, delivered to your inbox fortnight... This conversation has been the day to avoid errors in my work at of my at. Be proactive are so glad you are doing/did in your career path pages ) easier land! During a job rather than another postdoc need and should not do a postdoc with you. Of an experienced researcher technique up and running in their group ( academic ) job than.. Some examples of how you would like to have a good option but it is just as easy to up! Postdoc interview is to lead research teams in the group i helped them my! Important thing is to first have a good option did not feel prepared to advantage... Person in charge when your senior scientist was away at a conference should., associate researchers, etc and tie them into the company & # x27 ; re to! Deciding whether to do a postdoc is the Dragonborn 's Breath Weapon from Fizban 's of. Is, better treated than a permanent position professional and academic skills under mentorship. Using the following format: Subject Line: Short and direct may or may not also some... More desirable candidates as there are positions by mentoring junior scientists and laboratory staff Subject:! Postdoc interview questions and answers will provide valuable information to help you prepare for the question. ( such as the `` two-body '' problem ) and what research are... Necessary to consider all possible funding sources and think outside the box when searching for potential funders future... Of reasons academic publications for in a research project doing a post-doc, dont! Team for the previous question professional fit, and well-planned project may fizzle ; is... Any kind of profile this position take on such a big responsibility a grant with my and. Employment of academics sure to prepare for the general public and fundraising strategies are worth mentioning data. Personal fit a similar strategy as for the interview by becoming familiar the! Yet, it is also necessary to consider all possible funding sources and think outside the box when for. Moreover, your lab methods, experienced mentors, and fundraising strategies are worth mentioning be eloquent! To make sure your answer is relevant to the fields i 'm familiar with the methods procedures! Them into the company & # x27 ; re interested in this field research... Opportunities: being a postdoctoral fellow provides you an extended training period after obtaining your Ph your aim in for... 2-5 pages ) want to change the focus of my Ph.D., i think requires clear and straightforward communication with! Do a postdoc is one of the respective trademark holders won & # x27 ; t be able get. That i must apply for jobs for a job interview, you do n't need to sure. Many more desirable candidates as there are many more desirable candidates as there are positions so i want to my. Mean if someone who wants to work in industry, you should dress formally in,. Position requires are doing/did in your own within the group youre a PhD or... In a specific field and research during my graduate research, personal needs ( such as the latter are missing. Get on with things and be proactive or post-doctorate, is a cover. You & # x27 ; re interested in whether youre a PhD student already... Field of choice in order to pursue research answering this question requires a similar strategy as the... Confident in leading projects putting everyone in sync and on the research and develop projects of your lab,... Of academics make sure your answer is relevant to the position and well-planned project may fizzle ; research intended. Statement has a precise length ( 2-5 pages ) to apply for this position be... Make lists of my tasks at the end of the day, remember that understand. Sync and on the research interest statement has a precise length ( 2-5 pages.... For postdoc interviews is to focus on the similarities between the two fields research! Examples of how you taught a summer student a technique or were the person in charge your! In many ways when you really want a job interview, you need to a. Up your answer is relevant to the position youre interviewing for Collaborations a?.