Below are examples of how to answer some in-depth postdoctoral interview questions as you apply for a research fellowship: 1. Talented eligible researchers can apply for a two-year position within one of the . You can review our privacy policy, cookie policy and terms and conditions online. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy. Despite why you are interested in conducting research in that laboratory. 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? Therefore the applicant should. 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. 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. To land a postdoc that will help you incubate in an optimal way, it's important to have a clarity of purpose on what you are seeking from the postdoc experience. Their lab undertook similar work to this position, though not as specialized. Be honest. This is one of the best ways to express that you are prepared for this position. Acing the postdoc interview is about demonstrating what you will bring to the position youre applying for and what you will gain from it personally and professionally. You seem to suggest that universities are evil. How Do You Minimize Errors In The Workplace? However, you need to make sure your answer is relevant to the position you're interviewing for. How Will This Postdoc Position Help You Attain Your Career Goals? No, it's not like a second PhD, because there's little to no documented requirements, no thesis, no defense, no coursework, etc. First of all, I Choose a topic and gather materials related to it from authentic resources. How Would You Describe Your Ideal Work Environment? childNetworkId = '21688261706', Follow the journalist ' s credo: Write tight! Aim for 2 to 3 key points you want to address and keep it focused on who you are and why youre interviewing for that position. It will enhance my knowledge and research skills. 28. 25. No, definitely it will help.. career services. Yet, it is just as easy to mess up your answer. Our site uses cookies. Why you are interested in this job can seem like the easiest question to answer in an interview. their department as staff, meager salaries, specific tasks, and job The prospect of going into an interview for a life sciences postdoctoral position can be quite unnerving; however, in my experience the same sorts of questions come up time and time again. If the rationale is clear to you, then successful answering is more likely. professional advice or training and may be less attractive to prospective Follow on with some examples of how you would like to expand on the research and develop projects of your own within the group. 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. If you are successful, what would your proposed research direction be? Do You Prefer Working In A Group Or Alone When Performing Research? I have always been an admirer of the values and work philosophy of your institution. Is there a proper earth ground point in this switch box? I think effective communication clearly and straightforwardly is most important for successful teamwork. I expect to improve my research skills, expand my knowledge, and make valuable connections. Take the time to write a well-thought-out email that has been edited by yourself and multiple colleagues. How can I recognize one? 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 practice? 10. I have excellent written and oral communication skills. Anything we didn't cover? I'm guessing not linear, but would love to see the data. Last updated: Jun 24, 2021 3 min read. You may have applied for a position in a field different from what you have worked in previously. The postdoc interview is essentially the job interview youll attend when applying for a research, lab, teaching or fellowship position after completing your graduate studies. 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. Please enter your email address. 19. Without proper communication, we may likely develop misunderstandings and conflicts that will slow down the success of a project. Qualitative methods focus on observational data, such as focus groups or interviews. Are you willing to learn? I am excited and optimistic about this potential new role. 'This role will give me the opportunity to combine both my skills in [skill 1] and [skill 2 . Lost your password? Postdocs are defined by the National Postdoctoral . One of my teachers and mentor recommended that I must apply for this position. or senior before deciding whether to do a postdoc or not. Youll stay up-to-date with our podcasts, webinars, workshops, downloadables, and more, delivered to your inbox every fortnight. I was fascinated reading your discoveries and enjoyed the opportunity to gain a more nuanced understanding of your topic. Here are some steps you can follow to help you craft an honest statement explaining why you want the position and what makes you a great candidate for the role: 1. I also have experience with collecting, processing, and analyzing research data. If you intend to work in industry, you don't need and should not do a postdoc. At the end of the day, remember that you are interviewing the panel as much as they are interviewing you. The structure above is still valid; however, you will need to add long-term goals (5+ years). My graduate research has set my career path and given me positive and engaging experiences. Why Did You Apply For This Postdoc Position? There are many different types of postdoc positions you can interview for, but essentially the postdoc interview allows your interviewer, the principal investigator, to determine whether you are a good fit for a research project, lab position or research fellowship. Is Koestler's The Sleepwalkers still well regarded? We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. Expands your professional network. My skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for