Hello,

I am about rounding up my doctoral program. I have published 8 articles (3 first author) and 10 others submitted in a reputable journal (SCI/ISI). Recently, I tried mailing some PI across the world randomly for possibly carrying out my postdoctoral research with them, the few that responded (about 10) agreed to accept me if I will be bring my own funding.

My question is that;
does that mean there is no much available funding for postdoc like PhD?
how do I apply for funding when am yet to finish my PhD?
Will I be the one to apply for the funding or my potential supervisor?

I need some clarifications please.

Thanks in anticipation

Yep, postdocs are different to PhDs. PI have grants for postdocs and then advertise them. It's highly unlikely you will get a postdoc by randomly contacting professors. YOu need to search for them like a job and then apply. Look for Research Associate (generally Research Assistant is without a PhD and is lower pay).

You can apply for postdoc funding yourself if you're very competitive, but for a first postdoc it's unlikely you will be. Generally postdoc funding is obtained by supervisors or PIs.

Congratulation for your good publication record in your PhD. Yes Postdoc funding is somehow challenging. I agree that searching for a research associate role is the best way. Contacting PI directly is unlikely to get you a role. Everyone is happy to take qualified Postdocs if they bring money. I think if you got a role, in one year or so you can apply for funding. By then you would have more experience. Usually the start is the hardest part. Good luck.