2014 Postdoc Applications

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

ClinPsychEnthus

Psy.D. candidate, VA intern
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2012
Messages
276
Reaction score
52
Hey all! Are current interns starting to think about and work on postdoc applications, or is it just me? Other than VA applications, I find its hard to find any centralized information on positions (yes, I've been on listserves, professional organization websites, and done tons of Google searches).

Do we want to create a place to talk about the postdoc app process, and to share information about available positions?

Good luck to all on internship as we try to navigate all the tasks involved in internship year and finishing dissertation while securing our next steps! Also good luck to all applying for employment rather than a postdoc!
 
Great idea. I am applying for post-docs this year, and will be monitoring this thread. I am looking at neuro post-docs and VA hospital sites with a SMI population. What sucks is that the neuro match is pretty late, so if I do get a position offered before then, I am in a weird situation that I am not sure how to handle.
 
I'm also applying for postdocs this year. I'm definitely going neuro (though peds neuro, so no VA's for me), but will be applying to both match sites and a few non-match sites. So I'm in a similar position.

It seems a lot of my friends and cointerns are having a lot more trouble than me... No one seems sure if they have a T32, or any other funding, and the shutdown means requests for grant funding are all delayed. So... I'm actually a little glad that neuro has a more organized and formal system. 🙂.

I have a list of about 10 sites that I'm planning on applying to right now... It'll probably be my final list, unless some perfect matches are sent out on various listservs in the next few weeks.
 
You could always withdraw from the match. But, the fact that you're not sure about neuro about 2 months before apps are due makes me think that may not be the choice for you.

It's definitely getting near crunch time in terms of the neuro application process, yep, considering most applications tend to be due in late December or sometime in January. Although like WisNeuro mentions, there's no penalty for withdrawing from the match if you receive an offer you want to take before submitting your rankings. Also, if the offer is a neuro one, you're allowed to contact a program in the match to let them know, and they're then allowed to give you some amount of information as to your standing with them (e.g., you're competitive with our top applicants, you're not competitive with our top applicants but will still be considered/ranked, etc.). The potential hitch would be if the offer comes before you've even interviewed with match programs, in which case they may not be able to tell you much.
 
My internship is with a consortium. The consortium has 4 sites and 2 of the sites have expressed an interest in keeping me for post doc. I'm also working on applying to a few other informal post docs that have been forwarded onto me. I hope I'm not being short sighted here in applying to only 4 or 5 sites that are not part of the match process.
 
I'm in the post doc application group as well. I already applied to one post doc but that was more of a warm up. I am looking at research and clinical post docs. APPIC is a big referral of post docs but other listserv as well (e.g., ABCT) and jobs get forwarded from my program. There are not too many centralized databases to view all the jobs and the listservs often cross post jobs. But I look in the back of the Monitor and the APS has job listings. But APPIC seems to be the most abundant source.
 
Question:

How are you all collecting your LOR's and transcripts, etc.? Are you scanning them and uploading them, or having your letter writers email them directly to you? Thanks!
 
Question:

How are you all collecting your LOR's and transcripts, etc.? Are you scanning them and uploading them, or having your letter writers email them directly to you? Thanks!

It'll probably depend on each individual site. Some requested to have the materials sent directly by the school/letter writer, some wanted them included in a single envelope and mailed by you with your other materials, and some wanted everything emailed (again, either from you or directly from the writers/school).
 
I'm looking for a health psychology fellowship and am not going through the match. Just compiling listings from listservs. It seems like the disadvantage of not going through the match is that it's basically a free-for-all in terms of application requirements, deadlines, etc. I feel like I have little guidance about this process because most of my supervisors and classmates ahead of me were offered fellowships at their internship sites, so they didn't have to go through this process. Approximately how many sites do you all think we should be applying to?
 
I'm looking for a health psychology fellowship and am not going through the match. Just compiling listings from listservs. It seems like the disadvantage of not going through the match is that it's basically a free-for-all in terms of application requirements, deadlines, etc. I feel like I have little guidance about this process because most of my supervisors and classmates ahead of me were offered fellowships at their internship sites, so they didn't have to go through this process. Approximately how many sites do you all think we should be applying to?

