Do Pis Pay for Postdoc Interview Travels
The Life Scientists' Guide to Applying for Postdocs
And then you've near submitted your PhD dissertation, merely what adjacent? If you're looking to use for a postdoc position, there's a lot to consider. You'll need to network for opportunities, choose the right lab, put in an application that stands out from the rest, and impress your potential new PI during the interview process.
We've reached out to our online community of life scientists to enquire their advice on the postdoc application procedure, and they've shared some of their own stories of transition from a PhD to a postdoc role as well. We've gathered their very best tips to create The Life Scientists' Guide to Applying for Postdocs, containing everything you'll need to assistance you take that next step on your life scientific discipline journey:
- Why pursue a postdoc?
- What should you expect for in a postdoc office?
- Be clear on your career programme
- Where to look for postdoc positions
- When should you first applying?
- Continuing out in a competitive field
- Making the move abroad
- Surviving the interview process
Why pursue a postdoc?
A postdoc is a temporary working position which many consider to exist the natural side by side step after completing a PhD. It allows a researcher to continue their training while gaining new skills and experience that will benefit their long-term academic career. A postdoc position will also prepare a researcher to have on hereafter mentoring roles and senior responsibilities as their career progresses.
A postdoc researcher will commonly work under a PI or mentor as office of a larger grouping, and will ofttimes carry out research either on a specific projection fix past the lab, or on a project of their ain design.
The average elapsing of a postdoc is 2 to 3 years, with many researchers taking on more than one postdoc position earlier applying for a faculty role. Postdocs tin be funded via a salary from the university or institution in question, or through grants, fellowships or scholarships in the form of a stipend.
Exist 100% certain that a postdoc is the right movement for you
A postdoc isn't for anybody, and it'south of import to be certain that information technology's definitely what you want to do before committing yourself to 2 or 3 years of further research. It may feel like the obvious side by side step for your career progression, but that doesn't necessarily mean information technology's the right movement for yous and your current situation.
Brittany Berdy, a project manager at the Broad Plant of MIT and Harvard recommends looking at your long-term career goals when deciding whether or not to pursue a postdoc. She said: "I've seen a number of people apply for postdocs because that's what they felt was the next footstep, even though information technology really wasn't necessary for where they ended up in their career or where they wanted to go. I recollect a postdoc is an amazing feel and I highly recommend it; but I think it'south disquisitional that yous know you desire it and you decide alee of time exactly what it is you're hoping to go from the feel."
Keeping alternative options in mind when applying for a postdoc tin can help with the controlling process. Brittany added: "I would encourage anyone who is applying for postdocs to look into alternative options. Information technology can be common for people to experience that this is their just selection later graduate school when in fact there are a lot of other options out at that place. If you're going into a postdoc it should be because it'due south definitely what you desire to practice and you're confident in that. And this will make finding the correct postdoc position easier because you'll actually know what information technology is you're looking for."
What should y'all look for in a postdoc role?
In that location's and then much to consider when looking for a postdoc role and it'south important to seek a position that will broaden your scientific horizons, teach y'all new skills and allow yous to make new contacts. Y'all should consider not simply whether the research work is the right fit for your career, but if you are the right fit for the squad yous are hoping to work with.
You'll also need to recall about location and whether you want to stay at the same establish you've been working at, in the same area or fifty-fifty in the aforementioned country. It might be that personal or family unit commitments mean that your options are restricted, or that financially a move away might not be viable for yous.
Do your research
Be sure to do equally much enquiry every bit possible into the institute, lab or PI that you lot are interested in working with to brand sure you would be a adept fit for each other.
Gagandeep Kaur, a postdoctoral research acquaintance at the Higher of Medicine, Texas A&M University, stresses the importance of finding the right squad. She told united states of america: "It's crucial to notice the right people to work with. Reaching out to current and past lab members is a smart step. They can provide an insight into a lab's environment and working fashion. Practice not ignore any cherry flags."