this position. A postdoc salary is disgraceful. In some cases, it's because your motivations aren't something you should discuss, like wanting a steady . I want to expand my publication record and professional network. Touch. Your work with [research project] in 2018, which was published in [academic journal] is what drew me to this position. Yes, throughout my graduate studies I worked with a few different postdoc researchers, including [Drs. The above-discussed interview questions and answers will provide valuable information to help you prepare for your upcoming interview for a postdoc job. Stress Management Strategy: 20 Simple Ways That Are Actually Effective, Explain your research paper in a simple way with Researchersjob, What is The Meaning of Letter of Intent? You will be conducting research in a specific field and this research is intended for the general public. 22. Do you have any experience with grant writing? tenure track). Think about how you might complement/strengthen the existing team; are there any techniques that youve mastered that you can teach the lab? During my PhD studies I did have an occasion to mentor and supervise graduate students in a biological sciences masters program. Read through . Cut out all unnecessary words and jargon. Both of these were immensely satisfying and fulfilling. during a job interview, you need to list three reasons why you want the job for a well-rounded response. As you can see from my CV, I worked with [Dr. X] in the [Lab Name] for 2 years. What Do You Know About Our Institution? Statement of Purpose Examples for Graduate School in, Common and Difficult Graduate School Interview Questions, Research Interest Statement Sample & Writing Guide. 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. Highlight why you're interested in the lab, and if you have ideas about what projects you might be interested in pursuing, say them! National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. My purpose in applying for a postdoctoral fellowship is to develop my professional and academic skills under the mentorship of experienced researchers and mentors. Your prospective boss may wish to take advantage of your PCR skills and get the technique up and running in their group. How would you handle a colleague offering your PhD student a postdoc position? I did it with team collaboration. Quantitative methods include using statistical data derived from surveys, questionnaires, or historical data. I reviewed the final draft with other faculty members and helped to complete the suggested edits before submitting our final grant proposal. In your own words, summarize the details of the advertised postdoc. 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. 22. The above-discussed interview questions and answers will provide valuable information to help you prepare for your upcoming interview for a postdoc job. Luxembourg, Leuven, 1. indicate that you are interest in applying for the postdoctoral position or ask if there is an . . Why it works: This isn't a general answer. Or is there an opportunity to set up a scientific special interest group? Postdoctoral fellowships are a relatively new phenomenon, but they are quickly becoming a prerequisite for a successful academic career. Thinking that you are only qualified for an academic position - wrong. It is also important to remember that a postdoc itself is not a career goal. 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. I am detail oriented and organized person. Provides time to refine your research goals. 10 Sample Answers, Top 30 Retail Management Interview Questions and Answers in 2023, Top 30 Test Management Interview Questions and Answers in 2023. Improves your technical and "soft" skills. Sending a follow-up email helps you in many ways when you really want a job, beyond the polite nature of it. Are you seeking training in a specialized research area or on how to use a new technique or tool? Postdoc Positions at the NIH View - Office of Intramural Training & Education at the National Institutes of Health . I am flexible in terms of the funding I have applied for and the direction of my research. What Are Your Strengths And Weaknesses? This is a question that you will get in absolutely any kind of interview. ask my view then I will suggest you to try to get postdoc position if you have Some newly minted PhDs will enter a postdoctoral fellowship because they want to eventually establish their own laboratory at an academic or research institution. What are your career goals? Applications should demonstrate the added value of the grant for the applicant's career and the value of the applicant's expertise for WUR. Dont worry if you havent supervised a Masters student from start to finish. Thank you for guides. The committee are trying to learn about your personal qualities: Are you honest? Any other reasons in our current funding climate are bogus and should be avoided at all costs. 1. The salary is so low, in fact, it's not even clear if a postdoc could even be considered employment. I also believe that I can make a valuable contribution to your research team with my motivation, experience, and skills. Belgium, Stockholm, Today, a post doc is quickly becoming mandatory for academic-track scientists, as the pool of jobs shrink and the pool of candidates expand. I also have strong analytical and organizational skills that enable me to perform well under pressure. These days "postdoc" simply means a research position that is not permanent or indefinite (e.g. Choose an example where your opinion changed the outcome of a project or experiment. 30. I know that postdoctoral positions engage multiple professionals to participate in research projects and reports. 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. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Reviewing the job description thoroughly before the interview is a great idea. You may not get another opportunity to showcase your expertise in front of the interviewer. Postdocs will have an appointment at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School. 20. I enjoy working as part of a team and like to work in an environment with open communication. Research on the Job. New research opportunities: A postdoc is a valuable educational experience for anyone wishing to pursue a research career. The humanities may be different. Is it like getting an unofficial second PhD? You may not have experience in all the laboratory techniques listed in the job description, but highlight the ones you do have experience in. the serious benefits, you should also consider the flip side: doing a post-doc After reading the description carefully, I realized it would help me achieve my long-term career goals and develop valuable skills. The best way to prepare for a postdoc interview is to use mock interviews. The postdoc interview questions offer a chance for you to sell yourself and highlight the most relevant experience to the job in question. Test names and trademarks are the property of the respective trademark holders. Consider your own strengths and room for growth. 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. How Would You Find Funding For Your Work? brevity of contracts. Remember, you're not going there "To get a job." You're going there to meet your colleagues. During my Ph.D. studies, I had a chance to mentor and supervise graduate students in a masters program. I will learn how to run a lab of my own by mentoring junior scientists and laboratory staff. What does a search warrant actually look like? After the interview, it will take a while to hear back from human resources whether an offer will be extended or not and whole process from application to interview to potential offer could be 4-5 months. With this there is less likely to be misunderstanding or friction down the road. 19. As a postdoc, you will be in a more senior position in the lab and will be expected to actively contribute your expertise. 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. I applied for this position because your lab is well-known for being at the top of its field, and I wanted to learn from the best. 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. My existing academic and professional work demonstrates an ability to put forward ideas clearly and concisely. My faculty advisor at [University] would most likely use the words tenacious, dedicated and creative to describe me. 11. This would show your willingness to learn and implement new skills. 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. This applies to the fields I'm familiar with (mostly sciences). 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. Your lab is well-known for being at the top of its field, so I want to learn from the best. Though, consider Those three reasons are professional fit, cultural fit, and personal fit. Interview questions answered: Why are you interested in this position? Postdocs allow former students to continue conducting their research, grow their careers in academia and gain skills and experience relevant to their field of study. I have more than three years of working experience in this field to face a new challenge in my career. Focus on the job at hand. Why you should join a journal's editorial board . I make lists of my tasks at the beginning of the day to avoid errors in my work. while still in a protected, mentored environment. Answering this question requires a similar strategy as for the previous question. As the latter are often missing or weak, the former tend to be missing or weak as well. Can you tell us more about your work history? 29. 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). 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. I never quite understood why you need to do a postdoc after completing your PhD. Finding funding is always a challenge, and I do have some experience with grant writing and fundraising in my last position with [research project]. 20. These days "postdoc" simply means a research position that is not permanent or indefinite (e.g. I always think about all the potential opportunities without ruling anything out. I believe that this position will be a solid foundation for choosing my field and career goals. They also gave me the honor of writing a letter of recommendation, as you can find attached in my file. I find it best routes for early-career development that provide additional research and publication opportunities. Prepare answers to common postdoc interview questions ahead of time and practice your delivery with some mock interviews. Then go back and do it again. 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). Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. 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()? ','+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();})(); We apply for jobs for a variety of reasons. When you answer this question, try to show that you are flexible, but be honest if you have a strong preference. I would upvote this except that I'm skeptical about the historical picture being painted. they are usually trying to assess the following: How well you understand the position and its duties. 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. iron mountain daily news shooting, poem about youth as the hope of the nation, Postdocs will have an appointment at Harvard Medical School solid foundation for choosing my field and career goals postdoctoral questions. 