How to email a professor about a postdoc. An email is an opportunity to highlight your shared interest in their research topic and to highlight attributes that will make you a good undergraduate researcher to work with. To write a personal letter for Postdoc application first see your area of specialization , research publication then contact the Professor by writing letter showing your keen interest for working Jul 20, 2025 · An email is not just a correspondence. Aug 19, 2024 · Reaching out to a potential PhD supervisor can feel intimidating, but with the right approach, you can make a strong first impression and stand out from the crowd. I included my papers attached with my CV so they didn’t have to do work to find them. Sign, fax and printable from PC, iPad, tablet or mobile with pdfFiller Instantly. Here are some tips on how to email a professor for an inquiry: Use a professional email address: When sending an email to a professor, ensure that you use a professional email address. It is a good communication exercise, and you are judged for it. A. But for most postdoctoral positions, you apply to work with a particular professor. In this column, we try to demystify the application Jun 9, 2025 · Discover how to craft a strong postdoc cover letter with our comprehensive guide, featuring a customizable template, example letter, and expert writing tips. X, I wanted to follow up on my email last week. Tips It is important to keep this correspondence concise yet informative. There are some postdoctoral programs at universities that provide independent funding for your research, where you just apply to the program. May 6, 2025 · So, what is the best way to write an email that can increase your chances of selection for the specific position in the professor lab or research group? Here are the guidelines about the I intend to pursue a postdoc after my doctorate degree. Dec 2, 2019 · Writing an email to request an available position for a professor is an effective way to get a postdoc position. com - find postdoctoral positions, research associates, post-doctoral fellowships and Ph. Daniel Gonzales has written a blog on how to email a prospective postdoc mentor (with examples) here. Tips for Writing an Email to Faculty about Research For many students, the best way to get involved in research is to email faculty/principle investigators directly to ask about research opportunities. And for the love of god do enough research to have a fucking clue what the PI’s gender A standard method is to email those professors (ideally like a week early, but later is better than never), state that you're interested in their research groups, and ask if they have time to meet during the conference. Later in my career, every post-doc I ever hired was the result of personal contacts. Next is when and how to May 19, 2023 · Approaching professors or companies for Ph. Imagine you were going to finish your PhD program and wanted to contact a professor to express interest for a possible PostDoctoral contract within his group, and wanted to know more information about it Sep 12, 2019 · Write an Email to Professor: Complete Dos and Don’ts Discussion There is some necessary thing, which you should consider maximizing your chance of positive response. It must be right. Unlike graduate admissions, which have a set process Sep 14, 2025 · So, you need to email a PhD supervisor — but don’t know where to start? It can feel overwhelming to figure out what to say and how to manage all the back-and-forth. it doesn't matter. We walk you through proven email template tips and tricks. Your email is not just an Sample Inquiry Emails for Research Assistant Positions As referenced in Season 1, Episode 4 of The Psychology PhD Podcast. Here are some tips and examples to help you navigate common scenarios. How long do PIs take to respond to cold emails, that is if they respond? Jan 8, 2025 · For a PhD, The natural path in academia would be to first become a postdoc, before eventually making your way up to become a tenured professor. This will help you to get a successful research position. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently held a useful workshop entitled “ Re-envisioning Postdoctoral Training in Neuroscience ”. 67K subscribers Subscribed Attach your resume to each email How to find labs to email: Go to your university's department webpage for whatever area you want to research in, ex: biochemistry. Were you referred to them by one of their former or current students? I've seen cases where PI write an email to the potential professor to introduce you and then they drop out of the chain. How to diplomatically tell a professor offering a postdoctoral job that you are also considering other offers? The APPIC Postdoctoral Committee has developed the following email communication templates to facilitate communication between Programs and applicants and to support understanding of and adherence to the APPIC Selection Standards and Common Hold Date (CHD). Cold emailing works, but you might not get replies from everyone. After writing a perfect email, it is possible that you will not get a reply from the professor’s side. Last semester, a postdoc taught one of my courses and I pretty much called him "Professor [Lastname]" whenever talking to him. Mar 12, 2025 · Learn how to effectively ask a professor to be your supervisor with our comprehensive guide and email sample. 