Is there a formal match process for health psych? This is actually the first I've heard of it if so.

As for the number of sites, you're probably going to hear wildly varying suggestions depending on whom you ask. Personally, I'd say anywhere from 5-10, depending on how competitive your particular area of the country is and how many sites you come across that seem like a good fit for you.
 
Is there a formal match process for health psych? This is actually the first I've heard of it if so.

As for the number of sites, you're probably going to hear wildly varying suggestions depending on whom you ask. Personally, I'd say anywhere from 5-10, depending on how competitive your particular area of the country is and how many sites you come across that seem like a good fit for you.
There is a postdoc match through APPIC which includes some health psychology positions, but my sense is that not many programs participate in it. I've come across more postings for positions that are filled outside of the match. I kind of have PTSD from the internship match so I'm OK with not going through a similar (though less nebulous/more organized) process again. Thanks for your input about the number of applications! I don't have any geographic restrictions, so hopefully that helps.
 
There is a postdoc match through APPIC which includes some health psychology positions, but my sense is that not many programs participate in it. I've come across more postings for positions that are filled outside of the match. I kind of have PTSD from the internship match so I'm OK with not going through a similar (though less nebulous/more organized) process again. Thanks for your input about the number of applications! I don't have any geographic restrictions, so hopefully that helps.

No problem.

And wow, is APPIC doing a postdoc match now? I know they have the postdoc announcements listserve, their online directory has some postdoc sites, and they used to be pushing for the uniform notification date (although that fell by the wayside a year or two ago). Is the APPIC match you're talking about specific to health psych?
 
No problem.

And wow, is APPIC doing a postdoc match now? I know they have the postdoc announcements listserve, their online directory has some postdoc sites, and they used to be pushing for the uniform notification date (although that fell by the wayside a year or two ago). Is the APPIC match you're talking about specific to health psych?
OK, I just looked it up, and apparently have no idea what I'm talking about LOL! I thought there was a match. But really APPIC has some postdoc member sites (both health psych and others) that they list, and, like you said, have guidelines they are pushing for regarding selection/notification (http://www.appic.org/About-APPIC/Postdoctoral/APPIC-Postdoc-Selection-Guidelines). This goes to show how little I know about this process. I need to do some serious research this weekend, I think!
 
OK, I just looked it up, and apparently have no idea what I'm talking about LOL! I thought there was a match. But really APPIC has some postdoc member sites (both health psych and others) that they list, and, like you said, have guidelines they are pushing for regarding selection/notification (http://www.appic.org/About-APPIC/Postdoctoral/APPIC-Postdoc-Selection-Guidelines). This goes to show how little I know about this process. I need to do some serious research this weekend, I think!

No worries, it's a very nebulous process compared to internship. Although now that I'm starting to look for jobs, I feel like postdoc (in some ways) is a nice half-step between the two extremes of job hunting and internship apps.
 
post-doc announcement.

Academic Diversity Enhancement Post Doctoral Fellowship
Department of Psychology
Texas Tech University


The Psychology Department at Texas Tech University announces the creation of a one-year (renewable for a 2nd year) post-doctoral fellowship to enhance diversity in academia. The department recognizes the importance and need for a diverse faculty in psychology departments. Thus, the goal of this fellowship is to increase the representation of individuals from historically underrepresented groups (e.g., Latinos/as, African Americans) in academia. The department is particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who are interested in pursuing an academic career and who show great promise as an emerging scholar with regard to research, scholarship, and teaching. Preferred but not required qualifications include research, teaching, and clinical interests related to cultural diversity and working with underserved populations, Spanish fluency, and professional experience working with people of Mexican-origin and other diverse populations in the southwest United States.

The applicant should have a Ph.D. from an APA-accredited Clinical or Counseling Psychology program and have completed an APA-approved internship. ABD’s will be given consideration. The post doc fellow will have a 1/1 teaching load during the academic year. In addition to teaching responsibilities, the fellow will be responsible for developing or continuing their original line of research, and there will also be an opportunity for collaborating with faculty and students. For fellows interested in getting licensed, there will be an opportunity to receive supervision from a clinical or counseling psychology faculty member for licensure hours.

