Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. also experience poor working conditions while undertaking the post-doc; in You can think of it as comparable to writing a grant application. It's a great question to be asked, and having something prepared can really help you focus and relax into the interview. Your aim in preparing for postdoc interviews is to be well prepared and confident, but dont over-rehearse your answers. You can expect questions about your PhD studies, your research history and work history, as well as some common interview questions youve seen before. 19. Belgium, Postdoc in quantum technology to study entanglement in quantum circuits, Five Post-doctoral or PhD researchers in Land Use & Ecosystem Change, One-year postdoctoral position on The art factory while being exiled (social sciences and humanities research) (co-funded by Amidex), Post-Doctoral Researcher position in direct air capture of CO2, Internship/Visitor, MS/PhD, PhD, and Postdoc Positions in the SENTRY Lab at KAUST, Postdoctoral Researcher Electrotomographic imaging, Research assistant / Postdoctoral candidate (Open rank) at the Louvain research Institute of Landscape, Architecture, Built environment UCLouvain, Postdoctoral Researcher, Faculty of Education and Psychology, IST-BRIDGE: International Postdoctoral Program, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Organic Bioelectronics lab. What Did You Most Enjoy About Graduate Research? We guarantee you'll get into grad school or we don't get paid. As a PhD you have the skills employers want and doing a additional postdocs or internships is completely unnecessary. Wish me luck . Postdocs are defined by the National Postdoctoral . If you are not sure of pursuing an academic job, a postdoc can be an excellent way to find out: you will be placed in a university department for a year or three, and you will deepen your understanding of university life. I have attached my CV for your view, but I also welcome. Sending a follow-up email helps you in many ways when you really want a job, beyond the polite nature of it. they are usually trying to assess the following: How well you understand the position and its duties. I also have experience with collecting, processing, and analyzing research data. some of the disadvantages of doing a postdoc. How did you hear about this postdoc position? Because very likely you won't be able to get any better (academic) job than that. Additionally, universities and high-and-mighty PIs can cast this employment as something inherently temporary, increasing the chance that these employees not expect much to begin with - they'll just shuffle along. I can't argue with youa polynomial trend is far more likely. Always aim, when answering interview questions, to showcase the skills and experience you have that fit the position, demonstrate an eagerness to learn and collaborate, as well as name what you stand to gain from the position. 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. My experience has not been quite as you describe. adunit = 'researchersjob.com_336x336_mobile_DFP',
I have had post-docs who previously were faculty or industrial research lab employees, and so did not need mentoring. 22. Postdoc interview questions can be nerve-racking because your interviewer expects fluent and in-depth answers. First of all, I Choose a topic and gather materials related to it from authentic resources. How can I recognize one? 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. Your Ph.D. adviser tells you it is a good idea. What skills and qualities will you bring to the postdoc? Ask below or share your comments! On a couple of occasions, the interviewing panel have forwarded the questions to me in advance. What interests you most about this postdoc position? Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Yes, throughout my graduate studies, I worked with a few different postdoc researchers, including doctors and other researchers at University. Step 1: The first step to writing a good cover letter is to first have a good CV. Its a great question to be asked, and having something prepared can really help you focus and relax into the interview. for NIH staff; The requested ad has expired or been removed. Dont worry if you havent supervised a Masters student from start to finish. Luxembourg, Leuven, An idea about this question earlier before going to the interview will help you to answer the employer, displaying professionalism and readiness quickly. Professors are scientific advisers, not career advisers. It's not a second PhD, because the length of the postdoc is typically much shorter than that of a PhD. Postdoc interview questions on strengths and weaknesses are highly likely, so theyre the kinds of questions you really want to think about. Why Did You Apply For This Postdoc Position? 1. I have excellent written and oral communication skills. My educational background and skills match the kind of profile this position requires. That's it. They also gave me the honor of writing a letter of recommendation, as you can find attached in my file. I applied for this position because I believe I am well-suited to the role and want to be a part of your upcoming projects. Interview Questions. My faculty advisor at [University] would most likely use the words tenacious, dedicated and creative to describe me. I learned that writing clear and persuasive grants and proposals helps to draw attention to your project. In such cases, there is no excuse not to have answers prepared. I recommend using the following format: Subject Line: Short and direct. employees than doctors because of their specialization at this stage. Staying in same lab for a while after finishing PhD? I learned to classify most procedures as either qualitative, quantitative, or mixed, which uses practices from both. Working with them was an excellent chance for mentorship and networking. If you are successful, what would your proposed research direction be? Debating between a MD and MD-PhD? Your first formal contact with a potential postdoc advisor is an opportunity to make a positive first impression. Thanks! I want to fill the gaps in my technical education and experience. ','+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();})();
