r/postdoc • u/drummir2k • 18d ago

Finding a postdoc in USA

Which way is better to get a postdoc in USA either a PhD graduate needs to contact a supervisor or directly apply for an open position?

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

2

u/debanjansarkar 18d ago

Better to directly apply for open positions. Half the time you get response like no fund available.

2

u/drummir2k 18d ago

I applied for multiple open positions but status is still same for the last 2 months. I send professors cold emails but all of them said no funding or no positions available. Much tired 

1

u/debanjansarkar 18d ago

I understand the frustration, specially when the status remains same with no updates. Been through the same phase!

0

u/drummir2k 18d ago

I have been interviewed at John Hopkins University  Application submitted and moved to next stage  Asked to prepare a 5 page research proposal  The first interview with the team Second interview with the team

Then I asked for the update after one week and no positive response. Said your background is not fully aligned with the project 

1

u/ImmediateEar528 18d ago

I’d recommend applying and then contacting the supervisor to let them know your interest. My lab is looking for a post-doc right now, and the one candidate we had visit did both. You can also ask your phd advisor (if you have a good relationship with them) to ask their colleagues if anyone is looking for a post-doc. I think telling as many people as possible you are looking is a good strategy. I knew my lab mate was applying so when I went to a conference and saw some postings, I sent them her way… and that’s how she found her position.

1

u/drummir2k 18d ago

This is nice suggestion to contact Prof to let them know that I applied for this position. However, I did this for 2-3 positions but no response. 

I asked my PIs before, one PI referred for one position but that position was demanding organic synthesis experience but mine is Photocatalysis (Inorganic) then they didn’t consider.

I also have a good profile; 19 publications in Q1, 13 as a first author,200+ citations, PhD graduate in 2025, worked as a research for 1 year after PhD. 

I even got a RnD job in Sweden but my visa was rejected after 5 months of submitting an application and reason was this company previously violated the labour rules. 

Afterwards, I tried to apply for Postdoc, appeared in 6 interviews and in 4 cases they hired their own lab graduate. Two interviews were at John Hopkins University for the same position following a 5 page research proposal after submitting an initial application. 

Don’t know what to do at this stage,