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[the_outsider]

I just had a nice phone interview for a postdoc position.  In the conversation, I mentioned that it would be nice to come out and visit the campus and lab, and hu agreed that it would be a worthwhile trip.  Hu mentioned that an airline that makes shuttle flights from my location to hus, but didn't mention covering expenses.  I know that postdocs can be quite different in their hiring procedures and what they have funding to cover, but should I bring up the possibility of reimbursement?

PS.  This is a very desirable position from my point of view, but there is no guarantee that I will be offered the position due to a later defense date than the other candidates.  I want to convince hu that I am worth the wait.  On the other hand, I'm dirt poor!

the outsider

[foolstop]

Don't see what you could loose by asking if travel reimbursement is possible.  After all (well, I might be mistaken) but don't prospective graduate students often get that consideration?  I wouldn't make a big deal of it, but I would not hesitate to ask (yes: dirt poor too).

 

[politicsprof]

Go ahead and ask.  When I interviewed for my postdoc, they reimbursed me for travel.  It's certainly not unheard of.

[annmarie]

Hi Readers,

I read this post and had almost the same question. How often are post-docs reimbursed for the interview expense?  Does reimbursement depend on wealth or generosity of the department doing the interviewing?

annmarie

[sciguy]

In the Sciences if they can't afford to reimburse you, then they probably can't guarantee funding - so this would be a big red flag if you are not offered reimbursement.  That said you should try to go as cheap as reasonably possible.

[copper]

I'm in the sciences; both of the post-docs I interviewed for paid for the whole trip.  The grants that were funding the research had money planned for recruitment.  I agree that absence of reimbursement, at least in the sciences, would be a red flag.

[shemsheli2]

I just had a nice phone interview for a postdoc position.  In the conversation, I mentioned that it would be nice to come out and visit the campus and lab, and hu agreed that it would be a worthwhile trip.

I interviewed for a postdoc at a second tier state school for which they are reimbursing travel and hotel.

SS

[highstand]

I applied for a postdoc position, was offered it, and flew myself and the wife out to look things over. They didn't reimburse travel and lodging, but the PI paid for all of our meals. It turned out to be an excellent position that gave me the experience to get a T-T offer. Don't be afraid to spend some money to further your career. Yes it may turn out that you don't like the place, but you will have gotten to know another researcher in your field and visited a program you may not have been familiar with.

[socialworking]

I'm in the social sciences and I've applied for post-docs at universities, government agencies and nonprofit research organizations. Only one place (R1 university) offered to pay for travel expenses for a campus visit. Several other places were very clear that they would like me to visit in person but weren't able to reimburse for travel. I did visit one of these places at my own expense since I had family in that area.  The other places I just did the interviews by phone. The face to face interviews really helped me make a decision that I feel comfortable with. Like highstand said it might be worth spending some money (which most of us don't have) now so you can be sure to end up in a job where you have a good fit with your mentor & the research team.

One other thing I am curious about with post-docs is moving expenses. I have an offer that did not address moving expenses and I was planning on asking if any funds were available to help with moving costs. What have other people experienced with post-docs and moving expenses? 

[apablo]

One other thing I am curious about with post-docs is moving expenses. I have an offer that did not address moving expenses and I was planning on asking if any funds were available to help with moving costs. What have other people experienced with post-docs and moving expenses? 

I've been offered a two-year postdoc in the humanities and am being given $7000 to cover moving expenses, conference travel, books, whatever.  I don't know whether or not that's unusual.

[sciguy]

I don't know of any postdocs who have gotten moving expenses reimbursed (Life and Physical Sciences).  Not to say it can't happen but I wouldn't count on it - but if you've been offered the job you can always ask.

[englitprof]

I know someone who recently accepted a VAP in a humanities field.  Moving expenses weren't mentioned, but when he asked if any funds were available the dean managed to scrounge up a bit--enough to cover the U-Haul, at least.  Never hurts to ask.

[yourshumbly]

I recently accepted to visit a school campus for an informal interview and job talk (Engineering). The PI who interviewed me has not mentioned anything about the travel reimbursement. This is a long term post doc position (about 4 years). Does this convey that they are less on overall funding?

[systeme_d_]

I recently accepted to visit a school campus for an informal interview and job talk (Engineering). The PI who interviewed me has not mentioned anything about the travel reimbursement. This is a long term post doc position (about 4 years). Does this convey that they are less on overall funding?

Call the department's administrative assistant and inquire politely about their policies regarding travel reimbursement.  The AA can speak to the PI, if necessary.

Just because the PI failed to mention reimbursement does not mean reimbursement is not possible.

[ucprof]

The PI can reimburse, but since you are inviting yourself rather than the PI inviting you I suggest to not be pushy about it.  Make sure that they understand you will come anyway.  If they have some extra to help with costs they will likely offer it.  For moving expenses, I believe we are not allowed to reimburse that for postdocs in my dept.  Only ttrack.