Post-doc applications and dissertation progress

[cara susanna]

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Hi all,

What stage of dissertation progress should you be at by the time of post-doc applications, in order to be competitive? I mean, I know that it's ideal to be completely finished, but I'm wondering if there's a progress point that would actually make you less competitive, such as only being in the data collection stage. I'm slightly concerned because I'm pretty sure that I'll end up defending in the spring.

Thanks!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

They'll want to know that you'll be finished by the time they need you to start. Ideally they'll want you done with some time to spare in case you need to reschedule your defense (happens a lot in the Spring/Summer), but places should be understanding if you have shown good progress and have a clear path to finish.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Generally, if you're on a clear path (as T4C mentioned) to defend in early- or mid-Spring, it tends not to raise many red flags; maybe some yellow ones, but not red. This is helped considerably if, by the time you send in your app (or especially by the time you interview), you're finished with data collection. Conversely, if you're still collecting data at the time of your interview, folks may get worried.

 

[WisNeuro]

Yeah, we definitely ask about progress when we interview in February. We like to hear that people are into the actual writing at that point. If they are still in data collection, that's a red flag for us. I agree with others about defense dates by the end of Spring at the latest. I've seen too many people say they think they can get it done in summer only to have to start postdoc weeks to months later.

 

[futureapppsy2]

Generally, if you're on a clear path (as T4C mentioned) to defend in early- or mid-Spring, it tends not to raise many red flags; maybe some yellow ones, but not red. This is helped considerably if, by the time you send in your app (or especially by the time you interview), you're finished with data collection. Conversely, if you're still collecting data at the time of your interview, folks may get worried.

How long does it usually take from app submission to interviews? I've seen a lot of apps due around October-November/December but don't know how quickly the app process generally moves (for non-Match/non-neuro post-docs).

 

[AcronymAllergy]

How long does it usually take from app submission to interviews? I've seen a lot of apps due around October-November/December but don't know how quickly the app process generally moves (for non-Match/non-neuro post-docs).

I'd say most places with those deadlines would probably interview sometime in late January or February, give or take.

 

[CheetahGirl]

cara susanna, what a great question. I'm in the same boat and my dissertation participants are only trickling in...it's driving me mad. I'm having to resort to Plan B (previously anticipated, alternative IRB-approved methods of recruitment).

Good luck with yours.

 

[cara susanna]

Thanks, Cheetah! Mine are also only trickling in, so I feel your pain. Good luck to you as well 🙂

Yeah, we definitely ask about progress when we interview in February. We like to hear that people are into the actual writing at that point. If they are still in data collection, that's a red flag for us. I agree with others about defense dates by the end of Spring at the latest. I've seen too many people say they think they can get it done in summer only to have to start postdoc weeks to months later.

What about data analysis? Would that be a red flag as well?

 

[WisNeuro]

If people are only in data analysis in mid-February, it's not a deal-breaker, but it's somewhat concerning. People generally underestimate the amount of time they will take on writing and revising.

 

[cara susanna]

I was in the last month or so of data collection when I interviewed and I secured a research postdoc at an R1 medical school. My letters of rec all included info that I was set to defend by X date well in advance of the postdoc starting and that seemed to make it a non-issue because no one asked me about it.

It also depends on how fast/efficient you work once your data is complete. I had all my syntax done in advance and was well-versed in my stats procedures, so data analysis really didn't take that long at all. It only took 6 weeks from having the data in to sending out a final draft to my committee. The caveat of that is that my program had us write our dissertations to be publication ready, so they were much shorter than those from programs that expected long-winded writing.

That's very reassuring, thanks! My advisor also wants it to be publication-length, so that will help.

 

[DocSquishy]

Hi all,

What stage of dissertation progress should you be at by the time of post-doc applications, in order to be competitive? I mean, I know that it's ideal to be completely finished, but I'm wondering if there's a progress point that would actually make you less competitive, such as only being in the data collection stage. I'm slightly concerned because I'm pretty sure that I'll end up defending in the spring.

Thanks!

Not knowing your exact situation, I'd say it's more important that you have a plan and a firm timetable at this point. Imagine sitting in interviews and they types of questions they'll ask about how much time you're going to have to set aside during a post-doc year to finish your dissertation. The more details you can give about your plan the better off you'll be.

 

[WisNeuro]

Not knowing your exact situation, I'd say it's more important that you have a plan and a firm timetable at this point. Imagine sitting in interviews and they types of questions they'll ask about how much time you're going to have to set aside during a post-doc year to finish your dissertation. The more details you can give about your plan the better off you'll be.

Well, actually, you can't even start at a lot of postdoc sites until after your dissertation is defended. Also, in most states I believe none of your hours accrue for licensure until you have officially graduated.