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While it might sometimes be possible to convert the funding from a PhD to a postdoc position, in general I don't think it's a good idea to apply as a postdoc for a PhD position. That being said, you can always contact the PI and ask whether they would have another position for a postdoc.
Often, there are many more projects advertised for prospective PhD ...
5
Does it make sense to apply for such a position even if you already have a PhD, in the hope that they might also consider a post-doc instead?
Yes, in general, this makes sense, because there is a chance that the position can be converted into a postdoc position. Whether that's indeed the case will depend on the nature of the funding. In some cases it will ...
4
"choose your first tenure-track institution wisely, since you won't be
able to move to a more prestigious university -- only comparable or
weaker ones."
While I agree to choose your first tenure-track position wisely, I disagree with the reason that "you won't be able to move to a more prestigious university". If you perform extremely ...
3
I certainly wouldn't recommend sitting on the project for a number of years. Science moves on and so do the participants.
But, even if you have to take a different, lesser, role, you can probably move forward with the project.
I don't know if you need a "diplomatic" response, just an honest one. If you can stay connected with the project, if even ...
3
I'm a faculty member in a Canadian university who hires a lot of RAs (and who has sat on hiring committees), so I can speak to this.
In general, you need to really watch the balance you take on. The extra money is great, of course, and if you need the funds you ultimately should take these positions - the hourly rate is good.
In terms of CV building: some RA ...
3
I would suggest something like "left to pursue PhD" rather than "quit" or "abandoned". The explicit meaning is the same, but there is an implicit negativity in quitting or abandoning something.
PhD student, Dept of Rocket Science, University A, 2016 to present (expected Spring 2032)
MA student, University B, 2015-2016 (left to ...
1
Things are going to differ country to country, field to field and situation to situation but often PhD studentships are funded by outside funding bodies (this is not the case in the US interestingly). Those funding bodies are not primarily interested in the research that is produced from a PhD project, but in the education provided. All those PhD students ...
1
The value of these types of RA positions lies in the connections and research experience (seeing up close how a successful faculty member puts together high-impact papers, learning skills).
You should select RA positions based on whether the position is likely to position you well for relationships with high-productivity scholars in your area. These can then ...
1
You may find you are an initial ideas person, not someone who enjoys taking an idea through into practice and commercial success. If so, you need to think in terms of getting money for your ideas, rather than for your follow-through work.
Depending on what contracts you have signed and other legalities, it may be too late to get money from your current idea, ...
1
You're right that the job market is academia is very competitive, across all subjects, not just maths. While raw talent is important to be able to succeed (and by "succeed" I mean get a permanent job in academia -- your definition of success might be different), your publication record is generally more important. The quality and volume of ...
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