In addition to a competitive salary, funds will also be available for research and travel. There will be mentoring and professional development opportunities. Depending on the person’s previous commitments and placements, the start date can range from July 1st to August 15th, 2014.

The TTU Psychology Department (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/psy/) has 28 tenured and tenure-line faculty and 120 doctoral students in Clinical, Counseling (both APA‑accredited), Applied Cognitive/Cognitive, Human Factors, and Social Psychology. We have effective working relationships with the adjacent TTU Health Sciences Center (http://www.ttuhsc.edu/). Faculty research programs encompass departmental, campus, community and national/international collaborations. TTU is classified as a “research-extensive university” by the Carnegie Foundation and as a “national research university” by the State of Texas. Lubbock is located in West Texas and is a temperate, low-cost metropolitan area of over 200,000 people with a large medical community. People of Mexican-origin represent the largest ethnic minority group in Lubbock and in West Texas.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Christine Robitschek at chris[dot]robitschek[at]ttu.edu or 806-834-1771 with any questions about the fellowship or the department.

To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, and two letters of reference to Ms. Kay Hill at kay[dot]hill[at]ttu.edu

Application review begins December 1, 2013, and will continue until the position is filled. Texas Tech University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, and TTU has a sustained commitment to enhancing diversity. We strongly encourage applications from women and minorities and other underrepresented groups.
 
OK, I just looked it up, and apparently have no idea what I'm talking about LOL! I thought there was a match. But really APPIC has some postdoc member sites (both health psych and others) that they list, and, like you said, have guidelines they are pushing for regarding selection/notification (http://www.appic.org/About-APPIC/Postdoctoral/APPIC-Postdoc-Selection-Guidelines). This goes to show how little I know about this process. I need to do some serious research this weekend, I think!
I am SO RELIEVED that the above was corrected, because I thought that there was NOT a match and panicked a little bit when I saw people referring to a match.
 
post-doc announcement.

Academic Diversity Enhancement Post Doctoral Fellowship
Department of Psychology
Texas Tech University
That looks like a sweet post doc for someone interested in a a tenure track position.

So, TT has gone on a hiring spree recently with lots numerous positions in numerous psych programs. Where did all this enthusiasm for psychology come from?
 
Hello everyone,

I hope your applications are going well. I have seen a few 2 year neuro post-docs that are outside of the AAPCN match, that don't have a ABPP-CN on staff. I know that this is outside the recommendations of the Houston Conference guidelines, and was wondering if this would limit me in any way.
 
Hello everyone,

I hope your applications are going well. I have seen a few 2 year neuro post-docs that are outside of the AAPCN match, that don't have a ABPP-CN on staff. I know that this is outside the recommendations of the Houston Conference guidelines, and was wondering if this would limit me in any way.

If you're worried whether or not it'd make you eligible for board certification, I'd recommend contacting ABCN directly and asking them. They're actually great about getting back to folks quickly.

I'd imagine the lack of ABPP-CN staff might be the biggest hurdle, but I don't think that's a necessity for board eligibility. You'd just want to be sure the postdoc will actually offer you a learning/training experience rather than you being a testing and report factory for two years.
 
Any other UCC interns out there planning for next year? I have been a little surprised at the lack of post-docs offered/advertised within UCCs, relative to the many emails I get on a daily basis about VA post-docs. I would really like to end up in a UCC ultimately, and now I'm debating whether to apply to a formal postdoc in a UCC or just try my luck with the job market. The fact that the timelines don't line up makes me a bit nervous! How are others navigating this?
 
UCC post-doc announcements typically happen much later, starting say February to April in earnest. PICC is your go-to there.
 
Hi All,

I am a current NP intern applying to post docs. Most of my applications are due between Dec 15th and Jan 15th. I know it is not too early to send out the ones with a Dec 15th due date (obviously), but is it too early to be sending out my other applications? Is there a such thing as too early?

Thanks!
 