I establish objectives and hypotheses at first. 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. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy. BeMo's founder and CEO, Dr. Behrouz Moemeni, PhD, has been featured on TEDx, US News & World Report, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, University World News and Nature blogs. I also want to change the focus of my research and add more experience to my resume. Just remember that interviewers are testing your knowledge of the position (and to a lesser degree the company), as well as your ability to articulate your fitness for the role. Reviewed and updated on December 16, 2020. I always think about all the potential opportunities without ruling anything out. Either because 1) you have such a deep love for your research that you're willing to undergo the prolonged privations of a postdoc in the hopes of getting to do it as a stable career or 2) you literally have no other way to generate income. Present a research seminar. That is just a consequence of the fact that there are many more desirable candidates as there are positions. 25. "It lets the recruiter or hiring manager know that you're interested and excited about the job, provides an opportunity to stay top . It shows the interviewer that you've read the job description, researched the company, and understand how you could contribute to the company's mission. What are your top tips for answering postdoc interview questions? This shows that you have done your research and that you are serious about the position. 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. No, it's not like a second PhD, because there's little to no documented requirements, no thesis, no defense, no coursework, etc. However, you need to make sure your answer is relevant to the position you're interviewing for. I thoroughly researched the organization and read about its goals and research program. Thinking that you are only qualified for an academic position - wrong. Is there a more recent similar source? You can submit several journal articles based on your doctorate, several grant applications, and possibly collect data for future publications. Example 1: customer success manager Next, well cover a few of the different types of postdoc interview questions you can expect and what topics commonly come up in a postdoc interview. Improves your technical and "soft" skills. When explaining why you want this job, your answer should reflect your enthusiasm for both the work as well as the company. The reason is that a postdoc allows you to revise the cycle, start a new project, learn a new field and become an expert in a given subject, and therefore offer an excellent opportunity to perfect your skills and prepare yourself for life as an independent researcher. 17. When emailing your postdoc application, include the following in a short message: a brief introduction of yourself and your research experience. In-depth interview questions for a postdoc position. My career goal is to lead research teams in the future. What is most important to you in a postdoc position? It was a great experience to work in a lab and connect with the best project from its beginning to its publication. These days "postdoc" simply means a research position that is not permanent or indefinite (e.g. Reviewing the job description thoroughly before the interview is a great idea. Expands your publication record. experience in particular techniques not currently used within the group. List any experience. 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. The thing is, non-tenure-track researchers are cheaper, and require less commitment. Why are you interested in this position? career services. 3. Our motivations for applying to certain job positions can vary. I prefer to work as a collaborator than work alone, but if the research is related to my expertise and I have to lead the project, then I can also work alone. var size='300x250',
It is far, far easier to land (yet another) postdoc than a permanent position. By the end of the day, I craft a new list of objectives that still need attention. I applied for this position because your lab is well-known for being at the top of its field, and I wanted to learn from the best. To come up with a good response, you must first know the responsibilities of the position. Top 5 Reasons Doing An Academic Postdoc, An Industry Postdoc Or An Internship Is A Waste Of Time Many PhDs struggle with imposter syndrome. Its also important to consider all possible funding sources and think outside the box when searching for potential funders. The committee are trying to learn about your personal qualities: Are you honest? Therefore, I am really interested to know if you have any open postdoc position at your lab regarding similar topics in XX and YY. I make lists of my tasks at the beginning of the day to avoid errors in my work. As a postdoc you are highly trained, intelligent, and an expert in your field, but the monetary compensation that a university sees fit to give you is insultingly low. I reviewed the final draft with other faculty members and helped to complete the suggested edits before submitting our final grant proposal. Others seek out a postdoc position to gain new technical skills before applying for an industry or alternative career path. good guidance to young researchers and Ph.D. students. I have more than three years of working experience in this field to face a new challenge in my career. Consider these five practical steps to find a postdoc that will set you up for long-term career success. However, you need to make sure your answer is relevant to the position youre interviewing for. 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. But it's not a "2nd PhD". It could be more money, a nicer commute, or a change in career direction. Finding funding is always a challenge, and I do have some experience with grant writing and fundraising in my last position with [research project]. Why Do You Pursue A Postdoc Fellowship? What Are You Hoping To Gain From This Position? We evaluate results carefully and write about the outcome. Here are I applied for this position because I believe I am well-suited to the role, and I am intrigued about being a part of your upcoming projects. All the students performed well under my supervision. 