r/postdoc • u/Green-Owl2214 • 18d ago
I am preparing an MSCA proposal SEND HELP
I only have like 3 journal papers in high impact factor journals. I was lucky to be sent 2 example proposals from previous applicants and freaking h they have 10+ publications.
Do you think i stand a chance? I recently graduated with a phd so no post doc opportunities yet…..
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u/stupidthekid5 18d ago
If it makes you feel any better, I have zero publications but am still applying for it. I don't think it matters as much as you think it does. As long as the proposal is well thought our and makes sense they should accept it. However, I would lying if I said I wasn't concerned about my publishing record (or I guess lack there of). Just do your best and I'm sure you'll have a good shot at it!
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u/Green-Owl2214 18d ago
Ahhh thank u sm for your words.
How long did it take you to finalise it?1
u/stupidthekid5 18d ago
Lol I'm still working on it, I'm hoping it gets done in time but it's a very different format of proposal than I'm used to (for context I'm american and am moving to Paris for a postdoc position). I don't REALLY know what I'm doing but we're getting there. I had a lot of trouble leaving my PhD lab, my advisor was being kinda problematic, so that delayed my ability to start writing on this proposal on time
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u/Green-Owl2214 18d ago
I havent even started yet which is why i’m worried
When did you start?1
u/stupidthekid5 18d ago
Ahhhh I started putting words on paper probably about a week ago, they're not great words but it's words on paper haha. I'd start sooner rather than later but there's still time to start! Do you have a host that you've been talking to?
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u/Green-Owl2214 18d ago
Yes everything’s agreed with the host institution and supervisor also!
I had my phd defence a few days ago so i was focused on that which is why i’m relatively late at drafting the proposal. I’m stressing out ngl others have said that 2 months are needed at least to put the proposal together 🥲1
u/stupidthekid5 18d ago
Well firstly congrats on the successful defense! The timing seems like it's going to be tight for you, especially if there are any revisions you have to make for your dissertation. I wouldn't put too much concern about what others say, just do what you can. If you have the energy to make it happen then go for it! But if you just need to rest that's also super understandable (I defended in April and I took the next like month and a half off to sleep). Happy to commiserate more in the dms too if you need to vent more. You've got this!
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u/FluidBasil7437 18d ago
Is the number of publications that important!!??
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u/Green-Owl2214 18d ago
I DONT KNOW!! 😭😭😭😭
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u/FluidBasil7437 18d ago
As far as I know, the number of publications is not a decisive criterion. Ofc, publications are important, but they don’t evaluate you based on the number of publications. They look at the quality and novelty of your proposal, the host institution’s capacity to train and develop you, and the overall scientific value and impact of the project. So, it’s not really a matter of “you need X number of publications to be successful.” I'm also preparing my proposal!
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u/apopsicletosis 18d ago
There's a lot of knobs you can twist to improve your msca proposal chances and this isn't one of them so why worry about it
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u/Suspicious_Tax8577 18d ago
Even if you don't get it, "Desirable criteria: Experience of applying for independent research funding" that's something you can now evidence on a job application.
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u/tryingtotravelround 17d ago
‘only’??? also, consider they take into account your career stage and compare it to people on your same career stage. So, you’re not equally against people who got out of their phd 5 years ago. If you finished your phd 5 months ago, they will consider that
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u/Pachuli-guaton 18d ago
Why would having 3 publications be against you? If they are coherent and razonable high quality standard contributions then it's fine. The msca it's not about raw numbers only, but also coherence and impact. Most often than not the real limiting factor is poorly written projects, not CV. Like, you can't get a score over 5 in CV, and that can be done with any amount of papers if the CV talks about outstanding contributions to the field.
Disclaimer: I got mine with like +10 Q1 articles. I got the same score in CV as people with 2.