Hi everyone,

I am a medical doctor (IMG) from Turkmenistan. I will be graduating this year from my medical school and I would like to get a research assistant position in basic departments in USA. I am not a permanent resident of the US. I have a little scientific experience (skills: gel electrophoresis, PCR, real-time PCR) and much clinical experience.
Questions:
1) Would it be difficult to me to get a paid postdoc position with my experiences/skills in the US?
2) Could you please give me advice how to get the position? I have already sent about 100 emails with my resume to professors of US universities, but unfortunately, there are many negative replies.
3) Maybe I need some more laboratory techniques skills like ELISE, flow cytometry, e.t.c ?

Hi Selimonushka,
From your post, I assume you don't have a PhD? As you wont get a postdoctoral position without one. would you consider a more clinical post?
I would try get more experience in labs before trying to get a job in science, as even as a third year PhD student, I'm finding it hard to find any potential posts post-phd

I agree, you need to look for posts that don't require a PhD. As a postdoc, you are expected to do more than just know some lab techniques. A postdoc is a research position, so you need to have been trained in research ie have a PhD in order to do one. You should look for technician posts that are advertised.

Thank you guys for your advices! I do appreciate. I will try to learn more scientific experience.
However, for my opinion, medical doctors (M.D.) can also apply to postdoctoral positions if they do have plenty of medical knowledge.

I think the others are right - an MD unless you've also spent multiple years in a lab doing original research is not the right preparation for a postdoc. Why not try for the clinical positions you have the experience for?

Unfortunately, I can not apply for clinical positions until I get a licensed certificate (ecfmg) which is required. In addition, I am not a permanent resident of the US.
I will try to explain correctly. I will be graduating this year from my medical school. At some future occasion, I would eventually like to continue my education in the US, pursuing a residency in internal medicine.
My goal is to pass successfully usmle exams, receive ecfmg certification and apply for a medical residency program in the US. For my opinion, the best opportunity is to do a research while preparing for the exams.
In addition, the good things are I would have a visa support, get new lab experiences, possibly receive a letter of recommendation from professor and of course, I would improve my English skills.

I am gonna have to echo the other people and say that as researchers, we dont believe you can get a postdoc without a PhD. Its a postdoc for a reason. As a post doctorate. Academic one, not a professional.
Would a different country be an option for a clinical doctor?

hi, are you soon-to-be a medical doctor who doesn't want to do medicine? I have a similar friend, he is a qualified GP but he wants to do business and he is always trying to sell me a product etc.

Really sorry, post-doc means you need to already have a PhD. Post-doc does not mean post-doctor of medicine. I hope you can find a way to do something you enjoy. Best of luck