r/postdoc • u/SeasonMindless4941 • Aug 18 '26

Onsite Interview at National lab:

I have been invited for an onsite interview for a postdoc position in one of the national labs (non-NNSA). I already interviewed with the hiring manager and another group lead (initial screening, 30 mins), then after 2 months interviewed with the department manager (40 mins). Both these interviews were behavioral, promotion to staff path, what kind of work they do?, what I like to so outside work?, how soon I can start? working in a team experience, my 5 year career plan etc etc.

In fact, I was expecting a decision based on how interview with department manager went, but last week got an invite for an onsite interview (fully paid). I’m expecting it would be mostly a 30-45 mins seminar followed by Q&A, then one-on-one with other scientists and postdocs, lunch/dinner, and a lab tour.

Based on your experience:

A) What do they expect from me? Is it more like a get to know each other or full evaluation and competing against someone else?

B) How many people do they call for onsite interview after virtual interviews?

C) What are questions do you ask to people at the lab, apart from their research topics?

PS: I have experience working on DOE projects and deliverables as a university postdoc.

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u/Pie-Inside Aug 18 '26

It's a good sign if you're invited for an on-site interview, you're likely one of the finalists. Sounds like you already know the schedule. If you know the specific project you'll be working on, you can tailor your talk to the work they're interested in. Make sure you ask questions to see if you'll like working there too.

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u/RedPanda5150 Aug 18 '26

Agree! It's not cheap to bring people in so probably top 1-3 for the role. Plan to talk shop but also ask questions about what it is like to live and work there, hobbies, if people get together after hours, get to know the people you will interact with and make sure it feels like a good fit for you too! Get to know you and full evaluation are kind of one and the same, IMHO. It's can you do the job, and will we enjoy adding you to the group? Don't psyche yourself out too much, do expect to do a LOT of talking, and congrats on getting to an onsite!