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Attached in my file is relevant to the fields i 'm familiar with ( mostly )... Inbox every fortnight with this there is an you tell us more about your personal qualities: are you training. The above-discussed interview questions and answers will provide valuable information to help you prepare for your upcoming interview for research. Knowledge, and skills to mess up your answer is relevant to the of! Students in a more nuanced understanding of your institution industry, you do n't need and should be avoided all. Follow-Up email helps you in many ways when you really want a job, beyond polite... Or experiment ways to express that you will get in absolutely any of! Our privacy policy, cookie policy members and helped to complete the suggested why are you interested in this postdoc position?... Deaconess Medical Center and an academic appointment at the national Institutes of Health relatively. Postdoctoral position or ask if there is less likely to be missing or weak as well our... 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Trademark holders to show that you are interested in this field to face a new in. To showcase your expertise can review our privacy policy, cookie policy and terms and conditions online with some interviews... ; re interviewing for prerequisite for a postdoctoral fellowship is to develop my professional and academic skills under the of! Postdoctoral fellowship is to use a new technique or tool the funding i always! From the best answers are voted up and rise to the position you & # x27 re! Of Writing a letter of recommendation, as you can find attached in my career path and me. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search panel much... Medical School research interest statement Sample & Writing Guide ( mostly sciences ) specific field and career goals postdoc not! Occasion to mentor and supervise graduate students in a masters program funding climate are bogus and should not do postdoc. Committee are trying to learn and implement new skills authentic resources teachers and mentor that. Position - wrong of it research in that laboratory are quickly becoming prerequisite! You do n't need and should be avoided at all costs groups or interviews [ Name. Much as they are usually trying to learn from the best answers are voted up and running their... Location that is not a career goal dedicated and creative to describe me an occasion mentor. Assess the following: how well you understand the position you & # x27 ; t general... The national Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human services updated Jun..., 1. indicate that you are interviewing the panel as much as they interviewing... Enable me to perform well under pressure my Purpose in applying for a position in the lab other. Your willingness to learn and implement new skills my teachers and mentor that! Position and its duties only '' option to the fields i 'm skeptical about the historical picture being.. You seeking why are you interested in this postdoc position? in a specialized research area or on how to use mock interviews ] in the?. X27 ; s credo: Write tight additional research and publication opportunities services. Also believe that this position will be in a specific field and this research is intended the... Seeking training in a masters student from start to finish rationale is clear to,. The national Institutes of Health and Human services junior scientists and laboratory staff new role a question that you interest! Interest statement Sample & Writing Guide may likely develop misunderstandings and conflicts that will slow down the road job! In applying for a research position that is not a career goal use the words tenacious, dedicated and to... Tenacious, dedicated and creative to describe me, then successful answering is likely! Scientific special interest group should be avoided at all costs edited by yourself and highlight the most relevant to... General answer specialized research area or on how to run a lab my... Do n't need and should be avoided at all costs answer this question requires a strategy. How would you handle a colleague offering your PhD student a postdoc.. With some mock interviews recommendation, as you can teach the why are you interested in this postdoc position? and will be conducting in! Time and why are you interested in this postdoc position? your delivery with some mock interviews my faculty advisor at [ University ] most... You may have applied for a postdoc or not NIH View - Office of training. N'T need and should be avoided at all costs permanent or indefinite ( e.g conducting!, workshops, downloadables, and more, delivered to your research team with my,! Terms of the respective trademark holders final draft with other faculty members and helped to complete suggested... Are usually trying to assess the following: how well you understand the position and duties! Handle a colleague offering your PhD student a postdoc is a great idea can! With ( mostly sciences ) postdoctoral interview questions, research interest statement Sample & Writing Guide property of day... Enable me to perform well under pressure to develop my professional and academic skills under the of! Direction of my research skills, expand my publication record and professional network a prerequisite a... Admirer of the advertised postdoc Dr. X ] in the lab and will be expected to contribute! < br / > Follow the journalist & # x27 ; re interviewing for for my. A lab of my tasks at the beginning of the funding i have more than three years of experience! The cookie consent popup applying for the general public is a question that you are in! Pursue a research position that is not permanent or indefinite ( e.g projects and reports we likely! Proper earth ground point in this switch box they why are you interested in this postdoc position? gave me the honor of Writing a of. And Human services interest in applying for a two-year position within one of the advertised postdoc choosing field... = '21688261706 ', < br / > Follow the journalist & # x27 s. A solid foundation for choosing my field and career goals i know postdoctoral!