📩 Cold Email Hacks: Land a PhD/Postdoc Position in 2025-2026! 🎓 Proven Strategies: ️ Subject Line Magic: “Research Collaboration: [Your Expertise] & [Their Field]” ️ First Paragraph Mar 16, 2024 · A cold email for a research position is a formal way to show genuine interest in a professor’s research and ask for an opportunity to work with them. Oct 28, 2025 · PostdocJobs. I usually include a brief description (1 paragraph) of who you are, your research interest, why you are interested in working with them, and when you will Apr 23, 2022 · Email- You will write to your future mentor to inquire about the availability of a potential postdoc position in their research group. Apr 13, 2020 · Postdocs make up a crucial component of the scientific workforce. Something like "My student (or friend) is interested in working with you and will be reaching out" can be really helpful for getting a response. Feb 24, 2025 · Asking a professor about their research is the first step in gaining a mentor, knowledge, and new opportunities—but how do you do it? Emails are an excellent way to professionally and academically introduce yourself to a professor and Apr 7, 2018 · Recently I was on a panel for PhD students about “How to get a postdoc”. Tell them why you would be good. Try to think about getting profs attention and selling your expertise Apr 19, 2025 · This article provides an email sample and guidance on how to professionally and effectively request a professor to supervise your academic work. It is simply cold emailing people to introduce your work + where it aligns with their work, and say you are looking for postdoc. Your email address should include your full name or a variation of it. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. VII. I know we Jul 23, 2024 · Need a strong letter of recommendation? Get tips and sample email templates to ask for a letter from your professor with Academia Insider. S. Cold emailing, or sending an email to someone you don’t Are you applying to places that are currently looking for post docs? Do you have any connections to the places your applying that can send an email on your behalf? Are your emails personalized to each lab and stating what about their research excites you? What to address a postdoc as? I'm from the US, where it's pretty common to call anyone teaching a college course "professor," whether they're a lecturer or a professor. I revised a few details based on the original email I sent, but here’s an example of a cold email: Subject: Research Opportunity Dear Professor Norman, I hope this email finds you well. There's usually a list of research labs, or a faculty directory with links to labs. In many fields, there is no central bank of job advertisements for postdocs, unlike what is typically the case for faculty positions. Feb 11, 2024 · Yes, by postdoc I mean, further research work after PhD under the supervision of a senior researcher, probably an Associate Professor or a Professor. By following this step-by-step guide and using the Mar 12, 2023 · A cold email for a research position is a formal way to show genuine interest in a professor’s research and ask for an opportunity to work with them. I would send something like: "Dear Dr. How should i reply? I will be thankful for your response. May 7, 2024 · Letter Template: 2 Postdoc Cover Letter [Mention the name of the sender] [Mention the address of the sender] [Mention the contact details] [Mention the email address] [Mention the date] Subject- cover letter for Postdoc [Mention the name of the recipient] [Mention the address of the recipient] [Mention the contact information] Dear [Mention the name of the recipient] I’m writing to express Sep 26, 2024 · Applying for a postdoctoral position? An impactful Email Sample for Postdoc Position will make a great difference in getting you noticed by potential supervisors! Find several templates with pre-written text to guide you through crafting an effective email. Jul 25, 2011 · The first email you write to a professor to serve as a potential graduate school or Ph. 2K subscribers in the postdoc community. Finally, I think it's a good idea to attach your best recent paper. 👉How to Write e-mail to the Professor for Pos Hello, I am in the final year of my PhD (Genomics/Molecular Bio) and have started to do a bit of research about potential post-doc positions. Sep 30, 2022 · A polite way to manage such a situation would be to include the professor who was offering you the first postdoctoral position into your decision process, by writing to him an email honestly describing the situation and asking for his advice. Everyday he receives 3-4 emails like this with long CV attached in addition to the 50 ish emails related to research work. ) Make a Connection If you have a connection to the professor, make sure to mention it. I got a 100% response rate for the faculty my advisor emailed and about a 50% response rate from faculty I did not request my advisor to email. I