Things have been such a whirlwind for me these past few days. I officially accepted the position that was offered to me, and next month I will begin my new post doctoral position. I have finally gotten a chance to sit down and type and brief recap of my interview.

The interview time was scheduled for 11am, and I was already told it will be the following format:
1. Talk

2. Lunch

3. Tour of the facilities.

THE TALK

The talk I put together was essentially the thesis defense talk I gave. I made some minor changes and additions to slides. Initially when I was setting up my laptop, I was told that it will just the PIs in the lecture room. However, one of them was running late and when he arrived, he had his lab members with him. This prompted the other PI to call his lab members. So instead of having just a two person audience that I had anticipated, it was more along the lines of 10. I am a comfortable public speaker, but I was more concerned about the questioning.

Boy, did I get a lot of questions (during the talk, and after the talk). Not only from the PIs that interviewed me, but from the other audience members as well. I answered them and felt I did reasonably well. I tried to come across as confident, but really I was scared out of my pants.

THE LUNCH

Of course after the talk, I will still nervous for the lunch. After all, just b/c I finished my talk, does not mean the interview was over. The conversation was a mix of casual and science. I unfortunately could not finish my lunch and only was able to eat half a sandwich. I spilled water on myself, which I was grateful to have them not notice.

THE TOUR

Probably the best part of the interview. I was very much impressed by their facilities, and it was really fun to see what was available. I also got to speak to the lab, who spoke positively of the two PIs. I really like the two PIs, they really seem to encourage a positive post doc experience where an individual can learn more. I feel that I will fit well into the lab group and culture.

THE OFFER

After speaking w/ the lab members, I was called into the office and was immediately offered the position. I was given a few days to consider their offer and I accepted. I will start on August 10th! Huzzah!!!