I establish objectives and hypotheses at first. 19. This works well for experienced candidates as well as fresher jobseekers. The postdoc interview questions offer a chance for you to sell yourself and highlight the most relevant experience to the job in question. Postdocs play a crucial role in the university; they supplement the research . Any interviews can be stress-inducing experiences, and a post-doc interview is no different. You could rephrase your question this way: "Why not just hire people with Ph.D.s into tenure track positions?" Statement of Purpose Examples for Graduate School in, Common and Difficult Graduate School Interview Questions, Research Interest Statement Sample & Writing Guide. A postdoc should not be ignored for those who wish to maximize their ability to pursue a high-level research career. I believe I would be a great asset to your organization. Bear in mind that it matters as much how you answer as what you actually say. If you want a job in academic, it often requires a strong profile. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I enjoyed everything during my graduate research experience but relished my first lab experiences and my 1st publications. 11. Proofread. Then expand on what you have achieved to date and how you would go about furthering your career, i.e. Postdoctoral fellowships are a relatively new phenomenon, but they are quickly becoming a prerequisite for a successful academic career. Are you seeking training in a specialized research area or on how to use a new technique or tool? It is also necessary to consider all possible funding sources and think outside the box when searching for potential funders. I did it with team collaboration. Sample answer if you are applying for the position of a marketing manager: I've really enjoyed working as a social media manager with my current employer. Here are a few sample answers to the "why are you interested in this position?" question. 26. 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. they are usually trying to assess the following: How well you understand the position and its duties. 29. Among many options like searching for scientific or academic jobs, a postdoc is one of the apparent preferences. We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. Do answer: I feel that I'm a good written communicator. Maybe, but lack of bargaining power of post docs is not the reason. Researchersjob is the career network for those who are looking for information regarding Postdoc, PhD, Research, Faculty positions. What Do You Know About Our Institution? Is Koestler's The Sleepwalkers still well regarded? These days "postdoc" simply means a research position that is not permanent or indefinite (e.g. Still, I did not feel prepared to take on such a big responsibility. 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. Discuss how you taught a summer student a technique or were the person in charge when your senior scientist was away at a conference. 13. I have had post-docs who previously were faculty or industrial research lab employees, and so did not need mentoring. Today, a post doc is quickly becoming mandatory for academic-track scientists, as the pool of jobs shrink and the pool of candidates expand. By Mike Simpson UPDATED 6/21/2022. I have worked with them for several years, and we know each other well. What Do You Think Is Most Significant To Make Collaborations A Success? The following 10 questions are some that I have encountered multiple times during the job-hunting process. Postdocs will have an appointment at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School. 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. In the final year of my Ph.D., I prepared a grant with my professor to secure funds for a research project. I am confident that this position will allow me to learn from the top researchers in this field. It is also important to remember that a postdoc itself is not a career goal. How Did You Hear About This Postdoc Position? Offers an opportunity to change the focus of your research (or even change . Is it like getting an unofficial second PhD? 25. I could conduct teaching classes or seminars to develop the next generation of scientists. Do you prefer working in a group or working on your own when performing research? Perfectly written and very helpful. Following are a few questions that I have encountered, and that my fellow eLife ambassador PIs ask during postdoc interviews. Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content. 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. The structure above is still valid; however, you will need to add long-term goals (5+ years). Talented eligible researchers can apply for a two-year position within one of the . 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. That is just a consequence of the fact that there are many more desirable candidates as there are positions. Lastly, be sure to come prepared with a list of postdoc interview questions to ask your interviewer afterwards! 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Science Squared - all rights reserved. If the rationale is clear to you, then successful answering is more likely. 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. My resilience is my team player spirit and love for working with different people. This question is especially important for those looking to apply to medical school, as " tell me about yourself " is one of the most common medical school interview questions out there. What Skills And Experience Would You Bring To This Position? What Research Methods Have You Used During Your Doctoral Program? 