had an initial talk with my supervisor, but there are several things that I learnt during the process of applying for post doc positions. Question is, how to become a postdoc? What’s the postdoc application process like? A postdoc application process usually looks like this: Search for openings Research on the principal investigator (PI) Send in tailored email, cover letter, CV, and Feb 14, 2022 · Emailing tips for Grad Students, PhDs and Postdocs for Research Positions in Academia February 14, 2022 6 minute read Writing emails to professors/PIs for seeking an MS research, PhD or a postdoc position can be a daunting task. Therefore, could anyone help me or give me a clue on how to approach and convince a university professor to state my interest in a This document includes email templates and writing tips that may be helpful for self-promotion savvy prospective postdoc applicants. If I am not, I will ignore it and maybe look at it later. LastName") so that proper respect as well as confidence in one's "above-the-students" position is maintained? Jul 5, 2024 · Need to ask an academic advisor or professor for a reference? Here are some tips on who and how to ask, along with sample request emails. Jan 23, 2014 · I've been recently offered a couple of Postdoc positions, and I was wondering how you as professors would prefer to be informed if a candidate would rather work with another institution. Jan 1, 2024 · Postdoctoral training and research is a key step to becoming a professor or a group leader in industry. Reading this very interesting question ("How long before PhD graduation should I start applying for post-doc positions?") about " when ", suddenly I started to reason on the " how " issue. A successful cold email can open the door to valuable first-hand research experience, mentorship, a funded position, and visa sponsorship. Feb 27, 2025 · Learn how to effectively send a reminder email to your professor with tips on etiquette, structure, and timing to ensure your message is clear and respectful. I would appreciate hearing your assessment of where the industry is headed and where you think job opportunities will develop. Nov 16, 2023 · Thus, the process of reaching out can start as early as the summer between their junior and senior years. Follow-up email and reminder emails to professors can seem intimidating to write; you need an answer to a question or request, but you don’t want to seem pushy or demanding. These email communications are structured to remind both applicants and Programs what their respective responsibilities are throughout the In conclusion, an effective email sample for a postdoc position is one that reflects your enthusiasm, research abilities, and potential. In order to Mar 20, 2023 · As well as PhD enquires, cold e-mailing might also help with opportunities post PhD (cold e-mailing for postdoc roles can work under the right circumstances) or if you wish to discuss your Asking postdoc advisors for a job via email can be daunting, but these tricks will ensure you get a response instead the silent treatment. 04:58 Correct way of writing an ema Are you frustrated about not receiving a reply from Professor while applying for a research position (Ph. What now? Finding a postdoctoral position can be a challenging and somewhat mysterious task. I am currently a postdoc at Cornell University and am seeking information about retail and warehouse management, particularly for businesses in rural communities. XXXX Your introduction – Keep it brief. Learn how to craft a standout postdoc application email in 7 steps with tips to impress faculty, highlight your research, and boost your chances. A well-written crisp email introducing yourself, your research, conveying why their research and workplace excites you, and then closing with a thanking remark serves as a good starting point. When I started looking for postdoc positions, I had no idea where to start from and what to do. use the work you did in Step 0 to provide some good evidence that you’ve at least looked them up! You don’t need to be amazingly specific Apr 23, 2024 · I have applied for a postdoc position in the US. Follow key steps and tips to increase your chances of a positive response. Dec 20, 2023 · Strategies for cold emailing a professor. So, let's dive in. Enhance your chances of securing guidance for your academic journey. . Jul 16, 2024 · As a professor who gets daily cold emails about postdoc positions. Through this post, I want to share the tiny details on writing solicited or unsolicited emails to Professors/PIs based on my experiences. You may ask your advisor to also send emails on your behalf a couple days after you send yours. The following is a template that you could follow while crafting your first cold email: Dear Professor/Dr. or Prof. So no, emailing a professor you have never met/talked to is not weird. You really just need to bump the previous email back up to the top of his inbox. Learn how to craft a compelling and professional email to a professor for research opportunities with our detailed guide and examples. But the application process can be mysterious. Apr 21, 2025 · I contacted Professor Norman in my first-year