I was wondering if I can get some advice here…
A month ago I applied for a postdoc I really want. Before I applied I had an informal chat with the PI, who said I would get an interview. I was given an estimated date for the interview that is now in 2 weeks time. But I have not heard anything yet. I know the PI is new, and may not have started his job at the institute yet, so this may be causing the delay. I am not sure if I should send an email to him to ask whether the decision has been made yet as to who will be interviewed… I’m worried as I figure that if the closing date was a month ago that the decision making process must have started by now, even if the PI has not officially started? My current PI has not yet been asked for a reference yet either.
I don’t want to pester him but if I know I haven’t got an interview my current PI can see about getting extra funding for me to stay on where I am now. Besides, I wondered if an email would show that I am extra keen to do the postdoc – or if it would just be annoying?! Thanks

In the UK, referees are not normally contacted for references unless an offer is made.

In my recent experiences of being given an interview I've only been given 4 days to a week's notice. So I wouldn't worry yet, unless you have complex/costly travel to book.

I would wait a few more days and then contact the department administrator in the first instance. It can be a bit awkward if you directly contact a PI and they're in the middle of sifting, particularly if you're in a 'maybe' pile. So the administrator/PA is likely to be more neutral. If you are being invited for interview they will be in touch when they are ready.

For my postdoc, the day I got an offer for the interview was they same day they contacted my supervisor for a reference.

I think as you have had a chat with the PI already, it's ok to drop a casual email and ask. Otherwise I would say emailing the admin is the better approach.

Hi, thanks for replying. Of course, about half an hour after posting this I received an email asking me for an interview! Phew... Now I will probably write another post askng for help with my presentation! Thanks again

haha congrats!