Hello,

I am about rounding up my doctoral program. I have published 8 articles (3 first author) and 10 others submitted in a reputable journal (SCI/ISI). Recently, I tried mailing some PI across the world randomly for possibly carrying out my postdoctoral research with them, the few that responded (about 10) agreed to accept me if I will be bring my own funding.

My question is that;
does that mean there is no much available funding for postdoc like PhD?
how do I apply for funding when am yet to finish my PhD?
Will I be the one to apply for the funding or my potential supervisor?

I need some clarifications please.

Thanks in anticipation

Yep, postdocs are different to PhDs. PI have grants for postdocs and then advertise them. It's highly unlikely you will get a postdoc by randomly contacting professors. YOu need to search for them like a job and then apply. Look for Research Associate (generally Research Assistant is without a PhD and is lower pay).

You can apply for postdoc funding yourself if you're very competitive, but for a first postdoc it's unlikely you will be. Generally postdoc funding is obtained by supervisors or PIs.

Sorry ToL, I am not stalking your old posts - I simply searched for "postdoc funding" (!!!)... but your advice up here... is it UK specific?

Congratulation for your good publication record in your PhD. Yes Postdoc funding is somehow challenging. I agree that searching for a research associate role is the best way. Contacting PI directly is unlikely to get you a role. Everyone is happy to take qualified Postdocs if they bring money. I think if you got a role, in one year or so you can apply for funding. By then you would have more experience. Usually the start is the hardest part. Good luck.