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To be, or not to be (a postdoc)

Updated: Jan 4

Deciding to embark on a postdoctoral training period can be daunting. On one hand, the opportunity to work in cutting-edge labs, experience life in a new country, and improve your language skills are all incredibly appealing. On the other hand, there are also the potential downsides - financial instability, being away from loved ones, and the stress of selecting the perfect lab. This post will give you a few quick tips on how to think of potential labs and how to approach them.




Choosing a lab can be a tricky process, as there are so many options and it's not always clear what the criteria for a "good" lab should be

Choosing a lab can be a tricky process, as there are so many options and it's not always clear what the criteria for a "good" lab should be. Sit down and write a list of what you consider important aspects of a good fit for you. Then start looking...


One approach to finding great labs is to focus on a specific field of interest. Once you have chosen the field, try attending conferences, talking to other scientists in this field, and looking at who publishes in reputable journals.


Another approach is to focus on finding an inspiring lab, regardless of field. To do this you can try to talk to scientists you admire and ask them who they look up to. You can also choose a geographical area of choice and go through all the labs in that region to find those that inspire you.


When you are down to a few potential labs, it's important to go for interviews, even if the Principal Investigator accepts you following a zoom meeting or after a personal meeting at a conference. Without talking to current students in the lab or to people who know the lab well, you may end up finding yourself in a lab that is not what you were expecting.


When applying for labs, write a personal but succinct email explaining why you would be a great fit for the lab and what interests you most about their research. Attach a polished CV. Remember, the resume is what presents you, so make sure it looks good.




Ultimately, when choosing a postdoc lab, it's important to know yourself and your personality and work style, your research interests, and to trust your instincts. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so don't mistake generalizability for compatibility. When you find a lab that you feel is "right" for you, look no further and trust yourself in your decision.


The decision to pursue postdoctoral training can be a difficult one, but with careful consideration and research, the benefits can be truly invaluable. The chance to work in exciting labs, experience life in a new country, and grow as a scientist are all opportunities that are worth taking. Trusting your instincts and finding the right fit will allow you to shine as a scientist and achieve your long -term and short-term goals.


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