Similar to faculty interview Job Talks and Chalk Talks, many industry job interviews require a presentation on your past and current research. The following 10 questions are some that I have encountered multiple times during the job-hunting process. When food and nutrition intermingle a cascade of events occur. It was her go-to interview look, but on Skype it looked like a drab, sad puddle of fabric around her neck, and washed out her face. Answer: Postdocs aren't a permanent The Skype interview is not an appropriate time to discuss salary or partner hires. experience in particular techniques not currently used within the group. Thank you so much for these useful questions. You may not have experience in all the laboratory techniques listed in the job description, but highlight the ones you do have experience in. A Skype interview requires just as much, if not more, preparation than you'd take on for an in-person interview. I applied in-person. Doing this, as well as some investigative work into the research group and PI, can really give you the edge in securing that postdoc. Again, you’ll need to tailor your answer to the particular postdoc. At the end of the day, remember that you are interviewing the panel as much as they are interviewing you. The department chair submits the list to the relevant divisional dean as well as the dean of diversity and faculty development (with a copy to fas.dean@yale.edu) via the Interview Approval Form, indicating the interview mode (Skype, phone, conference, on-campus, etc.). previous work presentation using PPT. The prospect of going into an interview for a life sciences postdoctoral position can be quite unnerving; however, in my experience the same sorts of questions come up time and time again. This can help me for my interview. Skype or Video interview is a little different than a personal interview. Then please share with your network. The importance of interview for postdoc position User: hemu_vnit - 17 April 2015 12:17. Discuss how you taught a summer student a technique or were the person in charge when your senior scientist was away at a conference. I interviewed at Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) in September 2014. Interview List Submission. It can help me in future interviews. These questions have been helpful in preparing me for my interview. all lab member gathered together, ask you questions about your work. Thank you! Next week I have my first 'serious' interview for a postdoc position job that REALLY interests me. Finding a Chemical Postdoc Position in Industry (Chemical & Engineering News) 30 Essential Behavioral Interview Questions; Following up a job interview with a Thank-You note; Industry Interview Job Talks. The postdoc interview is an exciting time at the end of a graduate student’s career. And, now in this lockdown condition, when Skype interview is more important than earlier. 90. Then use the presentation to show them why you are the perfect candidate for the post. Unemployed after 1st postdoc, what should my affiliation be when introduced during campus visit & job talk? Interview. Bring extra CVs to the interview ! How did you end up in this field? You also need to have a think about any questions that you wish to ask the interview panel. Unfortunately, all of my Interview Bootcamp slots are already completely filled through mid-January. Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time. How well do you deal with feedback? In your own words, summarize the details of the advertised postdoc. mainly … List any experience. Please utilize the following format when providing information on interview notifications:-Site name-Track (if applicable)-Invite or rejection-Date notified-How notified (mass email, personal email, phone) You could start by stating: I haven’t worked for a cancer research group but there are similarities between the processes that lead to the development of arthritis and cancer, such as angiogenesis, cell migration, cell invasion and ECM degradation. After interviews it is usually okay to thank people for taking the time to talk to you. You will probably be given the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview. What you say here might direct the next few questions. MIT Chemistry Postdoc who had a Skype interview with a University in the Netherlands. Not only does it signify that you’re almost finished with graduate school and are taking the next step in your career, but it is also an opportunity to present yourself as an expert in your scientific field of interest. Comp Sci PhD Admissions: How often are Skype interviews requested? Skype interviews permit graduate programs to interview students cheaply and efficiently – and perhaps even squeeze even more applicant interviews in than they would in real life. State that you have developed leadership skills over the course of your career and that you feel confident in leading projects. The postdoc interview questions offer a chance for you to sell yourself and highlight the most relevant experience to the job in question. On a couple of occasions, the interviewing panel have forwarded the questions to me in advance. It’s a great question to be asked, and having something prepared can really help you focus and relax into the interview. The successful candidate will join a team investigating viral immunity (with emphasis on T cells and NK cells) and the pathogenesis of EBV-associated B cell lymphomas. In summary, candidates should not treat a Skype interview as an hour of free chat. Computational Genomics, Translational Cancer Research, Big Data Mining, Good