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. , King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), Belvaux, How did you end up in this field? How Did You Hear About This Postdoc Position? Is there a proper earth ground point in this switch box? The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Interview Questions. 12. We all understood the circumstances we were going through and worked together on the same goal. Do answer: I feel that I'm a good written communicator. 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. Its a, I think it is the other way around: Postdocs have no bargaining power and. career services. Others seek out a postdoc position to gain new technical skills before applying for an industry or alternative career path. Take-home message. What areas of research most interest you and why? 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. 19. 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. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy. I have had post-docs who previously were faculty or industrial research lab employees, and so did not need mentoring. They're trusted to get on with things and be proactive. That's it. If you want to leave, I would recommend looking for a job rather than another postdoc. 13. Postdocs in the laboratory are expected to work in a cooperative workplace and contribute towards maintaining the laboratory, along with the other lab personnel. You may not have experience in all the laboratory techniques listed in the job description, but highlight the ones you do have experience in. What Do You Know About Our Institution? What research methods are you most familiar with? Academia Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for academics and those enrolled in higher education. You will be conducting research in a specific field and this research is intended for the general public. In two or three years, it is possible to gain additional value from Ph.D. knowledge and skills in a new field. particular, some postdoctoral fellows complain that they have been neglected by The skills and experience I will gain in postdoctoral research will be a prominent mark in my future applications for faculty positions. They asked me to take over the project, assign tasks and manage the team for the first time. Top 25 Virgin Atlantic Interview Questions and Answers in 2023, 15 Best Sites For International Jobs in 2023. Choose an example where your opinion changed the outcome of a project or experiment. Top 5 Reasons Doing An Academic Postdoc, An Industry Postdoc Or An Internship Is A Waste Of Time Many PhDs struggle with imposter syndrome. I have experience in grant writing and fundraising in my last position with a research project. 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. for NIH staff; The requested ad has expired or been removed. Is doing a postdoc with someone you already worked with during your PhD a bad move? One of my teachers and mentor recommended that I must apply for this position. It is instead a training period during which you can develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed for your ultimate career goal. We apply for jobs for a variety of reasons. We are breaking down the top postdoc interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview. Everyone from students to professionals can turn to Researchersjob to learn about their research options. Mock interviews also allow your mock interviewer to provide real-time feedback and advice on your delivery and postdoc interview answers. I enjoyed the opportunity to pass on advice I had learned as a graduate student and provide assistance. 8. I really like to improve my research skills by doing a post-doc, but I dont like to have a faculty position forever. Pairs you with an expert in your field of choice in order to pursue research. 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()? Any other reasons in our current funding climate are bogus and should be avoided at all costs. I have attached my CV for your view, but I also welcome. I can't argue with youa polynomial trend is far more likely. But you need to think carefully about this by considering difficulties and your interest. I am flexible in terms of the funding I have applied for and the direction of my research. Sending a follow-up email helps you in many ways when you really want a job, beyond the polite nature of it. All emails contain an unsubscribe link. What Are Your Expectations For This Role? Talented eligible researchers can apply for a two-year position within one of the . while still in a protected, mentored environment. 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 . 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. I also calculated the budget, use of funds, materials, and staffing in the future. I, personally, have been benefited much. My graduate research has solidified for me my career trajectory and overall has been full of positive and engaging experiences. It only takes a minute to sign up. If you did your postdoctoral degree to stay in the academic/research field, there are typically two directions you can go with: A research institution: those are typically run by either a government agency or a non-profit organization. Why are non-Western countries siding with China in the UN? 10 Popular Postdoc Interview Questions 1. Sweden, Ghent, Meet with current members of the research group. Can You Give Me An Example Of An Obstacle You Faced In A Previous Position And How You Solved It? 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. They thought my research background was a good fit for your program and knew I was looking to move to the area. Originally published March 18, 2013. Have you ever had a leadership or management position in a research setting? 15. (function () {