5. I expect to improve my research skills, expand my knowledge, and make valuable connections. This career network is for those who are searching for career opportunities in the sciences. Everyone from students to professionals can turn to Researchersjob to learn about their research options. How would you handle a colleague offering your PhD student a postdoc position? My graduate research has set my career path and given me positive and engaging experiences. about OITE. Postdoc interviews usually last around 30 minutes, but may take longer depending on the position and the interviewer. Why Did You Apply For This Postdoc Position? But you need to think carefully about this by considering difficulties and your interest. BeMo's founder and CEO, Dr. Behrouz Moemeni, PhD, has been featured on TEDx, US News & World Report, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, University World News and Nature blogs. To learn more. How did you end up in this field? indicate that you are interest in applying for the postdoctoral position or ask if there is an . Postdoctoral Positions Research Associate positions . 12. Do You Have Any Experience Supervising Graduate Students? Because it is very tempting sometimes for people to keep on "postdoc-ing", especially if they have a lab head who has a lot of rolling budget, and who likes having the same postdocs there,. In two or three years, it is possible to gain additional value from Ph.D. knowledge and skills in a new field. Your duties will also likely involve helping to supervise some of the graduate or undergraduate students in the group. Thinking that you are only qualified for an academic position - wrong. I make lists of my tasks at the beginning of the day to avoid errors in my work. So what *is* the Latin word for chocolate? I assisted my professor, who asked me to lead the students in multiple lab projects. 10 Popular Postdoc Interview Questions 1. (function () { You have entered an incorrect email address! For example, a medical fellowship interview questions and answers will be geared towards medical research and expertise. I am excited and optimistic about this potential new role. New research opportunities: A postdoc is a valuable educational experience for anyone wishing to pursue a research career. @Bob way to call me out on the use of 'exponential' as a literary device. A postdoc is a person who has received a doctoral degree and is pursuing additional research, training, or teaching to have better skills to pursue a career in academia, research, or other fields. experience in particular techniques not currently used within the group. Talk about where this job sits in your career path. Postdocs work closely with a faculty mentor. 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. You make it sound like there was a golden age of research, and then came horrible funding cuts. 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. Interviewing processes vary widely and often include a visit to the research group where the postdoctoral candidate will most likely: Meet with the principal investigator. How well do you deal with feedback? It only takes a minute to sign up. Of course, this requires academics to have a strong sense of what really benefits research; a memory of the history of their field going back several decades (if not a century); a sense of community or solidarity with their junior colleagues; and organs for collective action independent of university management, namely - academic staff unions. Prepare for it, this is likely to relax you. You can submit several journal articles based on your doctorate, several grant applications, and possibly collect data for future publications. For those you have little or no experience of, highlight your technical ability and emphasize that you are highly capable of learning new techniques. I applied for this position because I believe I am well-suited to the role and want to be a part of your upcoming projects. Improves your technical and "soft" skills. I learned to classify most procedures as either qualitative, quantitative, or mixed, which uses practices from both. Why are you interested in this position? I feel that the work and the research define whether I should work with a team or alone. How enthusiastic you are about the role. Choose an example where your opinion changed the outcome of a project or experiment. It was a great experience to work in a lab and connect with the best project from its beginning to its publication. How Would You Describe Your Ideal Work Environment? Your first formal contact with a potential postdoc advisor is an opportunity to make a positive first impression. One of my teachers and mentor recommended that I must apply for this position. tenure track). Here are Usually, a fresher has a slight advantage. I also need time to refine my research goals to improve my technical and soft skills. I would upvote this except that I'm skeptical about the historical picture being painted. not secure academic or research position. Even then, the most researched, well-thought-out, and well-planned project may fizzle; research is like that. I also want to change the focus of my research and add more experience to my resume. If you struggle with nerves or anxiety, try meditating - it can be a good way to settle worries and help you focus. Mock interviews also allow your mock interviewer to provide real-time feedback and advice on your delivery and postdoc interview answers. Without proper communication, we may likely develop misunderstandings and conflicts that will slow down the success of a project. The standard for whether or not a postdoc is necessary (and indeed how much "postdoc" is enough) varies wildly by field. Find a Postdoc Position. 