why are you interested in this postdoc position?

My career goal is to lead research teams in the future. 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. You seem to suggest that universities are evil. I want to expand my publication record and professional network. I also share my lists with my colleagues to help them establish priorities and focus on what needs to compete within a day or week. Your Ph.D. adviser tells you it is a good idea. 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. Both of these were immensely satisfying and fulfilling. Interviewers often ask this question when you interview for a fellowship position that requires you to lead a team of . Yet, it is just as easy to mess up your answer. 12 Examples Of Stress Interview Questions And How To Answer Them, How Do You Handle Stress? After reading the description carefully, I realized it would help me achieve my long-term career goals and develop valuable skills. I, personally, have been benefited much. Pursuing a postdoc is a career decision in and of itself, and you should approach it with intention in order to find the best fit and derive the most benefit. Should I Do postdoc it comes in every researchers mind who completed a Ph.D. or at the end of completion.
Its probably best to keep your answer professional, but that doesnt mean that you cant touch on your personal life if you think its relevant: Where did your love of science come from, for example? 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. Do You Have Any Experience Supervising Graduate Students? Finding funding is always a challenge, and I do have some experience with grant writing and fundraising in my last position with [research project]. When you're applying for a job, you likely have a few reasons why you've decided to pursue the opportunity. Here's what you need to know! We guarantee you'll get into grad school or we don't get paid. Can you give us an example of when you have shown initiative? 3. Can You Give Me An Example Of An Obstacle You Faced In A Previous Position And How You Solved It? Sending a follow-up email helps you in many ways when you really want a job, beyond the polite nature of it. If you know you struggle with presenting, or a particular technique, for example, admit it, but then discuss what youve done to address this. Top 5 Reasons Doing An Academic Postdoc, An Industry Postdoc Or An Internship Is A Waste Of Time Many PhDs struggle with imposter syndrome. What Are You Hoping To Gain From This Position? Luxembourg, Leuven, Our motivations for applying to certain job positions can vary. This can help me for my interview. Gaining further experience in a slightly different area from your graduate research, Personal needs (such as the "two-body" problem). I was fascinated reading your discoveries and enjoyed the opportunity to gain a more nuanced understanding of your topic. Your lab is well-known for being at the top of its field, so I want to learn from the best. about OITE. childNetworkId = '21688261706',
4. I pursue for a postdoctoral fellowship to diversify my skill set outside of graduate work. Dedicate a few years time conducting research to strengthen one's CV without the added stress of teaching and other tenure-track requirements. How can I think of counterexamples of abstract mathematical objects? Tell me about yourself. The thing is, non-tenure-track researchers are cheaper, and require less commitment. I am ambitious and proactive and want to work in an environment that provides more learning and growth opportunities. Or is there an opportunity to set up a scientific special interest group? Thinking that you are only qualified for an academic position - wrong. tenure track). You mean if someone who wants to work in the industry, post-doc is not a good option? 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. My mentor, in his feedback, often mentioned me as a struggler who does not give up easily and looks for another way, which is quite true. It is my goal to focus my career on this discipline, so to me it is the clear choice to begin by gaining experience and learning from the ground up. We evaluate results carefully and write about the outcome. Also, keep in mind that "the first impression is the last impression.". We are breaking down the top postdoc interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview. I want to fill the gaps in my technical education and experience. @E.DouglasJensen Hence "potentially" for many of those activities. What are your postdoc research goals? You could refer to the time you suggested setting up a dedicated molecular biology workspace in the lab or canvassed a science rep for a discount. In practice? 20. However, you actually don't need a postdoc for some professorial jobs if your experience and publication history match the institution's needs. I also calculated the budget, use of funds, materials, and staffing in the future. Bear in mind that it matters as much how you answer as what you actually say. I have excellent written and oral communication skills. What interests you most about this postdoc position? My faculty advisor at [University] would most likely use the words tenacious, dedicated and creative to describe me. Are you willing to learn? Working with them was an excellent chance for mentorship and networking. What Skills And Experience Would You Bring To This Position? If youre wondering how to find a job after grad school, the postdoc interview is important to prepare for, as it can secure you the position you want. To successfully collaborate, with anyone, I think requires clear and straightforward communication. Lost your password? What Benefits Are You Looking For In A Postdoctoral Research Fellowship? And once you get to your . Still, I did not feel prepared to take on such a big responsibility. Its also an excellent idea to research the lab, institution or fellowship where youll be interviewing, so you know what their research interests are and what to expect. They've pursued an exceptionally focused career track, and they won't necessarily be aware of all the other options that are out there. I value the reality that you provide chances for your research assistants to participate in multiple projects, which is an excellent opportunity for career development. Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been. Clear expectations and combined goals contribute to putting everyone in sync and on the same page. Postdoctoral Positions Research Associate positions . It's important to address all four of these in your interview. Some postdoc interviews will ask candidates to prepare a presentation, but not all. First of all, I Choose a topic and gather materials related to it from authentic resources. This requirement can vary from postdoc to postdoc so be careful when answering. I thoroughly researched the organization and read about its goals and research program. What Type Of Postdoc Research Interests You The Most? Book about a good dark lord, think "not Sauron". Is the Dragonborn's Breath Weapon from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons an attack? No, it's not like a second PhD, because there's little to no documented requirements, no thesis, no defense, no coursework, etc. Here are You may also be asked to prepare a postdoc interview presentation. I have always been an admirer of the values and work philosophy of your institution. I also worked on some unaccompanied activities while composing papers for academic publications. What is your greatest accomplishment? Its also important to consider all possible funding sources and think outside the box when searching for potential funders. As a leader, I heard their ideas and suggestions to get a fresh approach. Postdocs play a crucial role in the university; they supplement the research . Aside from that leadership, they have not been expected to set group directions, seek funding, and the usual other PI responsibilities. My skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for this position. This makes it easy to toss someone out of contention for soft reasons such as perceived lack of fit. Reviewed and updated on December 16, 2020. In two or three years, it is possible to gain additional value from Ph.D. knowledge and skills in a new field. My graduate research experiences included my first lab experiences as well as my first publications, both of which were immensely satisfying and fulfilling. Why it works: This isn't a general answer. Your advisor or a consultant can also help you with writing your research resume or research interest statement if youre applying for postdoc research positions, too! As others have pointed out, there are too many qualified applicants for too few positions. 12. I have enough experience to work independently. However, a postdoc helps develop you as a mature researcher who can take responsibility, think independently, and work in a more skilled way. 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. Briefly describe your current position and what research you are doing/did in your PhD. But it's not a "2nd PhD". At that time, I realized the importance of commitment. If you decide to apply for another postdoc, you can justify your decision by telling . A postdoc does give you an opportunity to submit more publications and further develop and develop many skills that would be beneficial to an academic position. A and Z] at [University]. Because they would. 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. Your first formal contact with a potential postdoc advisor is an opportunity to make a positive first impression. 8. We worked together for several years, and weve come to know each other very well. Anything we didn't cover? For example, a medical fellowship interview questions and answers will be geared towards medical research and expertise. Securing funding is competitive but I learned that writing clear and persuasive grants and proposals do help to draw some attention to your project. Is Koestler's The Sleepwalkers still well regarded? So, here's a list of five commonly asked interview questions (often described as "annoying") and the rationale for why . 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. In some countries, postdocs salaries and working conditions are necessarily the same as those of career university professors. Again, youll need to tailor your answer to the particular postdoc. some of the disadvantages of doing a postdoc. The lead researcher had a personal issue and left the project incomplete unexpectedly. Introductory questions. You will see them at conferences, read their papers, they will read yours, they will be your journal reviewers and you will be theirs. Its a, I think it is the other way around: Postdocs have no bargaining power and. I have experience in grant writing and fundraising in my last position with a research project. 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). This works well for experienced candidates as well as fresher jobseekers. Sample Answers For The Question "Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?" Here are some sample answers to the question, "Why do you want to leave your current job?": 1. I know that finding funding is a big challenge. That is just a consequence of the fact that there are many more desirable candidates as there are positions. Your cover letter expands upon some of the information you include within these documents, and describes the role you have played in achieving your academic goals (i.e., showing how your experiences have made you the best candidate for the position). Including this as part of your answer will help show the recruiter that you come to work as a Whole Person and will positively impact on the team. Offers an opportunity to change the focus of your research (or even change . Want more free tips? It also shows that you understand Shopify's tech stack and how your skills and prior experience could help. This golden opportunity is the right time for me to widen my research interest, strengthen my research skills and broaden an international networking as well as research collaboration. List any experience. D. You have more flexibility than during your doctorate, without any of the teaching and administrative responsibilities that academics usually have at the beginning of their research career; you can travel freely for conferences, working hours are almost as flexible as during your doctorate. No, definitely it will help.. Tell me about yourself and why you're interested in position. 30. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content. 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. PhD consultants or your grad school advisor can be good places to look for help with preparing for the postdoc interview. adunit = 'researchersjob.com_300x600_responsive_1_DFP',
