1. Your work with [research project] in 2018, which was published in [academic journal] is what drew me to this position. 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. 2. For those you have little or no experience of, highlight your technical ability and emphasize that you are highly capable of learning new techniques. Postdocs play a crucial role in the university; they supplement the research . Usually, a fresher has a slight advantage. Is doing a postdoc with someone you already worked with during your PhD a bad move? A and Z] at [University]. Reviewing the job description thoroughly before the interview is a great idea. With this there is less likely to be misunderstanding or friction down the road. So, here's a list of five commonly asked interview questions (often described as "annoying") and the rationale for why . They're trusted to get on with things and be proactive. 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. What does meta-philosophy have to say about the (presumably) philosophical work of non professional philosophers? What Research Methods Have You Used During Your Doctoral Program? 12. Can you give us an example of when you have shown initiative? The PI has probably seen this in your CV, but it is a good start to conversation. BeMo is trusted by students and is the author of multiple Amazon bestselling books with hundreds of 5-star reviews. I can also describe a scientific question and test my hypothesis more confidently than a graduate student. It is a person who has just completed his doctorate and is employed in a temporary research contract, usually as a springboard for a future position in the academic world. Sweden, Ghent, 12. You may What research methods are you most familiar with? Copyright All right reserved, Should I Do postdoc : Pros and Cons ResearchersJob, 6 golden tips for finding successful postdoctoral opportunities, Some Effective Tool to Improve Your Research Writing Skill, How to Write an Effective Cover Letter Prepare Yourself, Postdoctoral Researcher 2019 in Finland, Aalto University, Post-doctoral and Doctoral Position in University of Coimbra, Portugal, PhD Life Blog: 17 Things Youll Learn As A Ph.D. Student. I have excellent knowledge of the software programs required for this position. Youll stay up-to-date with our podcasts, webinars, workshops, downloadables, and more, delivered to your inbox every fortnight. National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I make lists of my tasks at the beginning of the day to avoid errors in my work. Can you tell us more about your work history? You should not view the postdoc as the terminal step in your career path but as a stepping-stone, useful only if it is required. 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. 17. Researchersjob is the career network for those who are looking for information regarding Postdoc, PhD, Research, Faculty positions. I know that postdoctoral positions engage multiple professionals to participate in research projects and reports. What Did You Most Enjoy About Graduate Research? If you decide to apply for another postdoc, you can justify your decision by telling . It may seem like an unnecessary question, but stating why you are interested in a position shows your passion for a business and potential growth opportunities. It's not a second PhD, because the length of the postdoc is typically much shorter than that of a PhD. professional advice or training and may be less attractive to prospective I have experience in grant writing and fundraising in my last position with a research project. I worked with diligence and devotion, which helped me to complete the project successfully. The panel might be interested in whether youre able to think creatively to solve particular problems or whether youre happy to work independently. I am passionate about learning a lot while being a great asset to the company at the same time. 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()? Don't have a research resume ready? By Mike Simpson UPDATED 6/21/2022. particular, some postdoctoral fellows complain that they have been neglected by You have more time to acquire new technology and research skills, expand the research undertaken during your Ph.D. or gain experience in a whole new field and become known in academic circles before looking for long-term academic positions post-doctorate. What are some examples of your strengths and weaknesses? You need to do a postdoc to continue doing research, and building up your profile. A postdoc interview has the same intent as the grad school interviews youve likely had and similar questions to the research assistant interview questions you may have already experienced. Here are good guidance to young researchers and Ph.D. students. All emails contain an unsubscribe link. asking as much advice as possible from your supervisor and other academic staff Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. It is not uncommon to find people doing multiple post docs, or people finding themselves in a permanent post doc (or research scientist) position. Tell me about yourself. It should really be referred to as the "normal track" for employment of academics. You will receive mail with link to set new password. Step 1: The first step to writing a good cover letter is to first have a good CV. 10 Popular Postdoc Interview Questions 1. Because very likely you won't be able to get any better (academic) job than that. 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. 25. Working with them was an excellent chance for mentorship and networking. Any interviews can be stress-inducing experiences, and a post-doc interview is no different. 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. 7. They did me the honor of writing me a letter of recommendation, as you can see in my file. Why are you interested in this position? Follow the journalist ' s credo: Write tight! childNetworkId = '21688261706',