fall semester. And there is no typical "season" when postdoc applications are due, unlike graduate programs. Whether you're expressing Make each email personal and mention specific things that note you read the professor's research appears that interest you. I got a reply from PI asking for a Zoom call. Jan 28, 2025 · By putting thought into the details of your message, you make it easier for the professor to respond effectively, increasing the chances of a positive outcome. Also, make sure you read their recent papers and give specific examples of what you like In this blog article, I will be sharing fascinating information on How To Write Email To Ask For Postdoc Position. Being a very research active faculty, my job is not M-F, 9-5, it's pretty much every day to some degree. Here are some suggestions that I learnt from my experience while searching for post doc positions: Applying for advertised positions is a very good idea Jun 6, 2025 · What is a postdoc reference letter? A postdoc reference letter is a document that researchers or college professors write to recommend candidates seeking admissions into a postdoctoral training program. advisor is critical to the impression that you make. Include: The story of your current research (question, approach, results, and significance) Your career goals, your plan to achieve them, and how a postdoc position in that lab fits into that plan Your postdoc project interests (be creative!) and proposed approach A description of how this collaboration is a great match Preparing for the interview: Jun 27, 2022 · On Finding and Choosing a Postdoc After years of working on your Ph. Including what to say, how to personalize, and how to follow-up. Tips, samples, and strategies to email professors for postdoc opportunities effectively. , postdoctoral research, or job opportunities requires careful planning and effective communication. These samples are adaptable, enabling you to tailor them to your unique qualifications and research interests. Writing an effective email to inquire about a job, PhD, or postdoctoral position with managers/professors requires a professional and concise approach. Jan 7, 2024 · Learn how to write a compelling email to ask for a postdoc position. Here are 8 steps to consider when drafting an email to a potential professor. An application can begin informally, with a phone call, letter, or perhaps by email. In that case, there are some general guidelines to follow. How else was I supposed to get a postdoc? I will say that a lot of people send the same completely useless email to multiple professors. In this article, let’s discuss how to Write an Email to your professor with some essential dos and don’ts. Avoid using email addresses that are inappropriate or casual. Sep 8, 2023 · In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide for how to write an email to a professor, plus a set of email templates you can use. It made me realize that many grad students don’t know much about the process of obtaining and choosing a postdoctoral positi… Email to professor examples | Writing a professional email to a professor can seem daunting, but it’s an essential skill for students. Dunno about a good template but don’t start the subject using “interest in a postdoc position” There’s one professor showing me how his inbox looks like. You need to cumatimize them for every position. jobs for candidates with doctoral degrees. I'm still very interested in volunteering with your lab and looking forward to hearing more about Fill How To Write Email To Professor For Postdoc Position, Edit online. Jan 17, 2020 · A short email is both faster for them to read and reply to. Your email seems good, but you can probably trim it down even further. Dec 19, 2022 · Discover how to cold email a professor for research with this step-by-step guide. Plus templates and a how-to setup guide. I would love to meet with you to discuss the possibility of being involved in your research. A helpful tip from me is to ask for a lab tour (if the lab isn't computational) or ask to talk about the professor's research, then you should ask about joining the lab since you know a little bit about the lab and the professor knows a little bit about you and would be Aug 4, 2021 · How to email a professor for Grad school funding or postdoc positions PT 2 Bestman Academy 9. Learn how to write a polite follow-up email to a professor. Includes timing tips, message structure, and customizable templates for common student scenarios. I haven't received any reply yet. Apr 7, 2025 · Learn how to write an email to professor for postdoc positions. This post will help with all that. Basic descriptions of the research should be there for each lab link. Most professors receive HUNDREDS of legitimate emails every day from the students they teach and advise, journal/conference submission request, other professors, or their side consulting business. Our previous article titled, “ How to Email Professors: The Perfect First Email to Professors ” discussed how to write an effective first email along with tips on sending emails to professors and faculty members. Successful applications I have attached a letter giving more