Hi All,

I am a current NP intern applying to post docs. Most of my applications are due between Dec 15th and Jan 15th. I know it is not too early to send out the ones with a Dec 15th due date (obviously), but is it too early to be sending out my other applications? Is there a such thing as too early?

Thanks!

No. FWIW, when I went through the process I started early and as a result I had all of my apps in by Dec. 1st, and I started hearing back within a week for most/all. It helped to keep my stress at a minimum, and for a number of the sites I started talking with them early and was able to learn about their sites over 2-3 phone calls before I did any interviews at INS (or elsewhere). I'm not sure if things have changes in the last few years, but I'm not sure there is a downside to submitting early.
 
No. FWIW, when I went through the process I started early and as a result I had all of my apps in by Dec. 1st, and I started hearing back within a week for most/all. It helped to keep my stress at a minimum, and for a number of the sites I started talking with them early and was able to learn about their sites over 2-3 phone calls before I did any interviews at INS (or elsewhere). I'm not sure if things have changes in the last few years, but I'm not sure there is a downside to submitting early.
Thank you! Now if only my letter writers were as on top of their game!
 
Thank you! Now if only my letter writers were as on top of their game!

That's what I was thinking! None of my letter writers are done yet. I still have about a month until the first deadlines, but I'd rather be done with this process already! Much less stressful than last year, though, which is nice.
 
That looks like a sweet post doc for someone interested in a a tenure track position.

So, TT has gone on a hiring spree recently with lots numerous positions in numerous psych programs. Where did all this enthusiasm for psychology come from?

Just a guess that it's related to funding for being a new Tier 1 univ. in Texas and better leadership.
 
Anyone know what the difference is between a "cover letter" and "personal statement of interest for the fellowship program?" I thought they were the same thing, but one of my health psychology sites is asking for both, with the personal statement being limited to one page.
 
Anyone know what the difference is between a "cover letter" and "personal statement of interest for the fellowship program?" I thought they were the same thing, but one of my health psychology sites is asking for both, with the personal statement being limited to one page.
I think they are asking you for a specific one-page statement about their program in a form that could be separated out if need be from the rest of the application....and viewing is as different from the cover letter, which should be just a brief introduction (given that they ask for the other separately). You can refer to the statement in the cover letter.

I think TDs know that candidates may write very similar cover letters for multiple sites and they do this to be sure you address why you want their program in particular. Their job is to sort out "who is most motivated to be here and will say yes with enthusiasm if we offer".
 
I think they are asking you for a specific one-page statement about their program in a form that could be separated out if need be from the rest of the application....and viewing is as different from the cover letter, which should be just a brief introduction (given that they ask for the other separately). You can refer to the statement in the cover letter.

I think TDs know that candidates may write very similar cover letters for multiple sites and they do this to be sure you address why you want their program in particular. Their job is to sort out "who is most motivated to be here and will say yes with enthusiasm if we offer".
Thank you so much! That's incredibly helpful!
 
Just received an offer from my DREAM postdoc (PM me if you want details)! After the insanity of the internship match, this feels incredibly gratifying... and I'm still in shock. :soexcited:

For everyone who has been discouraged during the internship process, please know that things can work out for you!
 
Just received an offer from my DREAM postdoc (PM me if you want details)! After the insanity of the internship match, this feels incredibly gratifying... and I'm still in shock. :soexcited:

For everyone who has been discouraged during the internship process, please know that things can work out for you!
Congrats!!!! I guess there is a light at the end of the tunnel after all.
 
Thank you, Rivi! I hope that some of us provide hope and encouragement to others who did not find the internship process as positive/exciting as we had hoped...
 
Any non-neuro people hearing anything about interviews yet? I submitted most of my apps really early and was hoping to hear something by now.
 
I would also love to hear any input from neuro applicants and what programs (if any) they have heard from yet. I have only heard from 1/14 programs that I have received an interview (I know it is somewhat early still as some deadlines are just/haven't passed yet).
 
I would also love to hear any input from neuro applicants and what programs (if any) they have heard from yet. I have only heard from 1/14 programs that I have received an interview (I know it is somewhat early still as some deadlines are just/haven't passed yet).
Most neuro programs deadlines haven't passed yet. Now through like the 20th is probably when you'll start hearing.
 
