Questions to Ask in a Postdoc Interview
Strategic questions to ask in postdoc interviews that demonstrate your understanding of academic research, your commitment to professional development, and your interest in contributing to the research community.
1What are the main research projects I would be working on, and how do they align with the lab's overall research goals?
Click to see why this works
What are the main research projects I would be working on, and how do they align with the lab's overall research goals?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This question shows you're thinking about the practical aspects of the postdoc position and demonstrates your interest in understanding how your work fits into the broader research agenda.
2What opportunities are available for me to develop my own research ideas and pursue independent projects?
Click to see why this works
What opportunities are available for me to develop my own research ideas and pursue independent projects?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in intellectual independence and shows you're thinking about how to develop your own research program while contributing to the lab's work.
3How does this lab approach collaboration and mentorship, and what role will I play in mentoring graduate students?
Click to see why this works
How does this lab approach collaboration and mentorship, and what role will I play in mentoring graduate students?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of collaboration in academic research and demonstrates your interest in developing mentoring skills.
4What resources and equipment are available for my research, and how do I access them?
Click to see why this works
What resources and equipment are available for my research, and how do I access them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the practical aspects of research and shows you're thinking about how to set yourself up for success in the lab.
5What is the lab's approach to publishing and presenting research, and how do you support postdocs in these efforts?
Click to see why this works
What is the lab's approach to publishing and presenting research, and how do you support postdocs in these efforts?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of dissemination in academic research and demonstrates your interest in contributing to the scientific literature.
6What professional development opportunities are available, such as conferences, workshops, or training programs?
Click to see why this works
What professional development opportunities are available, such as conferences, workshops, or training programs?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in continuous learning and shows you're thinking about how to develop your skills and knowledge during the postdoc.
7How does this lab handle work-life balance, and what support is available for postdocs' well-being?
Click to see why this works
How does this lab handle work-life balance, and what support is available for postdocs' well-being?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you understand the challenges of academic research and demonstrates your interest in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
8What is the lab's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how do you support underrepresented researchers?
Click to see why this works
What is the lab's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how do you support underrepresented researchers?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates your awareness of current issues in academia and shows you're thinking about creating inclusive research environments.
9What opportunities are available for me to gain teaching experience or develop pedagogical skills?
Click to see why this works
What opportunities are available for me to gain teaching experience or develop pedagogical skills?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the broader aspects of academic careers and demonstrates your interest in developing teaching skills.
10How does this lab approach data management and sharing, and what are the expectations for reproducibility?
Click to see why this works
How does this lab approach data management and sharing, and what are the expectations for reproducibility?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of current best practices in research and shows you're thinking about responsible research conduct.
11What is the lab's approach to grant writing and funding, and how do you support postdocs in these efforts?
Click to see why this works
What is the lab's approach to grant writing and funding, and how do you support postdocs in these efforts?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of funding in academic research and demonstrates your interest in developing grant writing skills.
12What opportunities are available for me to collaborate with other labs or institutions?
Click to see why this works
What opportunities are available for me to collaborate with other labs or institutions?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of collaboration in research and shows you're thinking about building professional networks.
13How does this lab handle intellectual property and technology transfer, and what are the expectations for postdocs?
Click to see why this works
How does this lab handle intellectual property and technology transfer, and what are the expectations for postdocs?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you understand the broader aspects of academic research and demonstrates your interest in understanding the commercial applications of research.
14What is the lab's approach to career development, and how do you help postdocs transition to their next positions?
Click to see why this works
What is the lab's approach to career development, and how do you help postdocs transition to their next positions?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates your thinking about career progression and shows you're interested in understanding how the lab supports postdoc career development.
15What opportunities are available for me to gain experience in science communication and public outreach?
Click to see why this works
What opportunities are available for me to gain experience in science communication and public outreach?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of communicating research to broader audiences and demonstrates your interest in developing these skills.
16How does this lab handle research ethics and responsible conduct, and what training is provided?
Click to see why this works
How does this lab handle research ethics and responsible conduct, and what training is provided?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of ethical research practices and shows you're thinking about responsible research conduct.
17What is the lab's approach to open science and transparency, and how do you support these practices?
Click to see why this works
What is the lab's approach to open science and transparency, and how do you support these practices?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you understand current trends in academic research and demonstrates your interest in contributing to open science initiatives.
18What opportunities are available for me to gain experience in lab management and administration?
Click to see why this works
What opportunities are available for me to gain experience in lab management and administration?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in developing leadership skills and shows you're thinking about the broader aspects of academic careers.
19How does this lab handle research setbacks and failures, and what support is available during challenging times?
Click to see why this works
How does this lab handle research setbacks and failures, and what support is available during challenging times?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you understand the realities of research and demonstrates your interest in understanding how the lab supports researchers through difficulties.
20What advice do you have for postdocs who want to make the most of their experience in this lab?
Click to see why this works
What advice do you have for postdocs who want to make the most of their experience in this lab?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in learning from their experience and shows you're thinking about how to maximize the value of the postdoc experience.
Best Practices for Postdoc Interview Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research the Lab and PI
Before the interview, research the lab's recent publications, research focus, and the principal investigator's background. This will help you ask informed questions and show you're genuinely interested.
Show Enthusiasm for Research
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for research and your interest in contributing to the lab's work. This shows you're motivated and committed to making the most of the postdoc experience.
Ask About Career Development
Show you're thinking about your professional development and how the postdoc will help you advance in your career.
Question Sequences
The Research-Focused Sequence
The Career Development Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask About Salary or Benefits First
Focus on the research opportunities, professional development, and career growth before asking about compensation. This shows you're primarily interested in the academic experience.
Don't Ask Questions You Could Answer with Research
Avoid asking basic questions about the lab that you could easily find on their website or through other research. This shows you haven't prepared adequately for the interview.
Don't Focus Only on Your Own Needs
While it's important to understand the postdoc and opportunities, make sure your questions also demonstrate your interest in contributing to the lab's research and success.