For many PhDs in pharmacology, pursuing a postdoctoral position is a traditional next step. The United States has some of the world’s best institutions and programs for such positions. However, the path to a successful application can be daunting. Notably, the competition for pharmacology positions can be intense, but do not be discouraged. With careful planning and preparation, you can become a competitive applicant and secure a great postdoctoral opportunity in the US.
One of the most challenging aspects of applying for a postdoctoral position in pharmacology is finding a lab that aligns with your research interests. To ease this process, create a list of potential labs and reach out to researchers in your field by email. Introduce yourself and express interest in their work, asking if there are any postdoctoral opportunities in their lab. Be sure to read and reference their recent publications within your introduction.
Your cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV) are the first visualizations of you that potential employers will see. In addition to detailing your professional experience, your CV should also illustrate your research interests, publications, fellowships, and grants. As you prepare your CV, tailor it to convey your specific skills and experience that match the position requirements, as communicated through previous conversations with potential employers.
Your cover letter should include your introduction, the specifics of why you are interested in the lab, the skills and research experience that align you with the laboratory, and a clause that asks for follow-up discussion. Take some time to research the lab and the work they do, and reference it in your cover letter. Be sure to keep your cover letter concise, and ensure that it can be read in less than two minutes.
If you are offered an interview for a postdoctoral position, you have already made a great step forward. Congratulate yourself on this accomplishment. During the interview, be kind and respectful, and bring your best self. Anticipate questions the interviewer may ask and formulate thoughtful responses in advance. Bring questions of your own, specifically those relating to the lab’s opportunities and culture, treatment of postdoctoral fellows, and what it is like to live in the area.
Some institutions may request that you complete a standard questionnaire prior to being hired. These questionnaires may pose difficult ethical dilemmas or scientific situations, and may require explanation of your scientific research focus or interpretation of complex data. Preparing for these questionnaires in advance can go a long way to prepare you for random requests, and can tighten your critical thinking skills. Additionally, review your scientific writing with special attention to your research focus, interpreting data and abstracting concise information from your work.
After the interview, send a thank-you email detailing your appreciation for the opportunity to speak with the interviewer, and expressing enthusiasm for the position. If you haven’t heard back in two weeks, follow up by email or phone to reiterate your interest in the position and ask if there are any status updates.
Ultimately, the competition for pharmacology postdoctoral positions can be intense. However, with a coordinated strategy and thoughtful planning, you can effectively navigate the waters and score the research position you have been striving toward. By reaching out to potential labs, crafting strong applications and remaining purposeful, you can successfully take the next step in your scientific career
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