We asked Professor Bill Holt what advise he would give to someone applying for their first post-doctoral role.
I am necessarily thinking about a postdoc in a scientific topic. I appreciate that the focus of the postdoc position might not exactly align with your PhD topic. If that’s the case, you probably know enough to update yourself with the relevant background by reading recent reviews. If you are lucky enough that you’re applying for something in your own field, you will probably be expected to think very broadly. Have a few ideas about how your field will develop over the next 5-10 years.
Depending on the topic, bear in mind that the new postdoc position may not offer much scope for original suggestions. Sometimes the PI will already have a plan for the next 2 – 3 years, and will want to stick to it rigidly. You might try to assess whether or not this would suit you. Could you subtly work out whether the appointed postdoc will just be treated as a skilled technician, or whether there is any scope for original thought? Some PIs can be quite obstinate and reject potentially useful suggestions.
It would be worth assessing the “culture” within the lab. For example, are there regular journal clubs, where you will present critiques of recent papers? This is excellent training for a career scientist, who will need to develop independent opinions and be confident defending them.
You need to ask whether there will be opportunities to attend useful courses? For example, these could be courses in statistics and experimental design, media training and presentation skills, grant writing and preparing manuscripts for publication. You also need to ask whether there is scope to attend relevant conferences, either just to listen and learn or to present your own data. Conferences are great opportunities to meet senior scientists in your own field. When I began doing this I was advised to “accost” such people and introduce myself. It can be scary, but it can really pay off in the long run!
Good luck with applying for your first post-doctoral role!
How Transform-ED can help
At Transform-ED, we have access to a range of advisors (such as Prof Holt above). Please contact us if we can support you!