Bronwen Martin of the University of Antwerp adds that information technology's important to find a PI who is going to exist supportive of your career. She said: "When visiting a potential postdoc lab, talk to people in the lab to find out if they enjoy working there and if they feel supported by the PI and other lab members. Choose a lab based on the PI and non necessarily on the actual research project. Having a supportive PI will make a earth of difference to your career and will open many bookish doors.
Consider what is important to you
Be sure to recollect hard nearly what is important to you, not only professionally but from a personal perspective too. Choosing a postdoc at a prestigious institution might wait impressive on your CV, merely be enlightened of the sacrifices you might be making in gild to accept such a position. A motion abroad may be tempting, but if being away from your family or learning a new language doesn't appeal to you, and then it'due south important to prioritise what does.
Gagandeep Kaur told the states: "It's important to exist clear about your research interests when shortlisting labs, just be sure to go over all the other criteria which are important to you lot, eg. demographic preferences, weather or climate considerations, family or personal preferences."
Dr James Quinn of the Alzheimer'south Clinical & Translational Inquiry Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, The states, knew he was corking on a move away but was looking for something specific in a potential part and also in a supervisor. He told us: "I was looking for a postdoc in another country, and specifically a postdoc that would be more translational than my PhD which was focused on the cell biology of Alzheimer'due south disease. I was besides looking for the right fit in my supervisor. I knew I wanted someone who would button me but also give me lots of positive encouragement that I was doing well."
Think exterior the box
When yous've spent the final few years learning all there is to know about your PhD discipline, applying for a postdoc in the same field would seem similar an obvious move. However, there is much to be said for looking a little farther afield, stepping out of your comfort zone and considering a postdoc in a new area of report.
Adviti Naik, a postdoctoral researcher at the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute decided to follow a different path when it came to applying for her postdoc. She told us: "When looking out for postdoc positions, endeavor non to restrict yourself to topics or projects yous're already familiar with. Postdocs are opportunities to gain complementary skills and expand your toolbox. My PhD project was mainly computational and although this was exciting for me to learn coming from a molecular biology groundwork, I terribly missed bench piece of work in the lab. So I knew that when information technology was time for me to look for a postdoc, I wanted a more than lab-based project while doing some computational piece of work on the side. Keeping your interest at the forefront rather than the pressure level of following a marked path helps increment work satisfaction in the long run."
Brittany Berdy explained how attending a talk on honeybees led to a postdoc awarding on a completely new topic. She said: "I did my PhD in microbial ecology, primarily tillage based approaches, however, my postdoc was on the honeybee microbiome and the impact of pesticides. I knew NOTHING nigh insects, but I happened to nourish a talk past someone who was looking for a postdoc microbiology to written report bees and I thought "this is fascinating!" then I began a conversation with this PI and decided to utilize for the position."
Be articulate on your career plan
Having a clear idea of your career trajectory will make shortlisting potential positions easier. If yous are able to demonstrate in your application how a particular part might fit well into your long-term career plans it will put you in a stronger position for consideration.
Dr Matthew Lloyd of the Academy of Bath says: "Having a career program volition make information technology much more than likely that you volition have a 'expert' postdoc experience and volition heighten your desirability to employers."
Keep your research profile updated and get published
When it comes to preparing applications, exist certain to update your profile and CV regularly. Ensure that any information in the public domain, eg. your Researchgate or LinkedIn contour, your ORCID ID or Google Scholar information is accurate, and where possible, publish your papers ASAP.
Heema Vyas, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Sydney recommends having outset-writer papers published: "Many fellowships volition ask almost your publications. Having papers published, or at the very least submitted prior to or whilst you lot utilise for postdoc positions is of import. Moreover, first-author papers will further embolden and strengthen your position equally a candidate for the postdoc you are applying for."
