by David » Wed Feb 02, 2005 5:07 am
Hi Weronika
I believe the US PIs take on European post-docs either as part of a grant their lab already has (such as a NSF grant) or as an independtly funded fellow. You most probbaly would need to be in contact with a PI before you hear of an opening. So in that case start targeting groups/labs that you like.
Your search will made easier if you can visit the states. For example going to some lab, and buiding relationships there so that you could return for a post-doc.
The best way to get to the states (and hardest way) is to get independent funding such as a Marie Curie Outgoing Fellowship http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/mariecurie-actions/indexhtm_en.html
Or Life Sciences Research Fellowship
of Human Frontiers in Science Fellowship.
Perhaps the Polish academy has some scheme also for supporting post-docs going abroad. You might also search the EMBO site which may fund trips to the states. (I am working in Finland as a post-doc ans know that Finland
All of these are difficult to get. You chances of getting them are increased if you have the active collaboration of an important PI. This need not be a top Uni. It is just important that the PI is good.
So, research your options for funding from EU, Polish and International sources. Identify labs you like and try to build that all important network.
The more information you have (on grants, possible projects etc) the more inclined a PI will be to respond to your email.
One last thing. You might consider the option of writing a 3 year NSF grant yourself which is submitted by the PI but with you named as 'recognised researcher'. I did this for Harvard and the grant was recomended for funding but knocked back on budgetry grounds. They asked for a resubmisson. To go this route has costs and benefits. You will need two years becuase submisson to rejection letter is 6-8 months and then rallying for a re-submisson will take time. So try to do it at the same time as having something in Europe.
The advantages is that it is an amazing way to build up your network and profile. If you are serious about being an academic then writing grants will be your life until you retire so you may as well get practice early.
best wishes
david