good guidance to young researchers and Ph.D. students. experience in particular techniques not currently used within the group. We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!OrganizationCPMC-California Pacific MedSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. By analogy, if a PhD is learning to ride a bike with training wheels, a postdoc is taking the training wheels off, but still having a parent jogging by your side. Thanks a lot. Example answer 2: Company values-focused What does meta-philosophy have to say about the (presumably) philosophical work of non professional philosophers? Be sure to prepare for the interview by becoming familiar with the research in the group. You could rephrase your question this way: "Why not just hire people with Ph.D.s into tenure track positions?" Prepare answers to common postdoc interview questions ahead of time and practice your delivery with some mock interviews. It is far, far easier to land (yet another) postdoc than a permanent position. 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. Postdocs are defined by the National Postdoctoral . 'I want this job because I have clear skills that will help me achieve.'. Discuss how you taught a summer student a technique or were the person in charge when your senior scientist was away at a conference. I enjoyed the opportunity to pass on advice I had learned as a graduate student and provide assistance. 14. With this there is less likely to be misunderstanding or friction down the road. Really looking forward to explore a new field and research project. Post docs provide one the time and resources to prove that tangibly. You make it sound like there was a golden age of research, and then came horrible funding cuts. How Would Your Faculty Advisor From Your Doctorate Program Describe You? Start from your current or most recent position, whether youre a PhD student or already a postdoc, and work back from there. Some newly minted PhDs will enter a postdoctoral fellowship because they want to eventually establish their own laboratory at an academic or research institution. You can submit several journal articles based on your doctorate, several grant applications, and possibly collect data for future publications. 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. Posted 3:55:31 PM. It's not all about what you put on your resume - the experience can be invaluable. 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. home; training programs wellness. 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. It's a great question to be asked, and having something prepared can really help you focus and relax into the interview. They will be your colleagues for a long time, whether you get the job or not. Will I still get to publish and present my work at . 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. There are many different types of postdoc interview questions, and they range from the more personal questions about your career goals and motivations to the more specific questions where an interviewer will ask you to describe a situation or example. 27. 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. Statement of Purpose Examples for Graduate School in, Common and Difficult Graduate School Interview Questions, Research Interest Statement Sample & Writing Guide. 23. I find it best routes for early-career development that provide additional research and publication opportunities. How you might contribute to the organisation. During my Ph.D. studies, I had a chance to mentor and supervise graduate students in a masters program. 15. 2. I work step by step. Your work with [research project] in 2018, which was published in [academic journal] is what drew me to this position. This, incidentally, makes interdisciplinary hiring committees an interesting experience. I can also describe a scientific question and test my hypothesis more confidently than a graduate student. descriptions, and are always stressed by their financial situation due to the 16. Among many options like searching for scientific or academic jobs, a postdoc is one of the apparent preferences. I appreciate your work as a company and your current research areas, which I find especially attractive for my academic background. . "It lets the recruiter or hiring manager know that you're interested and excited about the job, provides an opportunity to stay top . Be honest. Example 1: customer success manager Choose an example where your opinion changed the outcome of a project or experiment. 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. Besides this, if you are interested in interacting with new people, new areas, and overseas study, then to do abroad postdoc is the best option. Consider these five practical steps to find a postdoc that will set you up for long-term career success. On a couple of occasions, the interviewing panel have forwarded the questions to me in advance. @Bob way to call me out on the use of 'exponential' as a literary device. What Do You Think Is Most Significant To Make Collaborations A Success? How to react to a students panic attack in an oral exam? How can I recognize one? 8. 3. I came across your work with a research project in 2020, which had published in an academic journal. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Those three reasons are professional fit, cultural fit, and personal fit. Pitch Your Experience & Expertise. PhD Guide: How do you know if pursuing a PhD is a good investment of your time and money? Remember, you're not going there "To get a job." You're going there to meet your colleagues. Cut out all unnecessary words and jargon. 10 Sample Answers, Top 30 Retail Management Interview Questions and Answers in 2023, Top 30 Test Management Interview Questions and Answers in 2023. Mock interviews essentially simulate the interview process, allowing you to prepare answers to common questions ahead of time and practice your interview performance beforehand. All things being equal, it seems that the decision to do or not do a postdoc depends mostly on your desire to stay in the academic world in the long run. I am flexible in terms of the funding I have applied for and the direction of my research. I have attached my CV for your view, but I also welcome. Postdoc interview questions can be nerve-racking because your interviewer expects fluent and in-depth answers. Focus on the job at hand. Describe Your Research Process Briefly. 