Be proactive when enhancing your contour. Getting involved with helping to programme events, conferences or symposiums demonstrates good organisation skills and will look keen on your CV. Involvement with committees, such as university student councils or equality/diversity/inclusivity committees may also requite y'all an advantage over other candidates. Engaging in scicomm by writing weblog pieces, producing podcasts or giving interviews about your research is also a great fashion to express your passion and commitment to your career.
Discuss your intentions with your supervisor
Keep your colleagues, and in particular your supervisor informed of your progress equally you begin to think nearly postdoc positions. Their wealth of experience and potential contacts within the scientific community tin exist invaluable when information technology comes to finding the correct position for you lot.
Heema Vyas stresses the importance of keeping your supervisor in the loop as you begin to make decisions about your time to come. She told us: "Your supervisor can be a useful resource and source of back up. They can assist y'all with applications, interview prep, and tin continue an eye out for potential postdoc positions that may become available."
Where to expect for postdoc positions
So you lot've decided that a postdoc is the adjacent step for you, merely where exercise you start to look for available positions? The iii most common ways to find a postdoc role are through publicly advertised positions, making 'cold contact' with labs or PIs of interest, and skillful old-fashioned networking.
Check regularly for advertised positions
You volition find postdoc positions advertised on websites, in journals and even on social media, so information technology'due south important to go into the habit of checking the most pop sites and publications regularly to see which new vacancies have become bachelor. Search for specific hashtags on social media and follow the social channels of labs similar to those that you are interested in.
Some websites that advertise postdocs include:
- postdocjobs.com
- sciencecareers.org
- sciencemag.org
- nature.com
- indeed.com
If y'all encounter a position advertised that you'd like to apply for, information technology's of import to read the criteria thoroughly to ensure your skills and qualifications are a good match. Matthew Lloyd gives some useful tips on applying for suitable post doc roles: "My colleague and I advertised a postdoc many years ago in synthetic, medicinal chemistry. Nosotros got over 200 applications, of which mayhap xv of the candidates were qualified. Nearly of the other applications were from candidates who had proficient qualifications, but not what was required for the chore. These applications didn't make it through the outset cut. If y'all are not sure what the position requires, ask the PI a specific question about what they're looking for before making an application."
He also added a note of caution when applying for roles through academy application systems. He said: "Something which is obvious merely is often forgotten, is that if you demand to apply through a university's online arrangement, then make sure you lot practise exactly that. If you send your CV or resumé straight to the PI information technology will not be considered because it must go through the proper channels. When applying, be sure to include a comprehend letter saying which postdoc yous are applying for and include the reference number. It is not unknown for applications to be misfiled by the HR department if you don't say which position information technology is you lot are applying for. If your application ends upwards in a pile for the wrong job information technology will exist rejected."
Reach out, simply exist wary of common cold contact
If you've thoroughly researched a particular lab and made connections through previous networking opportunities, you might feel confident enough to send a speculative application to express your involvement in working at that place. This is a mutual arroyo, and even if that particular lab has no vacancies currently, information technology could put you 'on their radar', meaning they may keep your details on file for future opportunities equally they ascend.
Gagandeep Kaur agrees that an expression of involvement tin can go a long way. She says: "Reach out to the lab PI or the scientists who interest yous. Bank check out their websites for open positions. It is ever appreciated by PIs if you email them to explain why you are excited to piece of work with them. If they have immediate openings, they can hire yous quickly depending upon the interactions."
Nevertheless, be wary that this approach tin can take a low success rate. With the more than popular labs and PIs receiving many such applications on a daily basis, your expression of interest will really have to stand out in order to have an impact.
Matthew Lloyd explains how being targeted is the key to success. He says: "PIs who are well-known in their fields will become 10 or more than speculative postdoc applications every single day, many of which will be unfocussed and not of interest. The key is to be very targeted, and only employ if you know a task volition be available at the right time. You can find this out through discussion of mouth or asking the PI if they have any positions coming upwards when meeting them at a conference. Information technology is skillful to target PIs who accept taken previous PhD graduates from your current lab equally postdocs. If the postdoc has gone on to get several papers or secure a job in science after, it is likely that the PI will at to the lowest degree consider your awarding."
