How to Find a PostDoc

In many fields, a postdoc is the de facto next step on the academic career path after earning a Ph.D. (hence the name.) A postdoc is a temporary position that allows a Ph.D. to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their academic career. Most postdoc positions are at a university or in industry, but there are some postdocs positions at nonprofits and in government. 

The easiest way to get a postdoc is to approach professors that are working in your area, draft a good proposal and a cover letter explaining how you will be a valuable asset for his/her research group. While contacting professors, write a concise email to enlist your publications, attach a CV, Cover Letter, and Research proposal, and request a postdoc opportunity.

Sample Email

The following email is just for reference, please add, delete, and modify as per your situation. 

Dear Prof. xxx

I am xxx and I have completed my Ph.D. in Computer Sciences from xxxx having a research topic on xxx I am looking for Post Doctoral / Research Opportunities, therefore want to apply for any available Post Doctoral opportunities in your lab. I have a very good research profile having high impact factor publications. Following is a list of representative publications for your consideration. 

1. W. Rafique, Xuan Zhao, Yu Shui, I. Yaqoob, M. Imran, W. Dou, “An Application Development Framework for Internet of Things Service Orchestration” in the IEEE Internet of Things Journal 7, no. 5 (2020): 4543-4556. IF: 9.71 (Q-1) https://doi.org/10.1109/JIOT.2020.2971013
2. W. Rafique, L. Qi, I. Yaqoob, M. Imran, W. Dou, “Complementing IoT Services through Software Defined Networking and Edge Computing: A Comprehensive Survey” in IEEE Communication Surveys and Tutorials, In Press 2020. IF: 23.7 (Q-1) https://doi.org/10.1109/COMST.2020.2997475
3. W. Rafique, M. Khan, N. Sarwar, W. Dou, “Sociorank* a community and role detection method in social networks,” in Computers & Electrical Engineering Volume 76, pages 122-132. IF: 2.66 (Q-2) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compeleceng.2019.03.010
4. W. Rafique, Xuan Zhao, M. Khan, N. Sarwar, W. Dou, “A Blockchain-based Security Framework for VANETs Security” Under Review in Elsevier Computers and Electrical Engineering Journal  IF: 2.66 (Q-2)

I am attaching my CV, representative publications, and a cover letter for your consideration. Please allow me for an online interview to present my skills to you in your free time. 

Thanking you for your anticipation.

Drafting a Research Proposal

This is a very important step for finding postdoc opportunities. A postdoc research proposal includes a table of contents, an abstract, an introduction, a problem statement and hypothesis/objectives, a literature review, the research methods, a timetable, the expected results, appendices (if necessary), and references.

Time table plays an important role in effective postdoctoral proposal writing. This will prove that you already know your work and are capable of defining and meeting deadlines. These deadlines should not be very strict, but it will provide an idea to your potential supervisor that the applicant knows how to plan his/her research.  Following is a general overview of a research proposal and it is not mandatory to follow. Headings could be different based on the type of study a researcher is interested in performing in his/her postdoc. 

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Background and significance
4. Literature review
5. Research design and methods
6. Research Contributions
7. Preliminary Timeline
8. Conclusion
9. References

Cover Letter

An effective cover letter can help you express your enthusiasm for a position, attract the attention of employers and communicate your qualifications for a specific job opportunity. When applying for a postdoc position, your cover letter can be especially important. Providing potential employers with your research background and academic goals can help you adequately communicate who you are as an academic, researcher, and educator.

A cover letter should highlight your academic and research achievements. It should include all the information necessary to show that you are capable of performing independent research. It should highlight your leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills. 

Introduction paragram should explain why you are writing the cover letter. Refer to the position you're applying to and explain where you heard about the opportunity. If you have a personal connection who works with the PI, job poster or hiring manager, you can mention them here.

In the main body of your cover letter, explain why you are the right candidate for the position. You can highlight your qualifications and elaborate on the skills that make you a good fit for the opportunity. Build your content around the job posting rather than keeping it generic. This can help potential employers picture you in the role and translate your experience into job-relevant attributes.

In the conclusion of your letter, explain where potential employers can find your CV or other relevant documents they might need to move forward with you in the hiring process. You can include your availability so they know when and how to contact you. Write something to thank your reader for their time and say you look forward to hearing from them soon. Again, try to keep your tone as professional as possible.