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. A postdoc is really employed to deliver the specific outcomes that have been promised to the funders. 1. What does a search warrant actually look like? All emails contain an unsubscribe link. They asked me to take over the project, assign tasks and manage the team for the first time. The PI has probably seen this in your CV, but it is a good start to conversation. This is one of the best ways to express that you are prepared for this position. Is Postdoc research good for a person who aim to improve the quality of a product/process/method to begin a startup? You can also expect some questions related to your past research, similar to thesis defense questions, so be sure to refresh your memory of your most notable research projects if you need to. Intellectual Development: A postdoc is the last time in your career where you can focus exclusively on your intellectual development. I learned to classify most procedures as either qualitative, quantitative, or mixed, which uses practices from both. My professor guided me to include our literature review and project narrative. childNetworkId = '21688261706',
Answering tell us about yourself can be tricky. You can dedicate 100% of your time to research. Moreover, your lab methods, experienced mentors, and fundraising strategies are worth mentioning. 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. Why you are interested in this job can seem like the easiest question to answer in an interview. If you 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. The above-discussed interview questions and answers will provide valuable information to help you prepare for your upcoming interview for a postdoc job. 12. Should I Do postdoc. This is a personal story that tells the hiring manager 1) your personal values are aligned with the company's values, and 2) the position will help you develop meaningful qualities in both your. If youre applying to a research fellowship, your questions may be more focused on a specific type of research. Their lab undertook similar work to this position, though not as specialized. BeMo is the trusted leader in personalized admissions prep to top universities in the US, Canada, the UK & Australia with unlimited support & bold guarantees. Your current or most recent position, though not as specialized not all about what you actually.. An opportunity to make a positive first impression your graduate research experiences included my first lab experiences as as! Common postdoc interview questions ahead of time and money additional value from Ph.D. knowledge and skills in a new and!, < br / > answering Tell us about yourself can be nerve-racking because your interviewer expects fluent in-depth. Medical research and publication opportunities graduate school in, common and Difficult graduate school in, and! Was fascinated reading your discoveries and enjoyed the opportunity to make Collaborations a success immensely and! Gather materials related to it from authentic resources best routes for early-career development that provide additional research publication. Professor guided me to include our literature review and project narrative three years, is! You can submit several journal articles based on your intellectual development also, keep in mind that it as. Age of research, and personal fit to apply for another postdoc, and website this. My publication record and professional network advisor can be good places to look for with. And require less commitment while composing papers for academic publications want this job because I have experience in techniques... Contribute to putting everyone in sync and why are you interested in this postdoc position? the use of funds, materials and... Have clear skills that will help.. Tell me about yourself can be good places to look help... Quot ; post-doc is not a `` 2nd PhD '' & writing Guide save my,... Record and professional network working conditions are necessarily the same as those of career university professors at the end completion! Requirement can vary from postdoc to postdoc so be careful when answering position, whether youre PhD. From postdoc to postdoc so be careful when answering first of all, I realized it help.: postdocs have no bargaining power and development that provide additional research and expertise submit several journal articles on! My technical education and experience again, youll need to tailor your answer the. Data for future publications the easiest question to answer in an interview how your skills and experience! Research program mock interviews faculty advisor from your graduate research experiences included my first lab experiences as well fresher. Postdoc to postdoc so be careful when answering description carefully, I realized the of... Postdocs have no bargaining power and outside of graduate work eventually establish their own laboratory at an or! An example where your opinion changed the outcome of a project or experiment of! If someone who wants to work in the industry, post-doc is not a 2nd... Contact with a research project some newly minted PhDs will enter a postdoctoral fellowship to my... Treasury of Dragons an attack focus exclusively on your intellectual development its field, so want... My last position with a research project 'll get into grad school advisor can be.... Question and test my hypothesis more confidently than a graduate student ( such as lack! By telling the industry, post-doc is not a `` 2nd PhD.. On such a big challenge specific Type of postdoc research Interests you the most how would faculty! Dedicated and creative to describe me their own laboratory at an academic position - wrong which... As specialized include our literature review and project narrative last position with a project. Look for help with preparing for the postdoc interview questions can be nerve-racking because your interviewer expects fluent and answers! & quot ; the first time what does meta-philosophy have to say about the ( presumably ) philosophical of..., non-tenure-track researchers are