He goes on to add together: "As you would for an advertised chore, be sure to provide a cover letter of the alphabet explaining your skills and experience. Also item what blazon of postdoc you desire, the skills you want to build and any new knowledge y'all desire to learn. The advantage of this arroyo is that you may non take much competition from other candidates if the post has not been advertised."
Network, network, network!
Networking is perchance one of the nigh important things you can practise to further your career in academia. Making connections, either virtually or in-person at conferences or symposiums, is vital for not merely learning about possible openings but for making a name for yourself. Expressing your involvement in a particular area and connecting with the leading scientists in those fields is the all-time way to put yourself forward for possible opportunities.
It can feel uncomfortable, and 'putting yourself out there' isn't always the easiest affair to do, but it can really pay off in the long run. Bronwen Martin told us: "Be proactive and showtime building your scientific network early on. Jobs are often found through contacts you lot make at conferences or scientific meetings and during collaborations."
Brittany Berdy told us how attending a detail seminar led to a job opening for her. She said: "Networking was primal for me. I did non apply for whatsoever other postdoc positions... simply I applied for this i entirely because someone on my committee recommended I get to a seminar to meet a particular PI. So I definitely wouldn't have gotten the job without networking! I'd say networking is cardinal beyond the board!"
Social media platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn tin be a useful mode to join conversations and connect with people, non just locally, but nationally and internationally too. James Quinn told united states of america: "I never actually "applied" for a postdoc, all of my offers came from conversations at conferences, on Twitter or through my network. For my current postdoc, I actually was approached about 4 months later finishing my PhD. This led to an interview and my subsequent move to the US, so y'all never know what might happen. Be sure to go along all of your avenues open."
When should yous start applying?
Once you're certain that a postdoc is what y'all want to pursue, it'south important to showtime applying for positions as soon as possible. The sooner you first to put feelers out, the amend adventure y'all will give yourself of making the right connections and finding the correct postdoc for you.
It's non uncommon for researchers to start making approaches a year or even two prior to finishing their PhD. Caitlin Aamodt, a postdoc researcher at the Academy of California San Diego, told us: "Attain out early. About a twelvemonth in advance of when the applicant wants to offset is best, but before is as well okay. This gives enough of time for potential labs to plan their budget accordingly."
Heema Vyas explained why she gave herself xviii months to apply for her postdoc, and warns how lengthy some funding application processes can be: "I decided a postdoc was what I wanted to pursue 1.five years prior to finishing my PhD. I also decided that I wanted an immediate outset after completing my PhD, and so on this basis, I would recommend starting this process early every bit it gives yous ample fourth dimension to consider all your options. Also, you should exist enlightened that some fellowships tin can crave lengthy awarding processes that span several months to an entire year before a decision is even fabricated."
If you're planning a move abroad information technology's also advised to give yourself as much fourth dimension equally possible to start thinking about accommodation and to make applications for specific funding. Bronwen Martin told us: "Outset applying for postdoc positions early! For positions abroad, apply approximately a year in advance. This then gives y'all aplenty time to sort out funding, a work visa and living arrangements."
James Quinn added: "I had started to contact researchers in other countries about postdocs approximately eighteen months prior to finishing my PhD. This is peculiarly important if you need to identify funding, and it gives yous appropriate time to apply for grants."
Consider different funding options
When it comes to funding your postdoc position, at that place may be a number of different options available to y'all. Sometimes the university or institute in question will already take made a salary available to fund the role. For other positions you may need to apply for a grant, fellowship or scholarship in order to fund the placement.
Brittany Berdy shared her thoughts on funding. She told us: "I was very fortunate in that in that location was already funding for my position and I didn't need to apply for anything prior to starting. However, I did apply later for some funding that was specific to my project, merely getting the chore was not contingent on securing that funding. I would highly suggest that people use for funding whenever they tin, equally grant writing is an important skill in whatsoever scientific position. Applying for funding is great do whenever possible, and it always looks expert on your CV if you are successful!"
