What should I look for in a postdoc?

To increase their chances, postdocs must make sure that they use those years to not only hone their research skills, but also to develop the transferable skills that universities and research institutions are looking for in junior PIs: teaching experience, leadership ability, fundraising and writing skills, resource …

How can a postdoc stand out?

Eight ways to set yourself apart as a postdoc

1. Make yourself understood. Stellar writing and presenting skills truly make a difference.
2. The publication imperative. Let’s face it: a postdoc’s job is to write papers.
3. Work independently.
4. Pay your way.
5. Get a life.
6. Network, network, network.
7. Build a support system.
8. Plan it out.

What do postdoc mentors look for?

Some postdoctoral associates and scientific faculty at JAX offer some guidance based on their own experiences.

• Respect.
• Freedom.
• Collaboration.
• ‘Whole Scientist’
• Reputation.
• Individuality.
• Enthusiasm.

Can postdocs be PIs?

Postdoctoral researchers are not allowed to serve as PI or co-PI but they may serve as other personnel.

When should I start looking for a postdoc?

You should start thinking about your postdoc EARLY. I recommend applying for postdocs about a year before you want to leave your PhD lab. Yes, this seems early, but the process takes time, and PIs (principal investigators, i.e. lab heads) need to plan ahead to make decisions about how much space and funding they have.

Do companies prefer to hire postdocs or PhDs?

The truth is that many companies prefer to hire PhDs fresh out of graduate school. They see newly minted PhDs as fast learners and flexible. On the other hand, these companies tend to see postdocs as narrow-minded and set in their ways.

Can I write a grant proposal with my Pi as postdoc?

A postdoc can be a good opportunity to co-write a grant proposal with your PI, to give you experience in grant writing. Being able to fund your research as a professor is integral, and how to write grants effectively is a skill that we don’t typically teach graduate students.

Can my postdoc trainer help me get a job?

Your postdoc can’t help you. No amount of academic experience will help you avoid this. Your trainer may have less education and be younger than you are. Many new PhD employees, when they first join a company, start as entry-level scientists.

What is the purpose of postdoc?

PostDoc is a way to keep the researchers within academia. They conduct the best research because they are no longer students, but they have none of the managerial responsibilities of a professor. As always, things may vary between every parameter you can name (time, place, field, attitude…).