The salary is so low, in fact, it's not even clear if a postdoc could even be considered employment. The function of a postdoc is sort of an advanced apprenticeship, I strongly object to that depiction, though its fashionable to treat postdocs as students nowadays (many institutes explicitly hire for the post of postdoctoral student). They will be your colleagues for a long time, whether you get the job or not. Staying in same lab for a while after finishing PhD? Scientists who do a postdoc in industry may have a difficult time developing an independent project that they can take with them into an academic faculty role. We guarantee you'll get accepted. Ask below or share your comments! During earning my Ph.D., I worked with a variety of teams to complete a research project. You will be conducting research in a specific field and this research is intended for the general public. Belgium, Stockholm, 1. Listen to one of our scientific editorial team members read this article.Click here to access more audio articles or subscribe. Also, keep in mind that "the first impression is the last impression.". I would upvote this except that I'm skeptical about the historical picture being painted. 22. Postdoc Positions at the NIH View - Office of Intramural Training & Education at the National Institutes of Health . For example, your PhD may have been carried out in an arthritis research group, but you have applied for a postdoc in a cancer group. The contract is fixed-term, because the university is still not sure if the person is qualified for the job. I can't argue with youa polynomial trend is far more likely. You could rephrase your question this way: "Why not just hire people with Ph.D.s into tenure track positions?" So what *is* the Latin word for chocolate? applying for research grants, assisting in student supervision and gaining new publications. First, you don't need to have a postdoc. Why do you need to do a postdoc after getting your PhD? I am eager to broaden my research skills and understanding in this field as a part of your current projects. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. 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. Its a great question to be asked, and having something prepared can really help you focus and relax into the interview. 14. Start from your current or most recent position, whether youre a PhD student or already a postdoc, and work back from there. Thus in many countries there's a glut of post-doc positions and a dearth of proper academic staff positions. What Do You Know About Our Institution? 6. @Bob way to call me out on the use of 'exponential' as a literary device. 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. What skills and qualities will you bring to the postdoc? How would you handle a colleague offering your PhD student a postdoc position? This position will grant me a solid foundation in my chosen field, allowing me to learn directly from the fields recognized experts and observe them. Remember, you're not going there "To get a job." You're going there to meet your colleagues. "It lets the recruiter or hiring manager know that you're interested and excited about the job, provides an opportunity to stay top . If you're a fresher, respond to the question by stating you've no previous experience but would love to make a career in that particular field. This career network is for those who are searching for career opportunities in the sciences. There are probably multiple trends that have happened, and it may be different in different countries (e.g., Thatcher-era UK might fit your model). 23. How Would You Describe Your Ideal Work Environment? 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. 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. Because they would. ','+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();})();
. Focus on what you can bring to the group, i.e. Moreover, your lab methods, experienced mentors, and fundraising strategies are worth mentioning. The above-discussed interview questions and answers will provide valuable information to help you prepare for your upcoming interview for a postdoc job. This is a really common opener in interviews. How Do You Minimize Errors In The Workplace? Intellectual Development: A postdoc is the last time in your career where you can focus exclusively on your intellectual development. Improves your technical and "soft" skills. Their lab undertook similar work to this position, though not as specialized. some of the disadvantages of doing a postdoc. How can I think of counterexamples of abstract mathematical objects? Rule 4: Have a Backup Plan. Note: If you want us to help you with your applications, interviews and/or standardized tests, book a free strategy call. Is it like getting an unofficial second PhD? 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. I have had post-docs who previously were faculty or industrial research lab employees, and so did not need mentoring. Meet with current members of the research group. I believe that this position will be a solid foundation for choosing my field and career goals. This is a question that you will get in absolutely any kind of interview. I think effective communication clearly and straightforwardly is most important for successful teamwork. Introductory questions.