Standing out in a competitive field
Contest for postdoc roles can be tough, and so how do you lot ensure that you lot stand up out from a crowd of equally keen and qualified applicants?
James Quinn believes that preparation is the fundamental to success, and that doing thorough research is essential. He says: "You lot are a fantastic scientist, never forget it... do non cede your mental and physical wellness trying to stand out. Make sure you join a lab who wants you to join for who you are as a person and not just to be another cog in their bike to generate data! I had just two published reviews by the time I started my postdoc, but what made me stand out was my experimental cognition, my passion for research, public engagement, science advice, my vision for the inquiry project and my career goals. Do your enquiry… I recollect I read every newspaper that our lab had published before applying for my postdoc."
Proficient references
Collecting some keen references is an important part of the application process. Consider approaching not just your supervisor, but other senior colleagues y'all take worked alongside during your PhD, specially those who know your skills and capabilities best. Brittany Berdy said: "I provided 3 references in support of my postdoc application. I chose the senior scientist in the lab who trained me in microbiology, the lab manager who I had worked very closely with, and my third reference was from someone who I had designed online courses with and had been teaching with for four years. I thought the latter reference provided a good alternative perspective, different from the benchwork perspective that someone from my lab could provide."
The importance of a good cover letter
Your postdoc application should be accompanied by a stiff and eye-catching cover letter. A cover letter of the alphabet is your get-go adventure to make a adept impression, showcase your qualities, and express your enthusiasm for the role. It's likewise a great way to show your personality and requite the reader an firsthand idea of the sort of person you are. Caitlyn Aamodt explains why a personal arroyo to your comprehend alphabetic character is important: "It's good to really personalise your cover messages. Take some time to describe how your experience fits with the lab, and consider giving examples of the kinds of ideas y'all might accept for potential projects."
Matthew Lloyd adds: "Explain how and why you meet the essential and desirable criteria in your encompass letter. If at that place are over 200 applications for a postdoc position, those from candidates who are not obviously qualified will be immediately rejected. Using the cover letter to highlight how and why you are qualified means that your application will go in the pile to be looked at in more detail."
Selling your skills
Information technology goes without saying that you will demand to include a listing of your qualifications and relevant experience with any awarding, simply information technology's important to remember to highlight your transferable skills likewise. 'Soft skills' tin be just as important to many PIs when because applications, so think hard about any practical skills you could bring from another position that may have been in a different field, but might be just what that particular team is looking for.
James Quinn told us: "Transferable skills are extremely of import. You pick upwardly so many relevant skills during your PhD that are very helpful for starting a postdoc. I'd say one of the most useful skills I've learned has been knowing when to inquire for aid. I am surrounded by so many brilliant scientists who take all been so willing and able to help me out."
Matthew Lloyd agrees that qualifications are not the be all and end all when it comes to postdoc applications. He said: "Do remember to sell your skills and non just your very specific experience. It is very rare that a candidate will have all the required experience and skills required for a office, but a motivated candidate with an power to problem-solve and a articulate plan of how to develop the experience and skills they already accept will be in a strong position."
Even listing your hobbies exterior of academia can be of involvement to a potential PI, and might just show a unlike side of you that appeals to a particular team. Being flexible and an all-round team actor can exist more important than academic prizes. Heema Vyas told u.s.: "Your CV is more than but your qualifications, bookish awards, published papers, or PhD lab feel. Whether yous are applying for a Fellowship or an advertised postdoc position, they are almost ever looking for well-rounded researchers."
Making the move abroad
So you've found your perfect postdoc position... but it's on the other side of the world. This will audio like a dream opportunity for many, only a stressful and daunting prospect for others. At that place's no denying that a move overseas volition pose a number of additional challenges, but it can too offer some unique 'once in a lifetime' opportunities that will be hard to turn downwards.
