#011 Three Years. One Paper. No Offers.

Subject: Three Years. One Paper. No Offers.

Welcome to Mechanics of Research update. I really appreciate you reading and following the newsletter. Please do get in touch if there's anything in research-land you'd like me to write about.

The Message That Started This

I received this message last week:

"I've been trying to get a postdoctoral position for three years. I have only one research paper. I'm currently doing project work in antibacterial agents. I'm seeking a paid position anywhere. Could you please help me."

Three years. One paper. No offers.

This isn't working.

The Real Problem Isn't Paper Count

Everyone says "publish more." But three mediocre papers won't beat one exceptional one. More quantity won't fix this.

Instead, you need to QUIT. (I hate acronyms, but bear with me):

Quality - Is your work rigorous? Does it answer a meaningful question? Poor quality research, regardless of volume, won't impress hiring committees.

Unusual take - What's memorable about your antibacterial work? What angle are you pursuing that others aren't? If your work is indistinguishable from everyone else's, why would anyone hire you?

Impact - How does your research change how we think or what we do? Can you articulate why it matters beyond your specific compound or assay?

Team - Who knows about your work? No one is scanning journals looking for you. It's your job to share it. Present at conferences. Email researchers whose work intersects with yours. Build connections. Most positions are filled through networks, not adverts.

Think join the DOTs - Diverse Output Types

Your antibacterial project doesn't have to wait months for peer review to demonstrate productivity.

Generate:

• Preprints (get it out now)

• Conference presentations and posters

• Protocols on open platforms

• Datasets with documentation

• Technical reports

• Research blog posts explaining your methodology

• Video abstracts

Each output increases visibility and demonstrates momentum.

Stop Applying "Anywhere"

You can't secure a postdoc "anywhere". You need a focused strategy. Target labs working on antibacterial agents where your current project adds value.

Rethink the Path

If postdoc applications aren't working after three years, consider:

• Industry R&D in pharmaceutical companies

• Research associate roles (often more available)

• Teaching positions whilst building your profile

• Collaborative projects for co-authorships

The academic path isn't the only path.

Get Feedback

Ask people who've hired postdocs to review your applications. You might be missing something obvious.

The Bottom Line

If you're committed to this path: focus on quality over quantity, make your work distinctive, articulate its impact, and build your network.

Don't wait for opportunities to find you. No one is looking for your work. That's your job.

Resources & Next Steps

If you're interested in temporary research/AI roles - highly paid:

I've been working with Mercor on positions for PhD students and researchers. Many of my readers have found these valuable for bridging funding gaps or gaining industry experience. If you're interested, applications take 15-20 minutes: https://work.mercor.com/?referralCode=6578187f-cfd6-41b3-84a4-0d34eeeac960&utm_source=referral&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=platform_referral

For institutional workshops: If you work at a university or research institution and believe your students would benefit from training on career development or research strategy, I offer bespoke workshops tailored to your institution's needs.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/iain-jackson — or simply reply to this email.

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Thanks for reading. See you next time.

Iain