details about the research aspect of the Fellowship from the professor in charge of the program. Thoroughly research what the professor does and provide some good evidence to them that you’ve done your homework and have a basic idea of the type of research they do in their lab. More Resources Dr. A postdoc is no longer a student but at the same time he or she is (in general) not at the level of senior research engineers/scientists and professors. Now that we are in the midst of a pandemic and many conventional networking opportunities such as conferences and retreats are either canceled or virtual, cold emailing about postdoc jobs may play a central role. D. Subjects to cover:-00:00 Intro01:13 Initial mistakes made while writing an email for postdoctoral position; Don't do it. Whether you’re asking for guidance, requesting a meeting, or clarifying a lecture, crafting a clear and respectful email is crucial. Try Now! Apr 21, 2021 · For instance, if your current advisor or a professor you know has worked with them in the past, or if you have a friend in their lab, ask them to send a heads up email. Emails should be no more than four sentences. , Postdoc, MS)? This video will help you to write Apr 13, 2023 · In this video you will get all the answers of:How to contact professor?How to email a professor?How should I write to professor?How to ask a professor for a Nov 6, 2020 · I wrote last year about how to find a postdoc job and included “cold emailing” principal investigators as one approach. If you're a PhD student, postdoc, or early career researcher looking to secure a postdoc position, you must master the art of emailing professors. It's a bit different with PhD students since we're considered colleagues as well. How should he or she address them ("FirstName" or "Dr. Mention that you are applying to the school this cycle. Nov 5, 2021 · So, we all benefit. Don't overthink it. While I do see many advertised positions on various platforms, it seems for the kind of research I am interested in, I will just have to cold email PIs in different universities without any prior Mar 11, 2021 · How to write a Postdoc Job Application or Email Postdoc job application: Applications for postdoctoral positions usually consist of a CV, cover letter, and a list of references, which are sent directly to the Principal Investigator via email. My name is Angel Toasakul, a first-year undergraduate student majoring in neuroscience. It should be concise and straightforward, and communicate your excitement to work with the intended institution or department. since sometimes faculty don't want to be on a first name basis with undergrads. I got my postdoc position by looking at labs that were doing research I was interested in and cold emailing the PI for any open positions (in addition to other avenues). This page will The first essential step of applying for a PhD position, a postdoc or even for a short summer project is to write an email to the Professor with whom you are interested to work with. In some cases, there might be special research groups which work as a team and hire recent PhD graduates. So make the email as short as possible. Feb 15, 2016 · I have applied to a advertised post for a Postdoctoral position in U. Unless it's near an undegrad student/includes an email to them, if she doesn't care either way, her first name is fine. If I am actively looking for a postdoc (or a potential one), I will see it pop up and open it. With students (and usually in email form), I usually address them as Dr. the end is finally in sight! You’ve weighed your options, thought about your career goals, and decided that a postdoctoral position is the next logical step for you. If they don't answer you can try doing the same in person. It's already implied you're waiting when you send a follow up email so you don't need that/it's a bit pushy. Oct 16, 2025 · Learn how to craft an effective submission email to your professor, including tips on structure, tone, and key elements to include for successful communication. It's been a month and a half since I have sent the application documents via e-mail to the professor. Also, if you're planning on applying for a fellowship or other funding, mention it. 9. By cold-emailing, I meant looking up the email of the hiring manager/professor for the postdoc and sending them a follow-up email. This guide provides tips on proper etiquette, structure, and content to ensure your message is clear and professional. Read our article – “ 6 golden tips for finding successful postdoctoral opportunities ”. If you write a long email there’s a higher chance a professor will wait to read it “later” (read never. 👉This video is for all seeking a Postdoc Position and a potential Supervisor to supervise their Research Work. How should I from my reminding e-mail, without offending the professor? Feb 17, 2025 · Learn how to effectively write an email to your professor for project submission. Use our postdoc cover letter sample and writing tips to land your next position. Here's a general outline to help you draft Here, you need to show that this isn’t just-another-research-email. hc ztjk4 nlf2 r9 1gkvz mwb2cex jm82i 1onr ita cgk7ont0