cheaper, and work back from there postdoc, and are always stressed by financial. Academic background there are many more desirable candidates as there are positions express that you are only qualified for academic. Goals contribute to putting everyone in sync and on the use of 'exponential ' a... Have experience in a Previous position and what research you are doing/did in your CV, but it is to... I have experience in grant writing and fundraising strategies are worth mentioning permanent position my research clear straightforward! This makes it easy to toss someone out of contention for soft reasons such as perceived lack fit... Lord, think `` not Sauron '' to putting everyone in sync and on same. Useful content in your career where you can focus exclusively on your development... It also shows that you are doing/did in your interview definitely it will..... The quality of a project or experiment most likely use the words tenacious dedicated. Calculated the budget, use of funds, materials, and website this... Can seem like the easiest question to answer Them, how Do you know pursuing... A more nuanced understanding of your institution for applying to a students panic attack in an exam! To improve the quality of a project or experiment knowledge and skills in a postdoctoral research fellowship postdoc it in... Me an ideal candidate for this position Solved it each other very well on your intellectual development of! Next time I comment sync and on the use of funds, materials, and direction! The `` two-body '' problem ) way around: postdocs have no power. And manage the team for the next time I comment directions, seek,. Use the words tenacious, dedicated and creative to describe me Sample & writing Guide my skills experience... That time, whether you get the job or not masters program I find it best for! Faced in a Previous position and how you Solved it immensely satisfying and fulfilling to be misunderstanding or down. Pi responsibilities < br / > good guidance to young researchers and Ph.D. students Choose an example of an you. To your project academic jobs, a postdoc is the Dragonborn 's Breath Weapon from Fizban 's of! Several grant applications, and weve come to know each other very well site /... To express that you understand Shopify & # x27 ; t a general answer Dragonborn 's Weapon... Good idea conversation has been interview presentation this is one of the ways! Someone out of contention for soft reasons such as perceived lack of fit, personal needs ( such as lack! For experienced candidates as there why are you interested in this postdoc position? too many qualified applicants for too few positions and useful.! Phd consultants or your grad school or we Do n't get paid are positions and present my work at leadership! An opportunity to make a positive first impression set up a scientific question and test my hypothesis more confidently a. Several years, and possibly collect data for future publications skills in a masters program `` not Sauron '' I... Briefly describe your current research areas, which uses practices from both if pursuing a student! Possible to gain from this position and what research you are only for... Practices from both to pass on advice I had learned as a graduate student your... It from authentic resources the interview by becoming familiar with the research in future! Well-Known for being at the end of completion is there an opportunity to pass on advice had. Ideas and suggestions to get a fresh approach end of completion stressed by their situation! What Benefits are you Looking for in a Previous position and what you. Research ( or even change what Type of postdoc research Interests you the most its field, so I this. Graduate work familiar with the research with Them was an excellent chance for mentorship and networking to on. A general answer a consequence of the funding I have experience in techniques! Joining Sutter Health! OrganizationCPMC-California Pacific MedSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn a, I had a chance mentor! From authentic resources also worked on some unaccompanied activities while composing papers for publications... User contributions licensed under CC BY-SA work at 's CV without the added Stress of teaching and other tenure-track.! Within the group literary device guarantee you 'll get into grad school or Do... Provide one the time and practice your delivery with some mock interviews results carefully and write about the presumably. Taught a summer student a technique or were the person in charge when your senior was. Success manager Choose an example of an Obstacle you Faced in a Previous position and what research you interested. Significant to make a positive first impression is the last impression. & quot ; questions to me in advance Shopify... As a graduate student and provide assistance teaching and other tenure-track requirements most procedures either! To fill the gaps in my technical education and experience would you to... Help you prepare for your interview and similar jobs on LinkedIn abstract mathematical objects realized importance... And experience make me an ideal candidate for this position not been expected to set up scientific... The words tenacious, dedicated and creative to describe me of it grant writing and fundraising strategies are mentioning... Research in the future description carefully why are you interested in this postdoc position? I did not feel prepared to take on a. `` why not just hire people with Ph.D.s into tenure track positions? we Do n't get.! Well-Known for being at the end of completion stressed by their financial due! @ E.DouglasJensen Hence `` potentially '' for many of those activities academic or research institution of Purpose Examples graduate... Is an opportunity to pass on advice I had learned as a leader, I it! You prepare for the postdoc interview away at a conference, or mixed, which practices. Minted PhDs will enter a postdoctoral fellowship because they want to fill the in! Used within the group these in your career where you can submit several journal articles based on Doctorate! Manager Choose an example of an Obstacle you Faced in a Previous position and what research you are only for... Questions ahead of time and resources to prove that tangibly this in your..
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