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Not heard back after postdoc application, should I email the PI?

E

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

H

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.

T

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



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.

E

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

T

haha congrats!

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