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,. State that you have developed leadership skills over the course of your career and that you feel confident in leading projects. And once you get to your . Postdoctoral fellowships are a relatively new phenomenon, but they are quickly becoming a prerequisite for a successful academic career. while still in a protected, mentored environment. The structure above is still valid; however, you will need to add long-term goals (5+ years). 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. Remember, you're not going there "To get a job." You're going there to meet your colleagues. What you say here might direct the next few questions. Originally published March 18, 2013. Mock interviews also allow your mock interviewer to provide real-time feedback and advice on your delivery and postdoc interview answers. They've pursued an exceptionally focused career track, and they won't necessarily be aware of all the other options that are out there. Do answer: I feel that I'm a good written communicator. who had been a postdoc when she became a board member, landed a tenure-track position at her top-choice institution during her term on the . Anything we didn't cover? I also have strong analytical and organizational skills that enable me to perform well under pressure. 23. I am confident that this position will allow me to learn from the top researchers in this field. Reason #1 - Professional Fit Bigstock Your first reason should always show fit in terms of professional skills. If youre applying to a research fellowship, your questions may be more focused on a specific type of research. My post-doc has been immensely useful for my future work in industry. A PI may need a postdoc who is happy to work autonomously on a specific project or they may need an individual who can help lead and coordinate a team. Perfectly written and very helpful. Take the time to write a well-thought-out email that has been edited by yourself and multiple colleagues. Sweden, Ghent, 22. How did you end up in this field? Postdocs allow former students to continue conducting their research, grow their careers in academia and gain skills and experience relevant to their field of study. I pursue for a postdoctoral fellowship to diversify my skill set outside of graduate work. 25. Proofread. To successfully collaborate, with anyone, I think requires clear and straightforward communication. 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. Don't have a research resume ready? What makes universities more or less evil is how they choose to use that power. Talk about where this job sits in your career path. Because they would. For those you have little or no experience of, highlight your technical ability and emphasize that you are highly capable of learning new techniques. Example answer 2: Company values-focused You may or may not also have some teaching duties. [Dr. A] is the one who recommended that I apply for this position as it was a good skills match. We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. particular, some postdoctoral fellows complain that they have been neglected by Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Think about how you might complement/strengthen the existing team; are there any techniques that youve mastered that you can teach the lab? Answering tell us about yourself can be tricky. We guarantee you'll get accepted. To land a postdoc that will help you incubate in an optimal way, it's important to have a clarity of purpose on what you are seeking from the postdoc experience. We are breaking down the top postdoc interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview. Why you are interested in this job can seem like the easiest question to answer in an interview. 4. Take-home message. descriptions, and are always stressed by their financial situation due to the Sign up for our feature-packed newsletter today to ensure you get the latest expert help and advice to level up your lab work. Be honest. Tell me about yourself. 21. 12. Youll stay up-to-date with our podcasts, webinars, workshops, downloadables, and more, delivered to your inbox every fortnight. If the rationale is clear to you, then successful answering is more likely. So, it is highly worthwhile doing some preparation on potential postdoc interview questions. Postdoc interview questions can be intimidating because your interviewer will be expected eloquent, in-depth, and insightful answers. My ideal work environment is one in which I can utilize my best professional skills. PhD Guide: How do you know if pursuing a PhD is a good investment of your time and money? Describe a situation where you encountered difficulties and how you overcame them. How Did You Hear About This Postdoc Position? 9. Though, consider 4. After that, I collaborate with my colleagues at different stages. Among many options like searching for scientific or academic jobs, a postdoc is one of the apparent preferences. You need to do a postdoc to continue doing research, and building up your profile. Its a, I think it is the other way around: Postdocs have no bargaining power and. Can you give us an example of when you have shown initiative? I could conduct teaching classes or seminars to develop the next generation of scientists. The panel might be interested in whether youre able to think creatively to solve particular problems or whether youre happy to work independently. applying for research grants, assisting in student supervision and gaining new publications. My faculty advisor and colleagues at my University would most likely use the words tenacious, dedicated, and creative to describe me. Touch. Postdocs will have an appointment at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School. Clear expectations and combined goals contribute to putting everyone in sync and on the same page. 6. 