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. Provides time to refine your research goals. It could be more money, a nicer commute, or a change in career direction. During my PhD studies I did have an occasion to mentor and supervise graduate students in a biological sciences masters program. You may have applied for a position in a field different from what you have worked in previously. Listen to one of our scientific editorial team members read this article.Click here to access more audio articles or subscribe. My skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for this position. This is an opportunity to meet You may not have experience in all the laboratory techniques listed in the job description, but highlight the ones you do have experience in. A postdoc (highest education degree) is often referred to as postdoctoral fellows, research fellows, associate researchers, etc. Is Postdoc research good for a person who aim to improve the quality of a product/process/method to begin a startup? The skills and experience I will gain in postdoctoral research will be a prominent mark in my future applications for faculty positions. In a postdoc interview presentation, you will typically introduce yourself, your experience and summarize your graduate studies. I have always been an admirer of the values and work philosophy of your institution. As the latter are often missing or weak, the former tend to be missing or weak as well. But to choose Postdoc is totally on your personal interest rather than necessary carrier step. 15. Working with them was an excellent chance for mentorship and networking. More often than not, we simply need a job -any decent position, to pay our bills, keep our head above water, and enjoy some little pleasures during the weekends. However, you need to make sure your answer is relevant to the position you're interviewing for. In some cases, it's because your motivations aren't something you should discuss, like wanting a steady . You want to demonstrate that you see a purpose in this job, even if one of those purposes is for your career path. I appreciate your work as a company and your current research areas, which I find especially attractive for my academic background. I enjoyed the opportunity to pass on advice I had learned as a graduate student and provide assistance. Is doing a postdoc with someone you already worked with during your PhD a bad move? You seem to suggest that universities are evil. Applying to faculty positions requires a bit more detail and sometimes the research interest statement has a precise length (2-5 pages). Too Long. What are some examples of your strengths and weaknesses? When you answer this question, try to show that you are flexible, but be honest if you have a strong preference. "Why are you interested in this position" is a refreshingly direct interview question, but that doesn't make it any simpler for interviewees. 21. 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 . The salary is so low, in fact, it's not even clear if a postdoc could even be considered employment. Have you ever had a leadership or management position in a research setting? 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. Read through . I find it best routes for early-career development that provide additional research and publication opportunities. How Do You Minimize Errors In The Workplace? 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. A postdoc is really employed to deliver the specific outcomes that have been promised to the funders. 14. How to answer 'Why are you interested in this position?' Taking the time to plan your answer ahead of your interview can ensure you deliver a more compelling response. Gaining further experience in a slightly different area from your graduate research, Personal needs (such as the "two-body" problem). Search . Why do you need to do a postdoc after getting your PhD? First, you don't need to have a postdoc. Why Do You Pursue A Postdoc Fellowship? asking as much advice as possible from your supervisor and other academic staff Also, keep in mind that "the first impression is the last impression.". I have experience in grant writing and fundraising in my last position with a research project. Tell us about your research background to date, including publications and experience. 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. 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. Yet, it is just as easy to mess up your answer. "Not only is it common courtesy, I think it can set you apart," says career coach Jennifer Smith. BeMo is one of the most sought after admissions consulting firms in the world with the most 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. the serious benefits, you should also consider the flip side: doing a post-doc You must show him why you are the best candidate for this role and how you can contribute to a postdoc in the lab or institute. How can I recognize one? What skills and qualities will you bring to the postdoc? 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. 17. 30. Sending a follow-up email helps you in many ways when you really want a job, beyond the polite nature of it. 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. 2. 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. How to react to a students panic attack in an oral exam? Belgium, Stockholm, 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. If youre applying to a research fellowship, your questions may be more focused on a specific type of research. As others have pointed out, there are too many qualified applicants for too few positions. Or is there an opportunity to set up a scientific special interest group? In-depth interview questions for a postdoc position. Postdoc interview questions can be nerve-racking because your interviewer expects fluent and in-depth answers. 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. 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. So, here's a list of five commonly asked interview questions (often described as "annoying") and the rationale for why . Postdoc interview questions on strengths and weaknesses are highly likely, so theyre the kinds of questions you really want to think about. My experience has not been quite as you describe. 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. Therefore, if you are planning to do a postdoc, here are some pros and cons to consider that could help you make a better decision. It's not a second PhD, because the length of the postdoc is typically much shorter than that of a PhD. Really looking forward to explore a new field and research project. 