Read on Twitter
After many interviews for prospective post-docs, I want to share a few tips.
A general consideration first: I am looking for somebody I want to work with for years. If you come across as in-authentic, we are done! 1/N
A general consideration first: I am looking for somebody I want to work with for years. If you come across as in-authentic, we are done! 1/N
More specifically, consider that a post-doc is more expensive than a PhD student. If you are just out of a PhD, ask yourself why I am willing to pay the premium. A few reasons:
1. I want to buy a skill/competence I don't have. Please, sell me on what you are great at. 2/N
1. I want to buy a skill/competence I don't have. Please, sell me on what you are great at. 2/N
2. I want to hire someone who's trained in solving scientific problems. Please, show me how you thought about your older problem.
Corollary: *in my experience*, people who had a smooth Ph.D. (yes, they exist) make bad post-doc. Show me the struggle you overcome! 3/N
Corollary: *in my experience*, people who had a smooth Ph.D. (yes, they exist) make bad post-doc. Show me the struggle you overcome! 3/N
3. I don't have time to train you extensively. Of course, you want to pick up skills in my lab, but please make sure the transfer is reasonable. If you have a plan for knowledge transfer, do say! (note: same as MSCA application). 4/N
I think these are pretty general suggestions. For me specifically, you also need to show that coming to my lab is a good move towards your career goals scientifically and/or politically. Nobody likes to play politics but you better start getting a feeling for it as post-doc. 5/N
I am also hearing some horror stories.
Please, run away from a PI that doesn't:
- ask you to give a research presentation
- ask/answer you/r questions
- have a training or career development plan
- have *in the lab* the equipment you need
Please, run away from a PI that doesn't:
- ask you to give a research presentation
- ask/answer you/r questions
- have a training or career development plan
- have *in the lab* the equipment you need