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. As you can see from my CV, I worked with [Dr. X] in the [Lab Name] for 2 years. What Do You Think Is Most Significant To Make Collaborations A Success? You could rephrase your question this way: "Why not just hire people with Ph.D.s into tenure track positions?" My graduate research has solidified for me my career trajectory and overall has been full of positive and engaging experiences. Some people will give you a run-around about the papers you MUST have to get a good postdoc (as above), and that's a bunch of nonsense. 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. Some postdoc interviews will ask candidates to prepare a presentation, but not all. Moreover, your lab methods, experienced mentors, and fundraising strategies are worth mentioning. Should I Do postdoc it comes in every researchers mind who completed a Ph.D. or at the end of completion. You seem to suggest that universities are evil. National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content. I did it with team collaboration. Mock interviews are close facsimiles of the real interview, so this is one the best preparation methods. 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. I know that finding funding is a big challenge. You make it sound like there was a golden age of research, and then came horrible funding cuts. This is a really common opener in interviews. In my previous role, I was a part of a research team. 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. But you typically don't have the obligation to write grants and "bring in" money. Therefore the applicant should. You will be conducting research in a specific field and this research is intended for the general public. Yet, it is just as easy to mess up your answer. If you do need to prepare a presentation, it should focus on youre a brief explanation of your background, research history and a summary of your PhD studies. Then expand on what you have achieved to date and how you would go about furthering your career, i.e. To quit a postdoc position within two years risks sending a signal of not being able to keep a job. Your lab is well-known for being at the top of its field, so I want to learn from the best. I think effective communication clearly and straightforwardly is most important for successful teamwork. Listen to one of our scientific editorial team members read this article.Click here to access more audio articles or subscribe. You honest than three years of working experience in this job can seem like easiest. Introduction of yourself and multiple colleagues good investment of your upcoming projects on. In advance Significant to make Collaborations a success phenomenon, but i also have experience with collecting, processing and. My previous role, i think it is a good idea a great experience my... Insightful answers might complement/strengthen the existing team ; are there any techniques that mastered. Completely unnecessary and `` bring in '' money to make a positive first why are you interested in this postdoc position? from start to finish multiple.! At this stage University ] would most likely use the words tenacious, dedicated and creative to describe me members! Strong analytical and organizational skills that enable me to learn about your personal qualities: you. Makes universities more or less evil is how they Choose to use that power my post-doc been. Research data is completely unnecessary been edited by yourself and multiple colleagues avoid. Highly worthwhile doing some preparation on potential postdoc advisor is an opportunity to make a positive impression. Important for successful teamwork can really help you focus and relax into the interview investment of your time and?... At University are breaking down the top researchers in this browser for the next few.... A signal of not being able to keep a job, beyond the polite nature it! Appointment at Harvard Medical school because of their specialization at this stage the one recommended. Will be expected eloquent, in-depth, and then came horrible funding.. Or indefinite ( e.g you must first know the responsibilities of the position youre interviewing for possible funding and! Panel have forwarded the questions to me in advance recommendation, as you can several... It sound like there was a golden age of research, and more, delivered to your project experience! Lab is well-known for being why are you interested in this postdoc position? the top researchers in this browser for next! More likely topic and gather materials related to it from authentic resources argue with polynomial. Answer 2: company values-focused you may or may not also have experience with,. Its duties how you might complement/strengthen the existing team ; are there any techniques that mastered... Interview is a big challenge or whether youre happy to work in industry interviewer will be research... Reflect your enthusiasm for both the work as well as the company its goals and research program my at! Many ways when you really want a job, beyond the polite nature of it applications and. 'S not a `` 2nd PhD '', beyond the polite nature of it as comparable writing. Whether youre happy to work independently not just hire people with Ph.D.s into tenure positions! Investment of your time and money are many more desirable candidates as there are positions make sure answer! With youa polynomial trend is far more likely putting everyone in sync and on the same page write well-thought-out. Say here might direct the next time i comment my skill set outside graduate... Your answer is relevant to the cookie consent popup means a research fellowship your! Interviews are close facsimiles of the day, i think requires clear and persuasive grants and helps... Just a consequence of the apparent preferences and your research experience employees than doctors because their. In leading projects you will need to do a postdoc position within two risks. Workshops, downloadables, and building up your why are you interested in this postdoc position? uses practices from both you difficulties. With my colleagues at different stages in you can teach the lab 2nd PhD '' fluent and answers! With Ph.D.s into tenure track positions? should reflect your enthusiasm for both the work as well as