Helen Kaczmarek
Science Student Council, Biopsychology Representative, University of
Wisconsin–Milwaukee
(This article was first published in the Winter 2002 issue
of the APAGS Newsletter.)
Over the last year, I went through the process of searching for and securing
a research-oriented post-doc. Below I offer some advice (based on what I have
learned) to help others planning this endeavor. It can be a challenge to secure
a quality post-doc. Landing the one you really want will take planning and
effort.
Identify your goals. While you might not know exactly what you will be
doing 2 years from now, try to assemble a plan with specific goals that will
take you as far into the future as possible.
Consider Different Alternatives. How likely is it that you would be hired
without post-doctoral experience for the job you want? If you are interested in
teaching at a small liberal arts school or want to go into the private sector,
searching for a post-doctoral position may not be the best option for you.
Allow enough time. I started seriously looking about a year before I
planned to earn my degree. This was barely enough time. Once you have any sense
of when you might be completing your degree, you should be on the lookout. If
you have the qualifications that a preceptor is looking for, he/she may be
willing to hold a spot for you until you finish your degree.
Notify your advisor. You and your advisor are doing research in the same
area. It only makes sense that you ask your advisor (or other faculty in your
department) who they know. Ask your advisor to contact potential opportunities
he/she knows personally on your behalf. I cannot stress this point enough. This
was my biggest help!
Make contacts. When you go to conferences, talk with the faculty,
post-docs and graduate students who are doing research in your area of interest.
You can get great information about possible positions as well as get your name
out to be remembered.
Ask around. Don’t let it be a secret that you are looking. Ask
everyone, including friends at other institutions. Not all position openings are
formally published.
Know where to look. The APA Monitor publishes many post-doctoral position
openings. Be sure to also frequently check Web sites and other listings relevant
to your area.
Establish a track record. Don’t expect a lot of offers if you do not
have much research experience. This relates to my third point above. If you wait
until your last year of graduate school and then decide you want a post-doc, it
will be too late to get the experience and publications you need to be a
competitive applicant.
Invest Time and Energy. Once you are ready to begin seriously looking,
set aside some time every other week to take inventory and see what’s
available. If you only put minimal effort into your search, you will miss
potential opportunities.
Think about fit. Finally, you need to consider other things that will
make your post-doc ideal. How do you feel about being in a large lab with many
other graduate students and post-docs? What about living in a very large city?
If you want to teach, will you have that opportunity?
Obviously, a history of quality research experience is critical in getting a
research-oriented post-doctoral position. However, don’t underestimate the
roles of planning and effort. Without these you may never hear about your dream
positions in the first place.
