Post doc interview (vs prof job talk)

[post doc hopeful]

Anyone have any tips on interviewing for a postdoc? All they have said is they want me to present, at an "informal" session, about my dissertation, research agenda and teaching - 30 minutes and then a big Q&A.

What questions do I ask them? It is only for one year so long-term benefits seems silly. But do I expect health insurance, vacation days, etc.?

And how do I negotiate how much they want from me (as production of research)? And is it legitimate to mention making the dissertation into a book as a research project?

Looking for any and all advice on this...thanks!

[anon27]

I interviewed for postdocs last year. It was a good opportunity to practice for job interviews in the future, without the pressure. In terms of questions, it may depend on who you are meeting with. If it is only the people who are deciding on your candidacy, I would ask them about the split of your own research to the project (assuming there is one), the environment of the department/institute, and what kind of work you will be doing (assuming you don't know all the details already). I personally wouldn't ask about vacations given that academia is a pretty flexible environment, and you would only be there for a year. But it is up to you.

If you are meeting with other faculty/staff, ask them about their research, what it's like to live there, what their advice is for getting your work under publication, etc.

Talking about a book project is probably fine, as long as they plan for you to have at least 30% time for your own work. Just make sure you come across as realistic. If they think you are over-reaching, that could be a negative.

The most important thing for a (potential) post-doc is to come across as an independent scholar--that you have received your training and are able to implement and will not need hand-holding. Asking about collaborations is fine if people seem receptive, but come across as wanting to do your own work as well.