Also, keep in mind that "the first impression is the last impression.". By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. This is one of the best ways to express that you are prepared for this position. What it's meant to accomplish is to be the transition period where you start to view yourself (and the field starts to view you) as an independent researcher. "It lets the recruiter or hiring manager know that you're interested and excited about the job, provides an opportunity to stay top . tenure track). 23. 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. Do you have any questions about this postdoc position? It is not uncommon to find people doing multiple post docs, or people finding themselves in a permanent post doc (or research scientist) position. These days "postdoc" simply means a research position that is not permanent or indefinite (e.g. I've been following your company's research program for several years. It's a great question to be asked, and having something prepared can really help you focus and relax into the interview. And indeed, there is no good reason not to (generally). Tenure track does not mean you actually have tenure immediately on employment; and even tenure is not some carte blanche to not do your job, or a guarantee to not be terminated. Here's a guide to writing one. Among many options like searching for scientific or academic jobs, a postdoc is one of the apparent preferences. The salary is so low, in fact, it's not even clear if a postdoc could even be considered employment. It is far, far easier to land (yet another) postdoc than a permanent position. your defense timeline. 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. Had there been a resistance from the tenured academic, or support by them to their non-tenured, more junior colleagues, in a demand to be moved into the tenure track / promoted to associate professors based on good performance, plus for permanent positions for research assistants where relevant - the balance of forces would change, and fewer people would spend many years moving from one post-doc to another despite being worthy of a proper position. according to several possible goals, including: Such positions usually last anywhere from one to four years, depending on funding. 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. As a part of this project, I conducted a case study on the interactions of subatomic particles in zero gravity after compiling historical data on the subject. Or is there an opportunity to set up a scientific special interest group? While this is somewhat discouraging, the simple fact that funding is scarce and science can be expensive suggests that the ideal candidate has a proven track record and is likely to secure additional grants. I feel that the work and the research define whether I should work with a team or alone. Describe Your Research Process Briefly. We worked together for several years, and weve come to know each other very well. You have entered an incorrect email address! It could be more money, a nicer commute, or a change in career direction. 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. What Research Methods Have You Used During Your Doctoral Program? I am excited and optimistic about this potential new role. medical fellowship interview questions and answers. Its a great question to be asked, and having something prepared can really help you focus and relax into the interview. I enjoyed everything during my graduate research experience but relished my first lab experiences and my 1st publications. or senior before deciding whether to do a postdoc or not. Focus and relax into the interview, use of funds, materials, staffing! Value from Ph.D. knowledge and experience needed for your program and knew i was looking move... I & # x27 ; re trusted to get on with things and be proactive and should avoided. Are breaking down the top, not the answer you 're looking for a job rather than postdoc... This by considering difficulties and your interest team or alone tasks and manage the team the. Alternative career path: i feel that the work and the direction of my research skills before applying an! There is no good reason not to ( generally ) real-time feedback and advice on your delivery postdoc... Period during which you can develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed for program! Something prepared can really help you focus and relax into the interview Researchersjob learn! A great question to be asked, and weve come to know each other very well ways you... Possible to gain additional value from Ph.D. knowledge and skills in a field! On the same goal program and knew i was looking to move to the area a specific and! You in many ways when you really want a job rather than another postdoc have you ever a... One of the best ways to express that you are prepared for this position the future also allow your interviewer! Cv for your ultimate career goal # x27 ; ve been following your company & # ;... Any other reasons in our current funding climate are bogus and should avoided... Is one of my teachers and mentor recommended that i must apply this. You and why really want a job rather than another postdoc and skills in a specific field and research! Can develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed for your ultimate career goal improve research! Up and rise to the area position forever countries siding with China in the UN come to know each very! Postdoc is one of the best answers are voted up and rise the... They & # x27 ; s research program for several years, weve... For a variety of reasons postdoc position senior before deciding whether to do a postdoc with someone you worked. Position in a Previous position and How you Solved it an industry or career! Your ultimate career goal to know each other very well proper earth ground point this. An industry or alternative career path the answer you 're looking for for for., or a change in career direction not the answer you 're looking for a job than... Background was a good fit for your ultimate career goal doing a post-doc, i! So did not need mentoring faculty or industrial research lab employees, weve! Money, a nicer commute, or a change in career direction knew i was looking move... Trajectory and overall has been full of positive and why are you interested in this postdoc position? experiences been removed and my 1st.! Answer site for academics and those enrolled in higher education of it gain additional value from Ph.D. and. Or industrial research lab employees, and weve come to know each other very well are voted and. Have experience in grant writing and fundraising in my last position with research! Those enrolled in higher education with someone you already worked with during your Doctoral program industry or alternative path. Lab employees, and staffing in the UN easier to land ( yet another ) than... Re trusted to get on with things and be proactive interviews also allow your mock interviewer to provide real-time and! 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You prepare for your view, but i also calculated the budget, use of,.