Updated on Jan 19th 2010
Why Post-Doc?
Professor Rosalind Gibson on why consider a post doctoral position?
Why consider a post doctoral position?
- Opportunity to follow-up questions arising from your PhD research
- Opportunity to develop an independent research programme without other distractions
- Opportunity to develop a net-work of overseas contacts for future collaborative research
- Opportunity to confirm your interest in a teaching and research career
- Broaden your horizons
- Enhance self confidence
What should you aim to achieve?
- Publish all outstanding PhD research
- Attend international meetings and present any unpublished research
- Define your future research focus taking into account:
- uniqueness of field; number of NZ investigators
- funding opportunities; equipment/ logistical support required
- Prepare and submit a grant proposal for external funding
- Learn new techniques you may require for future work
- Prepare and submit articles on research undertaken
Where should you go?
- Institution where there is a critical mass of Post-Docs
- Institution with a recognized salary policy for funding Post-Docs
- Institution where Post-Docs have appropriate status
- Institution where research excellence is truly valued
Who should you work with?
- Investigator with a recognized scientific reputation in your chosen field
- Investigator with a research group in place
- Investigator with a track record of good mentoring
- Investigator who is willing to provide you with some flexibility in what you do
- Investigator who is on campus most of the time
- Investigator who treats you as a colleague and not as a private slave!
How do you find where to go and who to work with?
- Advice from academic staff
- Current literature
- International meetings
- FASEB in North America
- Discussions with other Post-Docs and PG research students
How do you obtain a Post-Doc position?
- The best option is to secure your own funds from a Post-Doc scholarship
- HRC
- Apply for a funded position in your area of interest