I would also love to hear any input from neuro applicants and what programs (if any) they have heard from yet. I have only heard from 1/14 programs that I have received an interview (I know it is somewhat early still as some deadlines are just/haven't passed yet).

I applied to peds neuro sites and haven't heard anything yet. I got several confirmations that my application materials were received, but no interview offers or rejections. But only one of my sites' deadlines has passed... Most are today or early next week, with a few being the 10th or 15th. From what I hear, most sites make decisions the second or third week of January.

What site did you hear from? Feel free to PM me if you'd prefer.
 
I would also love to hear any input from neuro applicants and what programs (if any) they have heard from yet. I have only heard from 1/14 programs that I have received an interview (I know it is somewhat early still as some deadlines are just/haven't passed yet).
I have applied to 9 sites so far, 4 are neuro, and I have not heard from any yet either (other than confirmation emails, etc.).
 
17 apps. All neuro. Heard from Vandy and been through two rounds of phone interviews. Don't know if they have extended an offer to another applicant.
A couple people at my internship received interview invites from Hopkins Rehab. No word either way from anyone else.
 
Any non-neuro people hearing anything about interviews yet? I submitted most of my apps really early and was hoping to hear something by now.

Hey- when did you submit your apps, and are you focusing on systems that take a while (such as the VA)? Just wondering if those factors could be making a difference.
 
Hey- when did you submit your apps, and are you focusing on systems that take a while (such as the VA)? Just wondering if those factors could be making a difference.
I submitted them between the second and third weeks of December. Most of the deadlines are in early January or haven't even passed yet, but a couple were rolling deadlines so I'm hoping no news isn't bad news for those.



ETA: I applied to all medical settings (but not VAs)
 
Last edited:
I submitted them between the second and third weeks of December. Most of the deadlines are in early January or haven't even passed yet, but a couple were rolling deadlines so I'm hoping no news isn't bad news for those.



ETA: I applied to all medical settings (but not VAs)

It sounds like you have done everything you need to, and now it's just time to wait. I wish you well in finding a position!!
 
Thanks, YourActualName!! I can't wait to hear good news from all of you who are in the process now! Sending good vibes :joyful:
 
Hi all,

I was offered an interview at Children's Hospital of Colorado for the pediatric neuropsychology track in their dept. of rehabilitation yesterday via email. Any other pediatric neuro people out there?
 
Hi all,

I was offered an interview at Children's Hospital of Colorado for the pediatric neuropsychology track in their dept. of rehabilitation yesterday via email. Any other pediatric neuro people out there?

Hey there! I'm also a peds neuro person... Have heard from a few sites so far, but still have a bunch more to hopefully hear from. 🙂. I'm thinking most places will send out notifications next week.
 
For anyone who has already interviewed-- can you share what your postdoc interviews were like compared to internship interviews? Common questions that were asked?
 
For anyone who has already interviewed-- can you share what your postdoc interviews were like compared to internship interviews? Common questions that were asked?

I can say that when I interviewed a couple years ago, I enjoyed the entire proces much more (and this coming from someone who had universally positive internship interview experiences). There was a LOT more focus on what I hoped to get out of fellowship and how the sites could meet my short- and long-term professional goals, as well as a greater emphasis on the sites selling themselves to me rather than vice-versa. Part of that probably also reflects that fact that there are fewer applicants in general, so the staff typically have more time to devote to reviewing your materials as well as answering questions pre-/post-interview.
 
I can say that when I interviewed a couple years ago, I enjoyed the entire proces much more (and this coming from someone who had universally positive internship interview experiences). There was a LOT more focus on what I hoped to get out of fellowship and how the sites could meet my short- and long-term professional goals, as well as a greater emphasis on the sites selling themselves to me rather than vice-versa. Part of that probably also reflects that fact that there are fewer applicants in general, so the staff typically have more time to devote to reviewing your materials as well as answering questions pre-/post-interview.
Thank you! That is good to hear! 🙂
 
Top