Practices for Soliciting Hosts for CSC-sponsored Visits, YouTube for Fast Biomedical Knowledge Learning, Fit Tasks to Schedules | Xiaole Shirley Liu's Blog Site. Normally, I would expect to do an Interview Bootcamp with most of my clients, to prepare them for the real thing. Knowledge. Our senses awaken to a world in which our tastebuds are satiated and our body thrives. Thank you very much. Afterwards it turns into a more classic interview talking about what the company does, what you've done and what you're looking for, and some personality and technical questions. Bear in mind that it matters as much how you answer as what you actually say. The committee are trying to learn about your personal qualities: Are you honest? Copyright © 2020 Science Squared - all rights reserved, Analytical Chemistry and Chromatography Techniques, best questions to ask to wrap up an interview. Not post doc but I've had skype interviews before. This is where you can outline why you, rather than anyone else the panel might be interviewing, are best for this job. The laboratory of Olivia Martinez is seeking an outstanding and motivated post doctoral fellow to study the immune response to viruses and/or allogeneic tissues. Skype interviews pose special challenges. COVID-19: Wake-up call for education and research system – Must think. […] completely, so I can save time for my collaborators coming to town to meet and truly promising postdoc/student […]. If you have been called for an interview, your CV/resume has already impressed the interview panel. Answering this question requires a similar strategy as for the previous question. ), and career trajectories of previous trainees. You are expected to give a talk about your graduate work, then you meet with people one-on-one for whole day. Tailor this answer really closely to the role. Postdoc Skype Interviews. Address faculty (and all interviewers) as they were introduced (i.e., use first names if this is how one is introduced) ! There are some tricks of the trade for this kind of interview that can very helpful to know. Fortunately, many graduate programs are moving towards conducting interviews by video conferencing via platforms like Skype. However, it goes both ways, the Skype interview is also a time to learn about the institution. Hopefully it will help future candidates to better prepare a Skype interview. Don’t worry if you haven’t supervised a Master’s student from start to finish. Usually they start off with some sort of short presentation of a slide deck and then a QA on the presentation. This requirement can vary from postdoc to postdoc so be careful when answering. An hour of Skype investment can save whole day processes. Read our article on the best questions to ask to wrap up an interview. ... Skype Interview Tips and Tricks – Best Practices in the Video interview. You may have applied for a position in a field different from what you have worked in previously. Postdoc interview questions on strengths and weaknesses are highly likely, so they’re the kinds of questions you really want to think about. Your prospective boss may wish to take advantage of your PCR skills and get the technique up and running in their group. “STFC would encourage a Skype interview, to ensure that bringing a candidate over is in STFC[’s] and their interests," writes a STFC spokesperson. Instead should read, think, and prepare well, to allow the candidate and faculty to learn most about each other in a short time. 9. Don’t volunteer negative information—even if you have plenty to give ! Interview. •At a conference interview you have a limited time to stand out among a group of candidates in what might be a rushed and stressful environment •You need to be able to establish rapport during a phone or Skype interview while dealing with technology issues 10 So, it is highly worthwhile doing some preparation on potential postdoc interview questions. Or is there an opportunity to set up a scientific special interest group? Start from your current or most recent position, whether you’re a PhD student or already a postdoc, and work back from there. Prepare 3 to 5 questions about potential research projects, funding sources (will you need to apply for a fellowship before you arrive? You also want to briefly discuss where you see yourself going. Originally published March 18, 2013. Next week I have my first 'serious' interview for a postdoc position job that REALLY interests me. 1. You may have applied for a position in a field different from what you have worked in previously. How should I follow up after a Skype interview for PhD position in a US university? An hour of Skype investment can save whole day processes. I always try to say things that are personal showing you have an interest and understanding of their specific areas of interests. Has this helped you? If you have applied for an academic postdoctoral position, you really need to get across that your aim is to become an independent scientist. 