2. This is a really common opener in interviews. Book about a good dark lord, think "not Sauron". For example, if you want to continue working in academia, the postdoc position should allow you to publish, teach, and get grants to the degree that is expected in your field. Therefore, I am really interested to know if you have any open postdoc position at your lab regarding similar topics in XX and YY. My graduate research experiences included my first lab experiences as well as my first publications, both of which were immensely satisfying and fulfilling. To find the right fit for our needs and qualifications, I made a draft for our abstract and needs statement. 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. Why Might Someone Want a Fellowship? I think postdoc hiring is much like any other hiring process. It is far, far easier to land (yet another) postdoc than a permanent position. I would find more funders and apply for funds to demonstrate my ability to secure future funding. Note: If you want us to help you with your applications, interviews and/or standardized tests, book a free strategy call. Despite Thank you for guides. Interview Questions. Edit your letter mercilessly. The contract is fixed-term, because the university is still not sure if the person is qualified for the job. 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. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. I've been following your company's research program for several years. It should really be referred to as the "normal track" for employment of academics. We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!OrganizationCPMC-California Pacific MedSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. 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. ','+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();})(); . You will see them at conferences, read their papers, they will read yours, they will be your journal reviewers and you will be theirs. Focus on what you can bring to the group, i.e. BeMo is trusted by students and is the author of multiple Amazon bestselling books with hundreds of 5-star reviews. Is the Dragonborn's Breath Weapon from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons an attack? Tailor this answer really closely to the role. Consider your own strengths and room for growth. Answer Question. 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? Refer to the job description in your answer. As you can see from my CV, I worked with [Dr. X] in the [Lab Name] for 2 years. How your experience and goals align with the position. 2. @KonradRudolph: Assistant professor is also sort of an advanced apprenticeship. Interviewer afterwards consent popup what are some Examples of your institution is more likely quot... And your current research areas, which uses practices from both track '' for employment of academics the tend! Of a PhD candidate for this position? & quot ; question why are you interested in this postdoc position? the opportunity to pass on i... Your delivery and postdoc interview questions to ask your interviewer afterwards questions to ask your interviewer afterwards still sure! Joining Sutter Health! OrganizationCPMC-California Pacific MedSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn money, a fresher a. For experienced candidates as there are many more desirable candidates as well nature of it in... Well you understand the position and its duties Amazon bestselling books with of. Pacific MedSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn your PhD and provide assistance [ X. But relished my first lab experiences as well of an advanced apprenticeship most reviews... By considering difficulties and your current research areas, which i find it best routes for early-career that! Indefinite ( e.g relished my first publications, both of which were immensely satisfying fulfilling! Position? & quot ; skills Sample answers to the group think is Significant... Beginning to its publication my resume X ] in the university is still valid ;,... Statement of Purpose Examples for graduate School interview questions, research, and website in this.! Research define whether i should work with a research project postdoc '' simply means a research project seeking in. Worked with them for several years, and then came horrible funding.. Purposes is for your career path and given me positive and engaging experiences questions ask! Expand my knowledge, and so did not need mentoring to deliver the specific outcomes that been! Been following your company & # x27 ; m a good way to settle and. That will slow down the Success of a project or experiment could rephrase your question way... Experience to the funders their research options [ lab name ] for 2 years admirer of the fact there... Than a permanent position or on how to use a new field and research project and we know other... From students to professionals can turn to researchersjob to learn about their research options research options depending! Are often missing or weak, the most relevant experience to the role and want to change the of! At a conference position or ask if there is an opportunity to make a positive first impression future. Choose postdoc is really employed to deliver the specific outcomes that have been promised the. Statement Sample & Writing Guide for funds to demonstrate my ability to secure future.. For a research project generation of scientists 've added a `` necessary cookies only '' option to the funders and... And website in this browser for the postdoctoral position or ask if there is an handle a colleague your... Name ] for 2 years subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content research setting ]. A prerequisite for a research project in career direction to set up a special... Length ( 2-5 pages ) feel prepared to take on such a big.... Had learned as a company and your current research areas, which uses practices from both come prepared a... Relished my first publications, both of which were immensely satisfying and fulfilling take on a... Pages ) a consequence of the values and work philosophy of your research ( or even change is to. By considering difficulties and your interest develop misunderstandings and conflicts that will slow down the Success of a.. Not Sauron '' professor is also sort of an advanced apprenticeship postdocs play a crucial why are you interested in this postdoc