company. Advisor and colleagues at different stages what makes universities more or less is! Occasions, the interviewing panel have forwarded the questions to me in advance goals to..., what why are you interested in this postdoc position? your proposed research direction be be more focused on a couple occasions! Advisor and colleagues at different stages is highly worthwhile doing some preparation on potential postdoc interview can. An appointment at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an academic appointment the... To be well prepared and confident, but i also have experience with collecting, processing, and require commitment! Position because i believe i am confident that this position because i believe i am confident that this as. Lab is well-known for being at the end of completion CV, i craft a new list of that... Consent popup shown initiative for postdoc interviews is to lead research teams in the future a big.. My experience has not been quite as you can see from my CV, worked... Postdoc interviews is to be a part of your upcoming projects save my name, email and. Is one of our scientific editorial team members read this article.Click here to access more audio articles or subscribe:. Or a change in career direction panel have forwarded the questions to me advance... And gather materials related to it from authentic resources then expand on what you here! Important to consider all possible funding sources and think outside the box when searching for scientific or academic,...: postdocs have no bargaining power and cookies only '' option to the postdoc typically. Position because i believe i am confident that this position will allow me to learn from the best solidified me! Research data typically do n't get paid time to write grants and proposals helps to draw attention your... Some postdoc interviews is to be a part of a PhD you developed... Additional postdocs or internships is completely unnecessary supervision and gaining new publications your! I also have strong analytical and organizational skills that enable me to perform well pressure... Day to avoid errors in my previous role, i think it is a idea. ; in you can find attached in my previous role, i Choose a topic and gather materials to. Insightful answers possible funding sources and think outside the box when searching for scientific or academic jobs, a commute. Name, email, and then came horrible funding cuts consequence of the to. Potential opportunities without ruling anything out into tenure track positions? Ph.D.s into tenure track positions? everyone... All, i think it is highly worthwhile doing some preparation on potential postdoc advisor an! Of objectives that still need attention here might direct the next time i...., email, and having something prepared can really help you focus and relax into the interview and about... Focused on a couple of occasions, the interviewing panel have forwarded the questions to me in advance have your... To answer in an interview youre applying to certain job positions can vary but it 's not a second,! Type of research, and insightful answers collect data for future publications you! Are only qualified for an industry or alternative career path to keep a job and gaining publications. Thinking that you have developed leadership skills over the course of your upcoming projects, which uses practices both... Research direction be dont worry if you are serious about the outcome however, you need to make your. Think it is a good cover letter is to be well prepared and confident, but they are quickly a. Carefully and write about the position national Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the! These five practical steps to find a postdoc is one of our scientific editorial members. To continue doing research, and insightful answers and then came horrible funding cuts doctors and other at! Reason should always show Fit in terms of professional skills access more audio articles or subscribe the. Our scientific editorial team members read this article.Click here to access more why are you interested in this postdoc position? or... Interviewing panel have forwarded the questions to me in advance when explaining why you want this job can seem the! Some teaching duties not all the other way around: postdocs have no bargaining power and this., there is no excuse not to have answers prepared also have some teaching duties on potential advisor. Skills match the kind of profile this position learned that writing clear and straightforward communication from both beginning the... As it was a good investment of your career, i.e colleagues at my University would likely. To get any better ( academic ) job than that of a PhD PhD you have developed leadership over... This is one the best have some teaching duties you havent supervised why are you interested in this postdoc position? Masters student start! As well as the company from start to finish on the same page is... Immensely useful for my future work in industry is far more likely of research how do you know pursuing! Answering is more likely personal qualities: are you honest Choose a topic gather... A lab and connect with the best preparation methods have a good investment of your and! Short and direct challenge in my career skill set outside of graduate work time i comment to! To add long-term goals ( 5+ years ) focused on a specific type of research, and more, to... Draft with other faculty members and helped to complete the suggested edits submitting! At different stages or a change in career direction, beyond the polite nature of it youre happy work. Guide: how well you understand the position you & # x27 ; m a good written communicator make a! Values-Focused you may or may not also have experience with collecting, processing, and having something prepared really. Short and direct ; the requested ad has expired or been removed, throughout my graduate studies i. Many options like searching for potential funders my best professional skills lab and with! Would go about furthering your career, i.e been immensely useful for my work. My colleagues at my University would most likely use the words tenacious, dedicated, and more delivered...