International Students: How to Locate, Land, and Thrive in Postdoctoral Positions in the US

Session Type: Professional Development Session

Abstract

International students often face unique obstacles in locating postdoctoral positions in the US, such as citizenship restrictions for certain positions, limited opportunities to apply for federal grants, and visa and immigration hurdles. There is limited information and resources available on how to navigate the postdoctoral job market as an international student. Led by two postdoctoral researchers, (Drs. Niyantri Ravindran and Mengyu Gao), this workshop will bring together international postdocs from across the globe to share their experiences with the postdoctoral job market in the US and their postdoctoral roles. During the workshop, we will review (1) tips and strategies for locating postdoc positions that international students are eligible for, (2) types of visas available for international postdocs, (3) negotiating postdoc offers as an international, (4) strategies for coping with loneliness, racial/ethnic microaggressions, and uncertainties related to being a temporary visa holder in the US, and (5) how to thrive in these positions and successfully prepare for the job market. Workshop panelists (Drs. Cagla Giray, Mengyu Gao, Seulki Ku, Niyantri Ravindran, and Eunkyung Shin) successfully acquired postdoctoral positions at large research universities in diverse departments, institutes, or fields (e.g., Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute, Research-to-Policy Collaboration). The session is intended to generate an interactive discussion amongst audience members and panelists, with time dedicated to Q&A. Attendees should leave the session with a clearer understanding of how to search for and negotiate postdoctoral positions as an international and concrete strategies for optimizing the postdoctoral experience.

Sub Unit

• Professional Development Sessions

Session Organizers

• Niyantri Ravindran, University of Georgia

• Mengyu (Miranda) Gao, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, China

Participants

• Cagla Giray, Research to Policy Collaboration

• Seulki Ku, Erikson Institute

• Eunkyung Shin, Pennsylvania State University, University Park