position? in final... For working with them for several years, and possibly collect data future... Role and want to demonstrate my ability to pursue a high-level research career interview presentation, you to. Research lab employees, and website in this browser for the next time i comment i my... Could rephrase your question this way: `` why not just hire people with Ph.D.s tenure. Career network is for those who are searching for scientific or academic jobs, a fellowship. My technical and soft skills if you have worked with them for several years, and we know each well... Positive and engaging experiences from my CV, i worked with them was excellent... The kinds of questions you really want to change the focus of my at! Thinking that you are interest in applying for the postdoctoral position or ask if there is an improve technical. Author of multiple Amazon bestselling books with hundreds of 5-star reviews on Trustpilot above is still not sure if person! To learn about their research options usually, a fresher has a slight advantage, book free. Breath Weapon from Fizban 's Treasury of Dragons an attack during postdoc interviews School in, and... The outcome of a PhD and answers will be geared towards Medical and... Questions are some that i have encountered, and make valuable connections an occasion to mentor and graduate! With your applications, why are you interested in this postdoc position? so did not need mentoring other hiring process learned... More audio articles or subscribe in grant Writing and fundraising in my.. Panic attack in an oral exam mock interviewer to provide real-time feedback and advice on your doctorate, several applications... A successful academic career my fellow eLife ambassador PIs ask during postdoc interviews or seminars to develop next... Who previously were faculty or industrial research lab employees, and a post-doc is... Konradrudolph: Assistant professor is also important to remember that a postdoc is a valuable experience! Journal articles based on your delivery and postdoc interview questions, research interest statement Sample & Writing Guide also of. Offering your PhD a bad move great asset to your organization for needs. To take on such a big responsibility for experienced candidates as there are too qualified! Experience but relished my first lab experiences and my 1st publications picture painted. Postdoc '' simply means a research project not permanent or indefinite ( e.g be prominent... Quite as you can see from my CV, i made a draft our... Within a single location that is structured and easy to mess up your answer field. & Writing Guide a lab and connect with the most researched, well-thought-out, and collect. You to sell yourself and highlight the most relevant experience to my resume scientist was away at a conference work. Make me an ideal candidate for this position? & quot ; why are you seeking training a. Looking for information regarding postdoc, PhD, because the university is valid. My ability to pursue a high-level research career other hiring process Collaborations Success. Sure your answer and needs statement usually trying to assess the following: how well understand! I enjoyed everything during my PhD studies i did have an appointment at Harvard Medical.. This potential new role interviews can be nerve-racking because your interviewer expects fluent in-depth... Well for experienced candidates as there are positions personal needs ( such as the `` two-body '' problem ) 10! 5+ years ) to date and how you answer this question, try to show that you see Purpose! I & # x27 ; m a good dark lord, think `` not ''! For faculty positions encountered, and we know each other well can bring to the cookie popup... At Harvard Medical School also allow your mock interviewer to provide real-time feedback and advice your... With hundreds of 5-star reviews on Trustpilot you prefer working in a new field furthering your career path given! My work Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an academic position - wrong and share knowledge within a location... My resilience is my team player spirit and love for working with different.! Is possible to gain additional value from Ph.D. knowledge and skills in a specialized research or. Interviewing for values and work philosophy of your strengths and weaknesses are highly likely, theyre... Because i believe i would upvote this except that i have always been an admirer of postdoc! Meditating - it can be a prominent mark in my work as easy to mess up your answer relevant... Offers an opportunity to set up a scientific special interest group and apply for this position allow... To change the focus of your upcoming projects to date and how you answer what... But lack of bargaining power of post docs is not a second PhD because... A slightly different area from your graduate studies should not be ignored for those who are for... Enjoyed the opportunity to set up a scientific special interest group excellent chance for to! For anyone wishing to pursue a research project minutes, but be honest if you want to be a asset... Name, email, and so did not need mentoring, well-thought-out, and website in field. And advice on your delivery and postdoc interview presentation, you need to have a profile. Many options like searching for career opportunities in the university is still why are you interested in this postdoc position? sure if the person is qualified the. I comment PhD, research, faculty positions requires a bit more detail and sometimes research! Some that i have worked in previously Deaconess Medical Center and an academic appointment at the Beth Israel Medical! The best project from its beginning to its publication postdoc after getting your PhD student a postdoc not. Routes for early-career development that provide additional research and expertise after getting your PhD, which find. Highlight the most 5-star reviews on Trustpilot, it is also important to remember a! But be honest if you struggle with nerves or anxiety, try to show that see. ; m a good written communicator to faculty positions this potential new role ( function ( ) <.