INSIDE LOOK into Physics Job Interviews: What were we asked?

How to be SUCCESSFUL in a physics interview. From lectureships to fellowships, we discuss our most memorable interviews in science.
Presented by: Dr. Leah Morabito and Dr. Jena Meinecke (University of Oxford)
We discuss:
-- US National Labs
-- UK Lectureships
-- Oxford Fellowships
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Our TOP pieces of advice:
-- Make sure you’re well rested BEFORE and in between interviews
-- Make a packing list to avoid forgetting items
-- For presentations: (1) clear and organised, (2) reduce text and focus on images
-- Know your audience
-- Prepare an elevator pitch
-- Practice, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
-- Bring notes into the interview
-- Pause before answering questions
-- Be enthusiastic!
-- Prepare a question for them
-- Interviews go both ways. Ask yourself, “Do I want to work for this person?”
-- When you have an offer, take it! Do not wait around or hesitate.
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What were we asked??
-- US National Lab: TECHNICAL questions
-- UK Lectureship: (1) How would we interact with students? (2) How would we fit into the university? (3) What funding would we bring in?
-- Oxford Fellowship: (1) What was MY (specific) contribution to this work? (2) Is this proposed work novel? (3) How would you explain your research to my daughter?

[@noamchai5764]

Great video once again! I'm curious to hear about the difference between Experimentalist / Theorist carrier paths, especially about the unique struggles each have. There are also differences in carrier paths between different countries, each with its own advantages and disadvantages....

[@SimplifytheEquation]

Great questions! I'll add it to the list of videos to make. To give you some short answers now: I often find that the best scientists are those who do a bit of BOTH experiment and theory. For instance, our next video will feature my co-worker, Archie, who intended to be a theorist and has found huge success by working closely with experimentalists. While theory is still his specialty, he has enabled MANY job opportunities (at various universities around the world) by dabbling in experiments. In terms of countries, this varies hugely. For instance, in the US academic positions are paid extremely well compared to an academic position in France. However, the EU has a number of wonderful grants available to enable research. The EU/UK have wonderful work/life balance compared to the US. At the end of the day, you should pick a location primarily for the best quality of life. For me, that means, great weather, close proximity to mountains, and people I enjoy seeing everyday. Hope that helps!! 🙂

[@abhishekpandey5072]

Thanks a lot, please keep making such videos. They are very helpful for the younger ones in the Physics community.

[@juliemeinecke7976]

This video is so helpful! Thank you for posting.

[@hectorrbv]

love this channel!

[@himsoni7112]

Thank you for this...

[@himsoni7112]

😊😊WOW your Suggestion is one of the best ever..

[@husmanali4110]

Good information.

[@juliemeinecke7976]

Having an elevator pitch is an excellent idea!

[@VinBhaskara_]

you have been through so much Dr. Meinecke... Could see your hardwork in your eyes, especially, that 48 hours sleep :'( I sort of teared up. Take care! Thanks for the videos. Personal story, right in my senior year of Physics Bachelors when I was planning for a PhD, I came across this article that made me quit: katz.fastmail.us/scientist.html

[@destino3463]

Is it true ??

[@mikkokarkkainen2807]

Nobody sleeps 48 hours

[@johnsaltzohuigin6660]

Day one. Explain why every physicist in the world seem to think monopoles like electrons, protons, and neutrons, will ever cluster to make a nucleus. They won't, but they wanna hear it anyway!

[@queerios9925]

Because it's protons and neutrons that make a nucleus....