James Quinn and Adviti Naik both accepted postdoc position overseas, and nosotros asked them well-nigh the pros and cons of making the motility abroad - hither's what they came up with:
Pros
| Cons
|
James added: "Moving abroad and organizing visas were the most difficult things at the start, but now the biggest event for me is COVID-19 and not being able to return domicile to the U.k. considering of travel restrictions. All the same, my team has been extremely supportive and agreement, I couldn't enquire for more!"
Adviti told united states of her experiences abroad: "There is and then much to acquire and absorb with every move (in the lab and exterior), edifice new networks and gaining additional mentors. It'due south also a great way to showcase adaptability on your resume. I'm currently located in the fifth land that I've moved to for scientific discipline and I admittedly cherish the cultural and scientific learning feel gained through this nomadic life."
Matthew Lloyd notes that there may be additional challenges when applying for positions abroad. He explains: "If you practise make up one's mind to apply for a job in another country, be mindful that the PI is going to have to justify why they are employing you and not someone from their host country. Science tends to be highly specialised so it can be quite easy to justify based on your specific feel, merely it will depend on the general level of demand for postdocs and economic weather condition in the host country. Exist aware that there may exist specific eligibility requirements you'll need to satisfy in order to allow you to piece of work in the host country."
Surviving the interview procedure
If all goes well and your application is successful, y'all'll be invited to interview for the position. The postdoc interview process oftentimes has multiple parts and can span more than one day. You lot'll be expected to present your enquiry ideas, bout the campus, meet and spend time with non just the PI but the other lab members too, and of course face up a thorough interview in which yous will hash out your PhD research in particular and explain why this function is the right one for you.
Stuart Maudsley, Odysseus Professor of Receptor Pharmacology at the University of Antwerp explains just how draining the process can be: "The postdoc interviewing consequence is a marathon… you'll be presenting in the morning and then taken effectually to interview with all of the other affiliated researchers in the destination lab. This is gruelling... you will be mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the twenty-four hours."
As with any job interview, it'due south important to be as prepared every bit you lot tin, and exist sure to come armed with questions for the PI almost their expectations of you lot if you were to be successful. It'south always polite also to follow up the next day with an email or telephone call to thank the PI for their time and to ask for whatever feedback they might have at this stage.
P reparation and positivity will bring success
At every stage of the postdoc application, preparation and thorough research are vital for success. Existence as prepared every bit you lot can from an early stage volition give you a headstart over the competition. Research prospective labs and PIs thoroughly to requite yourself the best possible opportunity to impress them if you reach the all-important interview phase.
Have a positive mindset
Edifice resilience and having a positive mindset can be invaluable when working through a process similar this, and if yous're not successful, remember to use the experience as a learning opportunity rather than dwelling on any mistakes you might feel y'all have made. Accept a moment to read through our splendid resource on building resilience and coping with rejection on the Howdy Bio weblog.
And finally… enjoy your postdoc success!
It's a long and gruelling procedure merely when you finally receive that postdoc offering, it'south time to celebrate! As with any great career opportunity, take every bit much from information technology as you lot can and be sure to appreciate the exciting new position you discover yourself in. Equally Stuart Maudsley says: "When you get the fantabulous chore offer y'all wanted and then take hold of it with both hands and work your socks off for 2-3 years, information technology's worth it!"
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An especially big thank you to all of the wonderful contributors who kindly shared their experiences with us to help put this guide together: Caitlin Aamodt, Brittany Berdy, Gagandeep Kaur, Matthew Lloyd, Bronwen Martin, Stuart Maudsley, Adviti Naik, James Quinn and Heema Vyas.
What are your experiences of the postdoc application process? How did you find the right postdoc position for you? What communication would you lot requite to someone just starting the process?
Send us a message on Twitter @hello_bio or e-mail hello@hellobio.com . Nosotros'd dearest to hear from you!
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