Hi everyone,

I have an interview next week for a post doc job, and I have to give a 10 minute presentation on my recent research before the start of the interview.

I'm really stuck on getting started - I finished my PhD a few months ago, so I have plenty of material to use (it'll be more of a problem picking out the most important bits to keep it in the time limit...), but I'm struggling in how to aim it correctly, if that makes sense.

I guess I don't really know what employers are looking for in this kind of presentation. Does anyone have any advice for me at all? I'm in the life sciences, if that helps..

Thank you :D

I did one of these last summer - I think there is actually a thread on it somewhere here.

Anyway, mine was more on my contribution to teaching and research at the uni in question.

I was told its much better to focus on 'research interests and experience' rather than say "my phd" as the latter sounds like that's all you've done (it may be but you don't want to highlight it!)

The best thing I did in it, was that on my last slide I did like a spider diagram of my research interests and how these linked into the departments research interests. If I can find the ppt I'll try and pm it to you.

Haven't had a postdoc interview myself (still haven't submitted!) but I did a training day for them as well. We were told, similar to Sneaks, not to limit yourself to only the narrow focus of your PhD, especially if you will be expected to play a full role in the uni/institute where the postdoc is. So we were told to convey in cover letter or interview that your PhD is on 'x' but you would be happy to teach 'y' and 'z' courses as well. The research institute directors giving our training session said that it was very important to convey that although you are an expert on your PhD topic, you will also slot into what is already there and complement existing staff interests. I have notes as well which I can pm if you want.

Good luck with it (up)

I found it and have pmd you

Thank you to you both :-)

The interview is for a research post, as far as I can tell there is no teaching involved (and I also have no teaching experience, so that probably wouldn't make a very good presentation ;-)). It's also for a specified project.

It just says "a presentation on your recent research". I just don't know if it means they want to know what I did (in the typical Intro, Methods, Results, Conclusion style), or what techniques I used that are similar to the ones needed for the job, or what else :$

I'd provide a brief overview of what you did but focus on your research skills (e.g. analysis types, quant/qual techniques), your contribution, your plans for dissemination e.g. conferences, publications and any previous ones you have. Even if you haven't planned to publish them I'd stick them down anyway. I do this e.g.

Sneaks (in prep). Journey of a procrastinator. To be sent to [amazing 4* journal]

I can't really offer any advice on that, I'm afraid. All I do know is that they said again and again how important is to get somebody who will be a good fit for their organisation. If it were me, I guess I would go for a type of extended abstract presentation and demonstrate the importance of your PhD to the field, how you have contributed to knowledge, your methods etc. They might ask you a viva type question as in 'would you do anything differently' or 'limitations to your work'.

would you mind if you send me a copy as well. thanks

Hi, Could you please send me a copy of your ppt? Thanks a lot.

Hi sneak, Could you please send me a copy of your ppt? Thank you very much!

Hi sneak, Could you please send me a copy of your ppt? Thanks a lot

Hi sneak, Could you please send me a copy of your ppt? Thanks a lot

Hello Sneaks, would you please send me a copy of your ppt? Best Wishes

Hello Sneaks, would you please send me a copy of your ppt? Best Wishes

Hi Sneaks, would you please send me a copy of your ppt? Thanks