Finding the right postdoc position can be challenging so we interviewed a few current PhD candidates who recently found success on the postdoctoral market. Here is what they had to say.
What resources were most helpful when looking for postdocs?
You have to vary how you search for postdocs because they are listed in multiple places. Using search terms such as “postdoc,” “fellowship,” “T-32,” etc., in job search engines such (e.g., Indeed.com) is an easy way to get a long list of possible positions. Using filter options can assist in narrowing down the field of study, location, etc. Other professional networking websites like LinkedIn and ResearchGate also have postdoc listings. Signing up on Listservs through various professional organizations is an easy way to get email updates about new positions, but since you can’t filter the type of positions, it can be a lot to find applicable positions. Don’t narrow your search to just the program you earned your degree in. For example, if your degree is in psychology, there may be relevant postdoc positions in medical schools, research centers, National Institutes of Health, etc. Lastly, you can also email faculty that you know at other institutions and ask if they have any postdoc positions. Even if they don’t, they might have colleagues looking for a good postdoc, so these “behind the scenes” postdoc positions can be created if you are the right candidate they are looking for.
Additional resources:
What are key features to look for in a postdoc position?
There are many reasons to complete a postdoc. If you want to add breadth to your research agenda, taking a Postdoc that will get you new conceptual/method/statistics skills in a different area is beneficial. Think about where your research is going and if you need any additional training to become a leader in this area. Sometimes a postdoc is just time to publish more research to demonstrate you’re independent. For others, getting grant writing experience is key. You also want to know if you will be given projects to work on versus whether you have creative freedom to continue working on projects from graduate school or other things not housed directly at your postdoc institution. Is there an expectation to mentor graduate or undergraduate students as part of the postdoc positon? Are there courses you will be able to audit to get more training? Are there other postdocs/faculty you can work with? Are there funds for professional development (e.g., conference travel, workshops, etc.)? Whatever your interests may be, ask these questions to find out what the postdoc involves and if this would be a good fit for you. It is beneficial if you can interview with a current or previous postdoc from this position because you can ask direct questions about the skills they gained.
When are most postdoc position announced?
Postdoc announcements can come out at any time as these positions are often grant funded. So as soon as a faculty member gets the money, they start recruiting for the position. However, most opportunities are announced starting in September. But pay attention to start dates as some positions start in January, while the majority start in the summer/fall. Many of the positions are labeled as “open until filled,” so you want to get your application as soon as possible.
Announcements with set deadlines vary but most will have December or January deadlines.
What were common materials you need to apply?
The majority of postdoc positions will require a CV, three to four letters of recommendation, writing samples (reprints or dissertation) and a research statement that summarizes your prior research experience and your fit with the position being advertised.
Did you do in-person or virtual interviews?
Almost all postdoc interviews start off with a phone/video call where the faculty mentor will have a one-on-one conversation with you about the position, what they are looking for and how you fit with the research team. They want to make sure the materials you submitted actually match with what you want to do and what your skills are. Some positions may schedule additional interviews with other faculty or current postdocs so you get a better idea of what the position will entail. Not all postdoc positions will hold campus interviews, but for those that do, you can expect to present a 30- to 60-minute talk focusing on your research agenda. These typically occur December through February, but it all depends on when positions are announced. The entire interview process can take anywhere from a month, all the way up to six months if a large search with multiple interviews is been conducted. It also possible to get an offer at the time of an in-person or phone/Skype interview, so be ready for that.
What were common questions you might get via email/phone/Skype/in person interviews?
Assessing your fit is the most important factor in the postdoc interview. Yes, it is important that the mentor assesses your skill level, but they wouldn’t be interviewing you if they didn’t think you had the necessary conceptual and statistical training. Interviews usually start off with questions about your background (e.g., how you got into this field, what your dissertation is about, general research interests, etc.). The next step is to ask you about your career plans (e.g., do you see yourself in a research setting, a faculty position, non-profit, etc.). Answers to these questions help the mentor understand what type of training you are going to want during your postdoc and whether or not they can provide that. You need to be able to answer why this specific Postdoc you are interviewing for is a good fit. You might also be asked what type of skills (conceptual, methodology, statistics, etc.) you could bring to the study team. Depending on the position, you could be asked about what grants you might try to apply for while on postdoc, what agencies you would target, etc.
Overall, interviewing for postdoc positions is just as much you trying to impress the study team as it is the institution trying to impress you with the resources they have. Fit is so important for these positions because if you find that good fit, you will be more productive. So apply broadly, ask a bunch of questions and choose the postdoc that will maximize your skill set for your next position. And most importantly, have fun on your postdoc.