Trying to get back in academia - preparing the interview (May/27/2008 )
Hello, I've been working in a small biotech company for a year now since I finished PhD.
I started looking for postdocs and have my first interview on Tuesday the 3rd of June. 
Having been out of the field for a year, without access to papers, I really need to cram in as much as I can this weekend. 
This is my first interview since the one I had for my current job, and most importantly this is my firs interview for a postdoc, so I'm here really just crying for help. I'll give a presentation (which is almost ready), but then have to face a panel interview I have no idea which way it'll go. 
Oh, forgot to say the post is at my old department, so pretty much every one knows me, including most probably the panel, which in my opinion can be both an advantage, and a big disadvantage. So, please, please, help, advice and tips on how to sell myself well.
THANKS VERY VERY MUCH. 
I started looking for postdocs and have my first interview on Tuesday the 3rd of June.
Having been out of the field for a year, without access to papers, I really need to cram in as much as I can this weekend. This is my first interview since the one I had for my current job, and most importantly this is my firs interview for a postdoc, so I'm here really just crying for help. I'll give a presentation (which is almost ready), but then have to face a panel interview I have no idea which way it'll go.
Oh, forgot to say the post is at my old department, so pretty much every one knows me, including most probably the panel, which in my opinion can be both an advantage, and a big disadvantage. So, please, please, help, advice and tips on how to sell myself well.
THANKS VERY VERY MUCH.
Selling to academia!
Just say that you want to pursue independent research in future. Everybody will smile inwardly and embress you in collective misery.
If I were you, I would be looking for a bigger biotech.
I started looking for postdocs and have my first interview on Tuesday the 3rd of June.
Having been out of the field for a year, without access to papers, I really need to cram in as much as I can this weekend. This is my first interview since the one I had for my current job, and most importantly this is my firs interview for a postdoc, so I'm here really just crying for help. I'll give a presentation (which is almost ready), but then have to face a panel interview I have no idea which way it'll go.
Oh, forgot to say the post is at my old department, so pretty much every one knows me, including most probably the panel, which in my opinion can be both an advantage, and a big disadvantage. So, please, please, help, advice and tips on how to sell myself well.
THANKS VERY VERY MUCH.
Selling to academia!
Just say that you want to pursue independent research in future. Everybody will smile inwardly and embress you in collective misery.
If I were you, I would be looking for a bigger biotech.
Hahaha....
very good point Cellcounter... I guess after all I'm one of those geeky scientist that enjoys the academic life. Really miss the thrill of proper research, dont miss the disappointment so much, but hey, comes with the job description doesn't it. As I've always suspected, and this year has confirmed for me, I'm not private industry material. And hard to believe as it is, where I am, academia is much, much better paid too.
they already know you. unless you picked up a lot in a year you will not change their opinion of you. the interview and presentation is, most likely, a formality. they have made their decision.
i hope they liked you before.
i hope they liked you before.
Thanks, I think they liked me, I hope they still do.
I would suggest that
1. You focus on the positive aspects of your industry experience, don't give an impression that you are coming back to academia just because of money 
or frustration.
2. Tell'em what new things you learned,
3. Talk about the teamwork, without any derogatory comparison with academia.
4. Focus on what new things you can bring to the table - new techniques, high-throughput etc.
5. Keep your philosophical musings consistent when giving seminar and corridor talks and group-lunch, if any.
Interesting. Please share with us your experience, if possible with some geographical details too.
I started looking for postdocs and have my first interview on Tuesday the 3rd of June.
Having been out of the field for a year, without access to papers, I really need to cram in as much as I can this weekend. This is my first interview since the one I had for my current job, and most importantly this is my firs interview for a postdoc, so I'm here really just crying for help. I'll give a presentation (which is almost ready), but then have to face a panel interview I have no idea which way it'll go.
Oh, forgot to say the post is at my old department, so pretty much every one knows me, including most probably the panel, which in my opinion can be both an advantage, and a big disadvantage. So, please, please, help, advice and tips on how to sell myself well.
THANKS VERY VERY MUCH.
there are so many postdoc positions around; do apply for those which really interest you; change and leave institute after 4-5 years after finishing your project; I do not recommend to stay too long at the same institute (beside you have a permanent job), or to apply again at your old faculty