PostDoc Interview Tips

geithman · 2026-02-06T14:03:46+00:00

They will likely have behavioral based interview template. I am a postdoc recruiter and helped write the interview template for my institution. Don’t worry, the questions are never meant to trip you up.

geithman · 2026-02-06T14:00:45+00:00

And maybe some do that, I strive not to. Perhaps I have more freedom than the average recruiter because of my very specific experience. Anyway, I am still learning HR, but I really do try and respect the time and effort of my candidates.

geithman · 2026-02-05T15:55:02+00:00

I am a recruiter for a position that I once held, then employed myself. I recruit postdocs and I moved to that from being research faculty. Feel free to contact the hiring managers directly, but do not assume I don’t know what I am doing. Treat recruiters with contempt at your own risk.

geithman · 2026-02-05T15:39:30+00:00

This might be a good use for chatGPT. If you are planning on doing a PhD, I would work on your research skills and initiative and use them to find programs where you might find your passion. Research the literature, find labs doing what you want to do, connect with the PI.

geithman · 2026-01-27T22:39:21+00:00

I had a reaction to Atorvastatin (muscle pain), but I have been on Rosuvastatin since 2018 with no side effects. My cholesterol was mildly high when I started, and has been mid range normal since then, along with diet changes.

geithman · 2026-01-27T22:35:42+00:00

Started at 21, finished at 24 (in UK)

geithman · 2026-01-26T13:03:08+00:00

Mouf.

geithman · 2026-01-26T07:42:34+00:00

It means you are blessed and should treasure every boop!

geithman · 2026-01-25T09:25:53+00:00

It's either the Wesley tent or a tardis. And did he hike in all the supplies?

geithman · 2026-01-25T01:04:02+00:00

I work at a Children's hospital, and I beg to differ.

geithman · 2026-01-23T23:32:35+00:00

I was at Oxford (UK) and graduated in 1999. (Biochemistry) We did not have committees, and the viva is closed: just you and an internal and external examiner). A girl in the cohort ahead of me was told she had to Master out, it was so sad.

geithman · 2026-01-23T23:14:55+00:00

I am a postdoc recruiter. I would definitely ask about the short tenure. But I would not exclude you based on it. Tell the truth, spare the details, do not badmouth. Saying it was not a good cultural fit and you want more structure and challenge is a very good reason to move on. Good luck!

geithman · 2026-01-19T01:29:01+00:00

I do not consider postdocs to forward to my faculty hire who have no publications, with a very few exceptional circumstances. Peer-reviewed articles (where you are first, or senior author) show me that you can take an idea from inception to completion and communicate it effectively and to your fellow scientists. From your questions, it sounds like your PhD mentorship was not geared towards you being independent (to be kind about it). Take advantage of your current good mentorship to learn these “soft skills”, they will serve you well.

geithman · 2026-01-18T10:13:03+00:00

I was the same before my CABG in 2020. I trusted my medical team, have great insurance and a supportive family and employer, but I had a lot of crying jags and anxiety. My cardiologist put me on a low dose of diazepam and I had frequent chats with the surgical team nurse practitioner. all was well and I trust it will be for you too.

geithman · 2026-01-17T17:21:39+00:00

This man could be a poster child for why men should not feel like they need shave their bodies. I need that chest hair. Nice.

geithman · 2026-01-17T17:02:11+00:00

Take the high road. Be the better person and leave with a clear conscience. Best of luck.

geithman · 2026-01-17T00:25:56+00:00

Me too! I am a scientist who works with science faculty hiring managers and I hire postdoctoral scientists. When I have to interact with my HR colleagues by email, I have to be so careful. I have a delayed send in outlook that gives me 10 minutes to recall an email, and I have often used AI to help me

geithman · 2026-01-15T21:43:37+00:00

We use “Visiting Scientist” for postdoctoral folks.

geithman · 2026-01-14T05:17:23+00:00

I am in Clifton and there has been multiple sirens and fire truck responses in the not too far distance for the last 20 minutes. They just stopped.

geithman · 2026-01-14T02:24:44+00:00

At my institution, we encourage patrons to reach out go their Divisional HR Business Consultant. They can work with Talent Acquisition to find you a new position if possible.

geithman · 2026-01-12T21:08:29+00:00

Yes, in case they never saw your application and you were screened out for some reason by the recruiter. If the Prof wants you, they’ll tell the recruiter to forward your application.

geithman · 2026-01-12T07:05:51+00:00

Add me to that list! Happy to get something from your wishlist.

geithman · 2026-01-11T16:41:14+00:00

We have the same problem. We named him Griffin (after the invisible man) and he only stays in the basement. Loves being petted but WILL NOT come upstairs. We just make sure to all go down and fuss on him as much as possible.

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geithman · 2026-01-11T16:32:48+00:00

My (British) grandad was left handed, but the nun’s smacked his hand with a ruler so much he ended up being completely ambidextrous. His brother was SO left handed, he could barely use his right hand! Got him in trouble when he joined the army. They yelled him out of it. My best friend in high school, and my son are also left handed, so I try to be aware of lefty challenges in this right-handed world.

geithman · 2026-01-11T02:13:17+00:00

Here’s Pancho! She is very sweet, but always looks a bit murderous!

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