Key strategies when looking for a research position in academia

We've all been there. You are ready to take the next step in your research career, so you start browsing through posts on Nature Careers or Science Careers looking for availability. Unfortunately, you are already a couple of steps ahead of where you should be now.

Before you start looking for an available coveted research position, you need to know what you are looking for first. You need to be more familiar with the global academic landscape and research trends. You need to have connections with key researchers in your field. And you need to be sure the environment of the position is appropriate for you.

To do this, I recommend firstly, to be very well-read. You need to know what are the key trends in your area, and make sure these trends have a positive outlook looking forward (i.e., increasing rather than a decreasing trend). You should be looking for publications in top journals and from top institutions worldwide to give you some insights. Further, I recommend looking at grant trends as well, as these tend to be more forward-looking than previously published research. Dimensions from Digital Science is a great database to evaluate funding trends in addition to publishing trends.

When you find researchers that you think are doing good work, write to them. Not just a 'hello' email, but an informative one. Make sure that your expertise is showcased without showboating. Humility is a great thing. Write that researcher an email and discuss the study in more detail. What did you like about it? What additional questions have been raised by that study? How do you think it will shape the field going forward? This will not only more likely lead to a response from the researcher (rarely would anyone reply to a 'great paper!' email), but also show that researcher that you have expertise in their area. Developing networks with key researchers will always be important in your academic careers (i.e., job applications, research collaborations, peer review of papers or grants, invitations to conferences, etc.).

Another important aspect of finding the right research position for you is to evaluate the position beyond what is written in the advertisement. Look at the research group (for a post-doctoral position) or departmental (for a faculty position) website. Some key questions to ask yourself:

• What type of research are they currently doing? Published papers document what they were doing 1 or 2 years ago, not now.
• Where and how often are they currently publishing their work? You want to work in a stimulating environment to improve your publication record.
• What is their funding situation like? Again, Dimensions can tell you the funding the research group or institution is currently receiving. Does it look optimistic for the new few years?
• Does it appear to be a collaborative atmosphere? Will you have a chance to work with researchers from neighboring departments on interdisciplinary projects?
• What about facilities and resources? Do they have what you would need to be successful? Wanting to do animal research when there is no established animal housing in the department makes your future project an uphill battle!

Answering these questions is not only valuable in your decision to apply, but will be instrumental to discuss in your cover letter and job interview as well.

Lastly, and for me one of the most important issues to consider...how do you complement what they already have? No one wants to hire someone with redundant skills or expertise. They want to make sure what you have to offer will complement their current skills to achieve greater success moving forward. Further, how does their research environment stimulate your own growth as a researcher? I think that finding that key match, where you complement them and they provide an atmosphere of growth for you, is really the key to finding the best position for you (and them). Because of this, be sure to discuss this clearly in your cover letter, research plan, and job interview. In this competitive academic landscape, it is essential that they see you as the best candidate available.

Following this advice will not only make you more attractive to future employers, but will also ensure that you choose the best position for your and your career.

Good luck!