Yes that’s right! In today’s video, we talk about how YOU can interview a potential postdoc PI. This is a crucial step in finding a postdoc lab that is a good fit for your needs.
Great video.. it was very informative! I have two questions- 1) Should we consider university ranking while looking for a postdoc or kind of work that the PI is doing is more important? 2) If the lab I’m interested in already has 5-6 postdocs, who have been postdocs in the lab since the last 6 years or so, is it a good sign ?
1 - I would say both are important. I would look at university. Normally, a higher ranked university will have PIs doing more interesting/important work. That said, if I had to choose between a tier one school where I would be miserable and a tier two school work an amazing PI where I can really grow, I would choose the tier two school. 2 - depends on the situation. Are they coming and going a year later? That’s not good and a lot of turnover. If they are staying 3+ years that’s the sign of a strong lab.
Hello, Great video!... I have a question. I sent some emails to some labs in which I am interested. Some of the Drs replied to my weeks after my initial mail and they scheduled a zoom meeting. Now I am in the interview process with 3 different labs. Should I mention to the PIs that I have interviews with other labs? I am worried that if I mention that they will think that I am not taking them seriously and therefore they will stop the process. what should I do?
Great question! If the PIs are from the same department (eg genetics department at University of Florida) then you should mention it because they may talk to each other and find out and it may be an awkward situation. If they aren’t together, I don’t think you need to mention your other prospects.
Very thoughtful video. I am about to have a 2nd interview. The facts are University is good, PI is super nice, not so much pressure for publication and I will have the liberty to design my own work but I am the first Postdoc in that lab and they can offer me for 1 year contract but the future depends on getting of my own funding by the 1st year. PI and the lab manager will help me with that. My question is if I consider this position, how should i approach my 2nd interview? Thanks
@@gradschooladvice9537 Thank you for your insites. I have asked some of these questions in my first interview. Your video was really helped me. Keep up the good work.
I have a question. What if you are applying to a PI who is just setting up his/her lab? Then there won't be any past postdocs or PhDs about whom we can ask. In this case, what should we do?
I have an whole day interview in the coming week. It is a face to face interview with PI, followed by a presentation and also q&a session with each member one to one, and after lunch break discussion with PI. Everybody are saying me they never heard about this kind of whole day (9:15-16) interview for postdoc. I am really scared why so long! This will be my first interview. What I should do or behave like for all this 7hrs??
I say just be yourself! You will do great. Just be polite and make sure to also ask questions to learn what your experience may be like if you join the lab.
Excellent video! Thank you SO MUCH! So informative!
Found some really useful information here.
REALLY GOOD!!!
Great content and advice. These are super helpful. Would it be possible to include time stamps for each question?
Please make a video on chosing post doc university vs PI.
what are the things people look for when recruiting an academic?
Great video.. it was very informative! I have two questions- 1) Should we consider university ranking while looking for a postdoc or kind of work that the PI is doing is more important? 2) If the lab I’m interested in already has 5-6 postdocs, who have been postdocs in the lab since the last 6 years or so, is it a good sign ?
1 - I would say both are important. I would look at university. Normally, a higher ranked university will have PIs doing more interesting/important work. That said, if I had to choose between a tier one school where I would be miserable and a tier two school work an amazing PI where I can really grow, I would choose the tier two school.
2 - depends on the situation. Are they coming and going a year later? That’s not good and a lot of turnover. If they are staying 3+ years that’s the sign of a strong lab.
Hello, Great video!... I have a question. I sent some emails to some labs in which I am interested. Some of the Drs replied to my weeks after my initial mail and they scheduled a zoom meeting. Now I am in the interview process with 3 different labs. Should I mention to the PIs that I have interviews with other labs? I am worried that if I mention that they will think that I am not taking them seriously and therefore they will stop the process. what should I do?
Great question! If the PIs are from the same department (eg genetics department at University of Florida) then you should mention it because they may talk to each other and find out and it may be an awkward situation. If they aren’t together, I don’t think you need to mention your other prospects.
@@gradschooladvice9537 thank you!!!
Very thoughtful video. I am about to have a 2nd interview. The facts are University is good, PI is super nice, not so much pressure for publication and I will have the liberty to design my own work but I am the first Postdoc in that lab and they can offer me for 1 year contract but the future depends on getting of my own funding by the 1st year. PI and the lab manager will help me with that. My question is if I consider this position, how should i approach my 2nd interview?
Thanks
I would spend most of my time asking how they will help with securing funding.
@@gradschooladvice9537 Thank you for your insites. I have asked some of these questions in my first interview. Your video was really helped me. Keep up the good work.
Good luck on your interview!
I have a question. What if you are applying to a PI who is just setting up his/her lab? Then there won't be any past postdocs or PhDs about whom we can ask. In this case, what should we do?
As you said, we cannot ask about that. What we can do though is hypotheticals. Will you let me take my research and not compete with me, for example.
I have an whole day interview in the coming week. It is a face to face interview with PI, followed by a presentation and also q&a session with each member one to one, and after lunch break discussion with PI. Everybody are saying me they never heard about this kind of whole day (9:15-16) interview for postdoc. I am really scared why so long! This will be my first interview. What I should do or behave like for all this 7hrs??
I say just be yourself! You will do great. Just be polite and make sure to also ask questions to learn what your experience may be like if you join the lab.
Hi may i know what is your major ?
Undergrad: microbiology
Grad school: biology of aging/metabolism
Postdoc: metabolism