So, you’re aiming for a post-doctoral position – awesome! Landing one of these roles is a big step in your research career. A crucial first step in this process is knowing How To Email A Post-doctoral Position effectively. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from crafting a compelling initial email to navigating follow-ups. Let’s get started!
Crafting Your Initial Email: Making a Great First Impression
Your first email to a potential supervisor is your introduction. Think of it like a job application condensed into a brief but impactful message.
Here’s how to structure it:
- Subject Line: Keep it clear and concise. For example: “Post-doctoral Position Inquiry - [Your Name] - [Field of Study]”.
- Opening: Briefly introduce yourself and state your purpose. Mention where you found the position (e.g., university website, a professor’s referral, etc.).
- Body: This is the meat of your email. Highlight your relevant skills and experience. Briefly touch on your research interests and how they align with the supervisor’s work. Don’t go into extreme detail; save that for your CV and cover letter.
- Attachments: Attach your CV/resume and a cover letter.
- Closing: Thank the professor for their time and consideration. Express your interest in discussing the opportunity further.
Important note: Your initial email is often the first impression the professor gets of you. This is your opportunity to showcase your communication skills.
Here are some key things to remember:
- Proofread! Typos and grammatical errors can be a deal-breaker.
- Keep it brief and to the point.
- Personalize each email to the specific professor and their research. Generic emails are easy to spot and less effective.
Email Example: Initial Inquiry About a Post-doctoral Position
Subject: Postdoctoral Position Inquiry - [Your Name] - [Computational Biology]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in a potential postdoctoral position in your lab at [University Name]. I came across your research on [Specific Research Area] on the university website and was particularly impressed by [Mention a specific publication or achievement].
I recently completed my PhD in Computational Biology at [Your University]. My dissertation focused on [Briefly describe your dissertation]. I have experience in [List 2-3 key skills, e.g., bioinformatics, statistical modeling, Python programming]. I am particularly interested in your work on [Specific project or area] and believe my skills align well with your lab’s research focus.
Attached you will find my CV for your review. I have also included a cover letter outlining my research experience and motivation in more detail. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss potential research projects and how my expertise can contribute to your lab.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Email Example: Following Up After Not Hearing Back
Subject: Following Up - Postdoctoral Position Inquiry - [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my previous email from [Date of original email] regarding a potential postdoctoral position in your lab. I understand that you are very busy, but I wanted to reiterate my strong interest in your research on [Specific research area].
Since my initial email, I [Mention any relevant updates, e.g., presented at a conference, received a new publication]. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Specific project or area].
My CV and cover letter are attached for your convenience. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is a convenient time to discuss the possibility of joining your research group.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Email Example: After a Phone Interview
Subject: Thank You - Postdoctoral Position - [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me yesterday/today. I truly enjoyed learning more about your research on [Specific research area] and the opportunities available in your lab.
I particularly appreciated hearing more about [Mention something specific you discussed, e.g., the specific project, the lab environment, etc.]. I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to [Specific project or area] and believe my skills in [List 1-2 key skills] would be a valuable asset to your team.
As we discussed, I am eager to delve deeper into [Specific research area] and to collaborate with your team. Please let me know if you require any further information from my end.
Thank you once again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Email Example: Accepting the Post-doctoral Position Offer
Subject: Postdoctoral Position Offer - [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
Thank you so much for offering me the postdoctoral position in your lab. I am thrilled to accept this offer and am very excited about the opportunity to work with you and your team on [Specific research area].
I am particularly looking forward to [Mention something specific you’re excited about, e.g., the project, learning new skills, etc.]. I am available to start on [Start Date]. Please let me know if there is any paperwork or information I need to provide before I begin.
Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity. I look forward to joining your lab.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Email Example: Declining the Post-doctoral Position Offer
Subject: Postdoctoral Position Offer - [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
Thank you so much for offering me the postdoctoral position in your lab. I truly appreciate the time you took to interview me and the opportunity to learn more about your research.
After careful consideration, I have decided to accept another offer. This was a difficult decision, as I was very impressed with your research and the work of your team.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I wish you and your lab the best of luck in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Email Example: Requesting Feedback After Rejection
Subject: Postdoctoral Position - Feedback Request - [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
Thank you for your time and for considering my application for the postdoctoral position in your lab. I was disappointed to learn that I was not selected for the position, but I understand that many factors are considered in the selection process.
I am eager to improve my application for future opportunities, and I would be grateful if you could offer any feedback on my application or interview. Any insights you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Email Example: Asking about the Status of the Application (After a Long Time)
Subject: Inquiry Regarding Postdoctoral Position - [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inquire about the status of my application for the postdoctoral position I applied for on [Date of Application]. I understand that the selection process can take time, but I was hoping to receive an update.
I remain very interested in the opportunity to work in your lab. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide or if you have a timeline for the decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
The key is to be professional, clear, and show genuine interest. Good luck with your applications!