11 replies to this topic

[vetticus3]

Hey guys,
I was wondering on what people thought of getting e-mails from people who are finishing their PhDs, and looking for potential projects.  the kind of projects that aren't advertised yet.

I have found a few labs that i would love (LLLLOOOVVVEEEEE) to work for, but they don't have anything advertised (not even a "if you are interested send a CV" type disclaimer).  So, i sent them an email briefly detailing the work i've done, the papers i've published, a few of the awards i've won/nominated for... and a brief explanation on why i would love to work for them.  i also said i would send a cv and letter of recommendation if they're interested.

is this ok?  or would you think pffftt, this peron's a wacko.  any tips?
or, if anyone is thinking about getting a postdoc in a cancery (obesity or virology, as i'm interested in those) field, would you be interested in a 3 publication (1 first athor... and another first author paper submitted) awesome postdoc who would bake cookies for the lab?  

V

[aimikins]

V, are you a PhD or an MD-PhD?

[vetticus3]

PhD.  I should be done, finished, signed, sealed and delivered by march/april 2010.

V

[Clare]

Hi V,

That's exactly what I did when I finished my PhD - I contacted labs in the UK who I would like to work for and told them I was coming to visit and could I meet up with them. I wasn't planning on making the move (from Australia) until a year or so later. I picked a lab and got an email a few months later saying they just got funding and how soon could I start So I don't think you're crazy I think it's a great idea - it shows your'e keen and know what you want.

Clare

vetticus3, on Dec 17 2009, 05:21 AM, said:

Hey guys,
I was wondering on what people thought of getting e-mails from people who are finishing their PhDs, and looking for potential projects.  the kind of projects that aren't advertised yet.

I have found a few labs that i would love (LLLLOOOVVVEEEEE) to work for, but they don't have anything advertised (not even a "if you are interested send a CV" type disclaimer).  So, i sent them an email briefly detailing the work i've done, the papers i've published, a few of the awards i've won/nominated for... and a brief explanation on why i would love to work for them.  i also said i would send a cv and letter of recommendation if they're interested.

is this ok?  or would you think pffftt, this peron's a wacko.  any tips?
or, if anyone is thinking about getting a postdoc in a cancery (obesity or virology, as i'm interested in those) field, would you be interested in a 3 publication (1 first athor... and another first author paper submitted) awesome postdoc who would bake cookies for the lab?  

V

[HomeBrew]

I think it's a good idea, so long as such an email includes "...a brief explanation on why i would love to work for them."  If each email is personalized to the lab it's going to it's okay, otherwise it's spam.

You could probably increase your chances of being contacted if it's obvious in the email that you've read a few of the lab's papers, and maybe even suggest an idea or two for possible research projects you'd like to pursue.

[hobglobin]

I guess several labs will answer that they welcome you, if you have your own project funding...

[vetticus3]

Hi,

I just got offered a few jobs!!  OMG.  
Each letter was personalised, and i explained why i wanted to work in their labs.  It definately as not a spam letter.  

V

[casandra]

vetticus3, on Dec 18 2009, 05:12 PM, said:

Hi,

I just got offered a few jobs!!  OMG.  
Each letter was personalised, and i explained why i wanted to work in their labs.  It definately as not a spam letter.  

V

Great....congratulations V....now back to work....you've got deadlines eh....otoh, go out and celebrate......

PS...I guess they couldn't resist opening your mail and checking out your CV- do you think it was that message title which clinched it: Post-Doc # 1, Dream Post-Doc or The best postdoc ever......

Edited by casandra, 18 December 2009 - 02:46 PM.

[HomeBrew]

vetticus3, on Dec 18 2009, 05:12 PM, said:

I just got offered a few jobs!!

vetticus3, on Dec 18 2009, 05:12 PM, said:

Each letter was personalised, and i explained why i wanted to work in their labs.  It definately as not a spam letter.

I think these two things are related (along with your CV, of course...).

Congratulations!  Did you get offered jobs, or interviews?

[vetticus3]

One is a definate job offer (dependent on funding), the other seems to be a bit fuzzy (now that i've stopped to think about it).  she has offered to consider me for a job. hmm
still, i'm chuffed.  and it makes me think that the other couple of labs that i emailed will also get back to me.

It's a big boost to just get a reply that says "you're not a complete loser".  i've been hearing horror stories from people who have finished their phd, and haven't been able to land a job.  they apply and apply, but nothing comes out of it.  these people are smart... really really smart.  

V

[lab rat]

Good for you, vetticus. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.  

[K.B.]

Congratulations Vetticus!
It gives me hope!
I'm in similar situation as you are. This topic came just in time, because my plan is to start organizing my future after I submit my thesis for review (ie. in January - which means I would defend it in March/April) - ie. polish my CV/resume and on-line profiles, write some good template cover letter, look for post-doc positions and job offers, and do what you asked for - e-mail people, and that was the point I was not really sure about, but now it turns it may not be such a bad idea.