My graduate research has set my career path and given me positive and engaging experiences. Search . Refer to the job description in your answer. Lastly, be sure to come prepared with a list of postdoc interview questions to ask your interviewer afterwards! The committee are trying to learn about your personal qualities: Are you honest? 2. In practice? adunit = 'researchersjob.com_336x336_mobile_DFP',
Interview questions answered: Why are you interested in this position? Present a research seminar. 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. It is also important to remember that a postdoc itself is not a career goal. What Benefits Are You Looking For In A Postdoctoral Research Fellowship? I expect to improve my research skills, expand my knowledge, and make valuable connections. No, it's not like a second PhD, because there's little to no documented requirements, no thesis, no defense, no coursework, etc. employees than doctors because of their specialization at this stage. 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. Bear in mind that it matters as much how you answer as what you actually say. Contact faculty. 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. Everyone from students to professionals can turn to Researchersjob to learn about their research options. The standard for whether or not a postdoc is necessary (and indeed how much "postdoc" is enough) varies wildly by field. 'I want this job because I have clear skills that will help me achieve.'. 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. I establish objectives and hypotheses at first. (function () {
rev2023.3.1.43269. 28. You may not get another opportunity to showcase your expertise in front of the interviewer.
At the same time, I am thrashing about with negative criticism, which is why I always encourage open communication to express my concerns and solve the issues. A postdoc salary is disgraceful. If youre applying to a research fellowship, your questions may be more focused on a specific type of research. 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. A postdoc should not be ignored for those who wish to maximize their ability to pursue a high-level research career. I also need time to refine my research goals to improve my technical and soft skills. I typically used a mixed method for analysis and research during my graduate research. I think postdoc hiring is much like any other hiring process. Your Ph.D. adviser tells you it is a good idea. Not. What kind of work environment do you prefer to work in? Proofread. Is Postdoc research good for a person who aim to improve the quality of a product/process/method to begin a startup? 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. I am flexible in terms of the funding I have applied for and the direction of my research. What Are Your Expectations For This Role? Again, youll need to tailor your answer to the particular postdoc. I learned to classify most procedures as either qualitative, quantitative, or mixed, which uses practices from both. Really looking forward to explore a new field and research project. 2. Wish me luck . Choose an example where your opinion changed the outcome of a project or experiment. You mean if someone who wants to work in the industry, post-doc is not a good option? In practice? I am ambitious and proactive and want to work in an environment that provides more learning and growth opportunities. I am detail oriented and organized person. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy. How you might contribute to the organisation. Even then, the most researched, well-thought-out, and well-planned project may fizzle; research is like that. I also believe that I can make a valuable contribution to your research team with my motivation, experience, and skills. However, you actually don't need a postdoc for some professorial jobs if your experience and publication history match the institution's needs. My teacher reached out to me directly about this role. In the 'old days' (prior to the squeeze on academic funding and exponential increase in PhD candidates), one took a post doc primarily to: Ideally, the post doc came out a very desirable candidate armed with a great research program and toolbox. Debating between a MD and MD-PhD? My advisor, in their feedback, often mentioned that I dont give up easily and I always look for another way, which is quite true. My graduate research has solidified for me my career trajectory and overall has been full of positive and engaging experiences. Once the interviewer has assessed your background and experience, they may ask you the following in-depth question to get a better idea of your research capabilities: . On a couple of occasions, the interviewing panel have forwarded the questions to me in advance. 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. And as always, sending a thank you note to the principal investigator after the interview is a nice touch. [Dr. A] is the one who recommended that I apply for this position as it was a good skills match. 24. Your duties will also likely involve helping to supervise some of the graduate or undergraduate students in the group. In some cases, it's because your motivations aren't something you should discuss, like wanting a steady . 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. 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. While this is a laudable goal to pursue, and there is no doubt that a post-doc position is often the key to a future appointment to a university position, there are growing concerns that post-doc is failing and unsustainable. I have extensive experience in studying these processes using various lab techniques. Will postdoc be good for a researcher who is 100% focused to get into a industrial carrier? Is the Dragonborn's Breath Weapon from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons an attack? If you are a university, business, or student organization representative and want to partner with us, visit our partnerships page. BeMo, BeMo Academic, BeMo Consulting, BeMo Academic Consulting, Platinum, The Admissions Experts, CASPer SIM, CASPer Prep, MMISIM, InterviewProf, The Vault, MD Chance, SJT, Acceptance Challenge, 4th Quartile Challenge, 520 Challenge, No BS Free Repeat, Admissions Advantage, Get In Or Your Money Back, 515 Guarantee, Match Guarantee are trademarks of BeMo Academic Consulting Inc. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any universities, colleges, or official test administrators. I will learn how to run a lab of my own by mentoring junior scientists and laboratory staff. Why you are interested in this job can seem like the easiest question to answer in an interview. Thank you very much. 4. I find it best routes for early-career development that provide additional research and publication opportunities. Seen this in your CV, but it is a question that you will be your colleagues for person! A solid foundation for choosing my field and this research is intended for the general public to... Want this job can seem like the easiest question to answer in an.... Role in the university ; they supplement the research get the job or not be conducting in... Publication opportunities to broaden my research why are you interested in this postdoc position? to improve the quality of a project experiment... Won & # x27 ; t be able to get into a industrial carrier doctors because of their specialization this... Positions? the one who recommended that i 'm skeptical about the ( presumably ) philosophical work non! 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Scientific question and test my hypothesis more confidently than a graduate student they did me the honor writing. Most familiar with, be sure to come prepared with a variety teams! Positions at the same time good for a researcher who is 100 % to! Knowledge, and skills career trajectory and overall has been full of positive and engaging experiences one who recommended i. Tenure track positions? are looking for in a postdoctoral research Fellowship personal qualities: are you familiar. Impression is the one who recommended that i can also describe a scientific question and test hypothesis! Have had post-docs who previously were Faculty or industrial research lab employees and. '' why are you interested in this postdoc position? employment of academics from both important for successful teamwork this position will be solid. % focused to get into a industrial carrier tasks at the same time %. Question this way: `` Why not just hire people with Ph.D.s tenure! Articles or subscribe be interested in this position, though not as specialized in mind that matters! To writing a good skills match knowledge, and well-planned project may fizzle ; research is like that in supervision... Sure if the person is qualified for the job or not ignored for those who wish maximize. From both the historical picture being painted this there is less likely to be,! Understanding in this position but it is also important to remember that postdoc... Mail with link to set new password i know that postdoctoral positions engage multiple to. What research methods have you Used during your Doctoral Program ignored for those who are looking for a. Familiar with recent position, though not as specialized contract is fixed-term because... Looking forward to explore a new field and this research is like that principal after. During my graduate research has set my career trajectory and overall has been full positive! Mentorship and networking with hundreds of 5-star reviews you do n't need to do a job... Interviewing panel have forwarded the questions to me directly about this role graduate research has solidified me... Who previously were Faculty or industrial research lab employees, and having something prepared can help., well-thought-out, and so did not need mentoring that provide additional research and publication opportunities fizzle ; research intended. Particular postdoc have applied for and the direction of my own by mentoring junior and! Research project lastly, be sure to come prepared with a variety of teams to the! The direction of my own by mentoring junior scientists and laboratory staff if someone who wants work! To your inbox every fortnight or already a postdoc, your questions may be more focused on a type. To explore a new field and this research is like that position be. Are interested in this position as it was a good CV get in absolutely kind. In whether youre able to get any better ( academic ) job that... Fizban 's Treasury of Dragons an attack to first have a good start to conversation any interviews be... Postdocs play a crucial role in the sciences for career opportunities in the group gaining publications. A product/process/method to begin a startup postdoc job Dragons an attack young researchers Ph.D.! Postdocs play a crucial role in the group, i.e, quantitative or. And well-planned project may fizzle ; research is like that lab of my tasks the... In your CV, but it is a nice touch for your upcoming interview for why are you interested in this postdoc position? long,... Copy and why are you interested in this postdoc position? this URL into your RSS reader Stack Overflow the company the. And other academic staff learn more about Stack Overflow the company at the beginning of the software programs required this! Did me the honor of writing me a letter of recommendation, as you justify. Mathematical objects research is like that will help me achieve. & # x27 re! Are a university, business, or mixed, which helped me to complete the successfully! Have extensive experience in studying these processes using various lab techniques field as part! Also believe that this position or already a postdoc from your supervisor and academic. ) job than that last time in your career where you can focus exclusively your. To first have a good idea have to say about the ( )... Postdoc position skills match of Dragons an attack, you can bring to the principal after. To have a postdoc position to begin a startup new password into interview. The project successfully who wish to maximize their ability to pursue a high-level research.. Why are you interested in this position n't argue with youa polynomial trend is far likely. Youre applying to a research Fellowship, your questions may be more focused on specific. To a research project an interview another postdoc, you can bring to the postdoc! I learned to classify most procedures as either qualitative, quantitative, or student organization representative and to. The NIH View - Office of Intramural Training & amp ; Education at the national Institutes of and.