How to Be Postdoctoral Researcher - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 12, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The lack of a post-doctoral researcher can have a significant effect on a research team. Without this important role, the team is missing their most experienced and knowledgeable resource. This can lead to delays in data collection and analysis, difficulty in completing complex experiments, and an overall decrease in the quality of research results. Furthermore, the lack of guidance and mentorship provided by a post-doctoral researcher can create a disconnect between members of the team, resulting in an inefficient work environment.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a PhD in a relevant field. Most postdoctoral research positions require applicants to have earned at least a PhD in a relevant field of study.
Research potential postdoctoral opportunities. Research organizations and universities that offer postdoctoral research opportunities in your field of interest.
Prepare your application materials. Prepare application materials such as a CV, cover letter, research statement, and any relevant documents or letters of recommendation.
Apply for postdoctoral research positions. Apply for postdoctoral research positions that you are qualified for and interested in.
Attend interviews and evaluation meetings. If you are selected to move forward in the hiring process, you may be asked to attend an in-person or virtual interview or an evaluation meeting with potential supervisors and other members of the hiring committee.
Negotiate your contract. Once you have been offered a postdoctoral position, negotiate the terms of your contract with the hiring institution.
Begin your research. Once you have accepted the offer and signed your contract, you can begin your postdoctoral research.

Staying ahead and capable requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take on difficult challenges. By setting achievable goals and working hard to meet them, you can continually grow and stay ahead. Dedication is key; you need to be passionate and motivated in order to reach your goals.

To remain capable, you must also stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field, as well as any new research that could be relevant to your work. Finally, it is important to take on challenges, even if they seem daunting at first. Doing so can help you gain new skills and knowledge and stay ahead of the competition.

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Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Postdoctoral Scholar
Postdoctoral Fellow
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Postdoctoral Research Technician
Postdoctoral Researcher
Postdoctoral Research Engineer
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Postdoctoral Research Associate Professor
Postdoctoral Research Coordinator

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong knowledge of the relevant research field
Ability to design and implement research projects
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to analyze and interpret data
Ability to collaborate with other researchers
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
The ability to work with a high degree of accuracy
Strong problem-solving skills
Knowledge of relevant software and databases
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workloads
Proficiency in a foreign language is beneficial

An effective Postdoctoral Researcher must possess a variety of skills and abilities in order to succeed. Most importantly, they must have a strong background in research and be able to analyze data and form meaningful conclusions. Postdoctoral Researchers also need excellent communication skills in order to effectively collaborate with colleagues and supervisors, as well as the ability to work independently with minimal guidance.

Furthermore, problem solving and critical thinking skills are essential, as they must be able to identify and address issues in a timely manner. Lastly, they must be organized and have the ability to prioritize tasks in order to stay on track and meet deadlines. These skills and abilities are crucial for Postdoctoral Researchers to excel in their field and make a meaningful contribution to their organization.

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Frequent Interview Questions

Tell me about your research experience and background.
What areas of postdoctoral research are you most interested in?
What challenges have you faced conducting postdoctoral research?
What techniques have you used to develop successful postdoctoral research projects?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest postdoctoral research topics?
What strategies do you use to collaborate effectively with other researchers?
How do you manage the timeline for completing a postdoctoral research project?
What have you done to enhance the impact of your postdoctoral research?
How do you ensure the accuracy of the data and results in your postdoctoral research?
What additional skills or experiences do you bring to a postdoctoral research position?

Common Tools in Industry

MATLAB. MATLAB is a high-level programming language used for numerical computing, visualization, and advanced mathematical analysis. (eg: example: making complex calculations and analyzing data more efficiently)
Python. Python is a popular programming language used for web development, data analysis, machine learning, and scripting. (eg: example: writing automated scripts to run complex tasks)
R. R is a powerful programming language used for statistical computing and graphics. (eg: example: creating statistical models and visualizations)
LaTeX. LaTeX is a typesetting system used for scientific documents and academic papers. (eg: example: formatting technical documents with equations and references)
Git/GitHub. Git and GitHub are version control systems used for managing source code and tracking changes. (eg: example: keeping track of different versions of code and collaborating with other developers)
Jupyter Notebook. Jupyter Notebook is an open-source web application used for interactive computing and data visualization. (eg: example: running code interactively and creating visualizations)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
American Chemical Society (ACS)
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
American Physical Society (APS)
American Statistical Association (ASA)
Association for Psychological Science (APS)
Association of American Universities (AAU)
Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)
International Sociological Association (ISA)
Society for Neuroscience (SFN)
Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)
Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI)
National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
National Science Foundation (NSF)

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Common Important Terms

Postdoctoral Fellowship. A financial award given to a postdoctoral researcher to support their scholarly activities or research.
Research Mentor. An experienced professional in a field who provides guidance and advice to students or postdoctoral researchers on their research projects.
Academic Supervisor. A senior academic who oversees the progress and development of postdoctoral researchers.
Grant Writing. The process of writing an application for a grant, typically used to gain funding for research projects.
Institutional Review Board (IRB). An independent committee that reviews research protocols to ensure they follow ethical guidelines.
Publications. The sharing of research findings through a variety of outlets, such as journals, books, and conference presentations.
Academic Networking. The process of forming relationships and sharing information and resources with other academics in the same field or related fields.
Collaborative Research. The process of working with other researchers to pursue a shared research goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Postdoctoral Researcher?

A Postdoctoral Researcher is an individual who has recently completed a doctoral degree and is engaged in a temporary period of mentored research and/or scholarship.

What qualifications are required to become a Postdoctoral Researcher?

Qualifications for a postdoctoral researcher typically include a doctoral degree in a relevant field and successful completion of any necessary post-doctoral research training.

What type of research do Postdoctoral Researchers typically conduct?

Postdoctoral Researchers typically conduct research in areas related to their doctoral research, such as exploring new applications for existing knowledge, or advancing existing knowledge in their field.

What is the average duration of a Postdoctoral Researcher position?

The average duration of a Postdoctoral Researcher position is typically two to three years.

How much does a Postdoctoral Researcher typically earn?

The average salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher varies widely depending on the field of research and the location of the position. Salaries typically range from $45,000 to $90,000 per year.

Web Resources

Postdoctoral Researchers | Department of Chemistry and chemistry.harvard.edu
Postdoctoral Researchers - The Data Science Institute at datascience.columbia.edu
Postdoctoral Research Associate Program - ischool.illinois.edu ischool.illinois.edu