Once you have made the decision you would like to pursue a post-doctoral position, your next step will be to search for a hosting lab. Finding such positions demands a proactive approach. REMEMBER! The postdoctoral application process can be competitive, so be prepared to apply to multiple positions. Remain open to opportunities in different locations or research fields that align with your expertise and career aspirations.
When to start your search
- Near Completion of PhD: Typically, graduate students begin exploring postdoc opportunities during the final year or toward the end of their doctoral studies. By this point, you should have made significant progress in your research and have a clear understanding of your career trajectory. Importantly, you should take in mind that while some PIs may express interest in hiring you upon application in most cases the PI and/or you will need the time to secure funding for the position. Initiating your application process early allows both you and the PI the time to secure the required funding.
- Availability of Funding: Keep an eye on funding cycles for postdoctoral positions. Some fellowship programs or grants have specific application deadlines, so plan your job search accordingly to align with these timelines.
- Academic Calendar: Consider the academic calendar of the country/ institutions you’re applying to. Some research groups may have specific times of the year when they are more likely to recruit postdocs,
- Personal Readiness: A “right” time to undertake a postdoc depends on many factors, such as personal circumstances and your readiness. For relocation consider factors such as family commitments beginning of the school year for kids etc.
Searching for a laboratory to pursue your Post-Doctoral studies
Here are some tips on how to effectively hunt for postdoc opportunities after selecting one or more fields of interest:
- Generate a list of potential labs to whom you would like to apply. At the first step, you want to generate a list of professors whose work aligns with your interests and expertise. To this aim seek advice from your PI, other PI’s in the faculty, and colleagues in Israel and abroad who are active in the fields and learn about the people and their research from their website and publications. Search the internet, add names based on interesting and exciting papers you have recently read, PI’s you have met at conferences, etc.
- Get familiar with the people on the list: After creating this list, visit the websites of the universities, research institutes, and laboratories directly to search for advertisements for postdoctoral positions. Note, you can apply to labs also if they did not post an open position advertisement.
- Networking: Leverage your professional network within academia. Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops relevant to your field to connect with potential advisors and collaborators. Engage with professors, researchers, and peers to express your interest in pursuing a postdoc and inquire about available positions or upcoming opportunities.
- Contacting Potential Advisors: after initial investigation, reach out to the people who you found most suitable for you. You should contact them directly via email (unless advised otherwise on their websites) expressing your enthusiasm for their research and your intention to pursue a postdoc under their supervision. Your e-mail should include an updated CV, cover letter and other material that may be requested in the position advertisement. See tips below for “How to approach a potential mentor?”
How to approach a potential mentor Preparing the required material
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Revise your CV to showcase your academic background, research experience, publications, presentations, grants, awards. Emphasize your scientific accomplishments and your technical skills, remember that at the stage of applying not all your papers will be published, in this case you should mention papers under preparation without specifying potential journal names.
- Cover Letter: Draft a tailored cover letter addressing the specific postdoctoral position. Introduce yourself, outline your research background and interests, articulate your enthusiasm for the position, and demonstrate how your skills align with the research group’s objectives.
- Research Statement: Some positions may necessitate a research statement detailing your past research, current interests, and future aspirations. Use either the cover letter or the research statement to underscore your potential fit with the lab and your alignment with its research agenda.
- Reference letters: Most PI’s will request you to provide names of potential referees. It is highly recommended to contact the people before applying and make sure they will agree and be available to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Ensure to request well in advance to allow letter writers sufficient time to craft thoughtful recommendations. Never list someone as a potential letter writer without making sure they agree.
Preparing for an interview
In the good scenario where you get a positive response and are invited for an interview, you will need to spend time and make sure to prepare for it. Some PI’s may suggest having the interview via Zoom. This could be a good start, though it is highly recommended to visit the lab physically before making your final decision.
Before the interview (either via Zoom or physically), familiarize yourself with the lab’s work and be ready to answer questions and delve into discussions about their and your research. Articulate your future research objectives and how they align with the group’s focus. Typically, you will receive a list of individuals you will be meeting with well in advance. Take the time to research their work extensively and highlight how you could contribute positively to their projects.
NOTE! Meetings with lab members are of great importance to you. These conversations will also help you gauge if the lab is the right fit for you. Interactions with other lab members will provide insights into the lab’s culture and your potential fit within it. Ask a variety of questions to make informed decisions about joining the lab. By asking questions, you are also demonstrating your seriousness and commitment to finding the right fit.
What’s next
Follow Up: After the interview, send a thank-you note to everyone you met, expressing your interest in their work and the position.
If you haven’t received a response within a reasonable timeframe after submitting your application, consider following up with the contact person.
IMPORTANT! Do not be disheartened by setbacks; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and refinement. Each unsuccessful attempt serves as valuable feedback to enhance your approach for the next opportunity.
