I am near end of a 2nd postdoc (2 yrs) in US. Before that, I worked almost 1 year as a voluntary postdoc (I am not a US citizen). I completed masters and PhD in US, with one publication in each of those programs. Masters topic was on a different subject (>30 citations), but PhD publication is in a very low impact journal with practically no citation (reasons: lack of funding+ junior faculty/Asst. Prof. as advisor). I should get one more publication from PhD. I sent the corrected manuscript in 2010 to the advisor. But, no reply yet. I tried to remind him 2-3 times, but he replies to other stuff and avoid any communication regarding the paper. In addition, he recently moved to the industry. So, I guess, that will be the end of hopes for publishing the paper. Fast forward to my 1st postdoc experience, the advisor sent me a draft of the paper (which was not complete when I left) 2 years back. His intention was to publish it very fast. About 1 year ago, I asked about the paper update and got the reply that it is ready for sending to the journal. After that no update. Right now, I am writing 2 papers for publication from the 2nd postdoc. It might take some time for publication especially with the revisions and possible rejections (if any). My contract will end on August, though my advisor wants to keep me, he didn't got any grants. So, I need to find a new postdoc. My question is: 1) Is it okay to apply for a postdoc job at this stage or do I need to get the two papers published and then apply? If I choose the latter, then possible immigration and visa problems could affect me.
Thank you for your comments.