How to and how not to approach a supervisor for postdoctoral positions?

Muthamil - my advice is quite general - but applies to my preferences personally. I am drawn to students who are courteous and succinct in their request and supply well structured and well written summary evidence of their research career to date i.e. transcripts, short CV etc. I like to know that a student has really done their 'homework' before approaching me i.e. they know my work well and that their previous work is closely related to my disciplines and areas of expertise - both topic and methodology-wise.

It happens a lot - but I would argue that the 'worst' thing a post-doc could do is give the impression that they have sent me a 'standard' email that has probably gone out to many others in the hope of securing any post-doc position.

Choose the right supervisors – people with research profiles in your

field who are able to mentor you and work professionally with you

as you become an increasingly independent expert in your field.

•• If your thesis is interdisciplinary you may need additional

supervisors to cover all fields.

•• Meet and discuss problems regularly.

•• Set goals together.

•• Communicate regularly by email.

•• Talk openly about supervision concerns.

•• If your supervision is not working, deal with it sooner rather

than later. Discuss it with:

•• your supervisors

•• your school or institute’s research education: porfolio leader

(or equivalent)

•• your division’s dean of research.

•• Keep a written record of all discussions.

While relationships between students and academic advisers are more flexible and

collegial these days, they remain hierarchical. Your supervisor is still your primary

academic guide and mentor during your candidature and your relationship is of

critical importance. (Mare Krone in Denholm & Evans 2006, p. 24)

To succeed as a research degree student means to complete your

thesis in the required time and have it favourably received by

your examiners. It is important too that your research is respected

by your peers – for example, through seminar and conference

presentations.

How do you achieve this success? Research shows that to be a

highly successful research degree student, you need to:

•• maintain good working relations with your supervisors

•• write regularly

•• manage your time effectively

•• have a realistic attitude and stay motivated

•• get help when necessary.