140 Shares. True story: Just a few weeks ago, one of my favorite postdoctoral researchers was catching me up on her latest interview experiences. Here you can find a running list of all of the submitted interview notifications and rejections for the 2020-2021 Postdoc selection cycle. Refer to the job description in your answer. The important thing is to focus on the similarities between the two fields of research. Respond to the interview invitation late. TPII clients are scarfing up interview invites right and left, and it’s very gratifying. Through these interviews, I found some common issues with candidates that I would like to discuss in this blog. For those you have little or no experience of, highlight your technical ability and emphasize that you are highly capable of learning new techniques. You can feel whether the faculty on the search committee give you a sense of being in a friendly department. I have extensive experience in studying these processes using various lab techniques. It was much more conversational than question/answer. Focus on what you can bring to the group, i.e. This shows that you have done your research and that you are serious about the position. Instead should read, think, and prepare well, to allow the candidate and faculty to learn most about each other in a short time. Application. Just like most other postdoctoral interviews, you usually have a phone call or skype with the PI first before they fly you in for a full day interview. Reviewed and updated on December 16, 2020. ALWAYS bring a list of questions you have for the interviewers ! For example, research topics, but maybe also teaching duties etc. applying for research grants, assisting in student supervision and gaining new publications. Hello, everyone, here we are going to discuss some best practice Skype Interview Tips for interview. Can't get an interview for any postdoc job I graduated with a PhD from Cambridge in June 2017. Follow on with some examples of how you would like to expand on the research and develop projects of your own within the group. Prepare for a Skype interview. A PI may need a postdoc who is happy to work autonomously on a specific project or they may need an individual who can help lead and coordinate a team. This format is becoming more popular as a first step. Maybe you're 27 and … Now, the standard preparation for interviews of course prevails in … Understand what your role will be, what their goals for this position are, in what direction to head. What skills and qualities will you bring to the postdoc? I once had a client who wore a soft-collared beige blouse for our practice Skype interview. Then expand on what you have achieved to date and how you would go about furthering your career, i.e. Skype Interview Tips and Tricks – Best Practices in Video interview. The Skype interview normally will be first time you will learn the full roster of the search committee, therefore after the interview make sure you know their research pretty well. […] Preparation can ensure that you can combat technical issues, know how to appear well on camera and have a successful Skype interview. The process took 1+ week. Interview for postdoc position via Skype. The time in your career that you choose to apply and interview for postdoctoral positions is variable. A number of clients have asked me for a post on phone and Skype interviews, and I’m happy to oblige. This not only allows the faculty to better evaluate a candidate, but also should be a beneficial experience for the candidate in learning and planning his future work. Think about how you might complement/strengthen the existing team; are there any techniques that you’ve mastered that you can teach the lab? Conferences have started and interviews have begun. But here are some of the questions: • MIT is a great place for NMR, why would you leave? If you know you struggle with presenting, or a particular technique, for example, admit it, but then discuss what you’ve done to address this. And also a significant carrier step of a researcher. You could start off with something like: This position will allow me to build on my existing research skills and to develop as an independent scientist by acquiring new techniques, additional project management skills, publications and funding grants. Hello friends, I would like to know your views from the people who have got postdoc position after interview. Be honest. I did interview through skype, as I was in Japan at the time of interview, and I am not convenient to travel to US for interview. Having the search committee on your side is an important part of the process of being hired. Are you willing to learn? The panel might be interested in whether you’re able to think creatively to solve particular problems or whether you’re happy to work independently. You could refer to the time you suggested setting up a dedicated molecular biology workspace in the lab or canvassed a science rep for a discount. Get some advice on how your interview attire looks on camera. We are interested in characterizing the host This is a really common opener in interviews. I found Skype interviews (with videos) to be very effective in screening applicants. The postdoc interview questions offer a chance for you to sell yourself and highlight the most relevant experience to the job in question. What are your top tips for answering postdoc interview questions? I found Skype interviews (with videos) to be very effective in screening applicants. For example, your PhD may have been carried out in an arthritis research group, but you have applied for a postdoc in a cancer group. Through these interviews, I found some common issues with candidates that I would like to discuss in this blog. In summary, candidates should not treat a Skype interview as an hour of free chat. However, you need to make sure your answer is relevant to the position you’re interviewing for. Find out what and who they want. In such cases, there is no excuse not to have answers prepared. 20. My PhD itself was a bit difficult, and the project itself quite ambitious (a certain Nobel prize winner ever referred to it as 'challenging if not impossible'). 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