In today’s world, artificial intelligence has accelerated the pace of scientific discovery like never before. But what does that mean for the future of research? Sometimes I find myself thinking — 20 years ago, there were so many unexplored topics. Perhaps it was easier back then to come up with original research ideas and secure funding.
Now, whenever I think I’ve hit upon a novel idea, I type it into ChatGPT or Google Scholar — and suddenly, thousands of papers appear in that exact area! It makes me wonder how researchers in earlier decades validated the originality of their ideas. Back then, they had to dig through every piece of literature manually, from the earliest papers to the most recent ones. Of course, those times came with their own set of challenges — just as we face ours today.
So, let’s come to the point.You're probably here because you're planning to write a proposal for postdoctoral funding but are struggling with one of the most critical parts — the idea itself. Sure, AI tools can give you proposal templates and even suggest topics. But the core research idea — the seed — still has to come from you.
Let’s make that process simpler.
From Uncertainty to Clarity: Building a Postdoctoral Research Idea That Works
Step 1. Use Your PhD Work as a Foundation — Not a Limitation
I completed my PhD in organic chemistry, specifically focused on the synthesis of novel heterocyclic molecules. So, when I begin thinking about postdoctoral research topics, the first areas that come to mind are catalysis, natural product synthesis, green chemistry, and medicinal chemistry — all fields I became familiar with through the literature during my PhD. I might also consider metal complexes, since I’ve come across related work. Beyond that, I might draw a blank at first — and that’s okay.
The key here is to recognize that your PhD has equipped you with a deep skillset and background knowledge. Now, it's time to think about where else you can apply that knowledge. Don’t assume you must stick to the same narrow field in your postdoc. In fact, a good postdoctoral experience often involves branching out — applying your expertise in a new but related direction.
So, take your core strengths, identify adjacent or emerging areas, and begin exploring. Read current papers in those areas, understand what’s trending, and look for opportunities where your background can add unique value.
Step 2. Explore Research Groups and Visit Their Websites
Let me share a practical tip: diving straight into the literature can be overwhelming. Every field today is divided into subfields, and those subfields often branch into even more specialized niches. It’s easy to get lost.
Instead, start by identifying research groups that are actively working in your area of interest. Visit their official websites. These group pages are incredibly helpful — they often provide a clear summary of the lab’s research focus, ongoing projects, and recent publications. You’ll gain insight into:
- What subtopics they are currently exploring
- The literature gaps they’re addressing
- The direction in which the field is moving
This approach not only helps you narrow down your topic, but it also gives you the opportunity to identify potential postdoctoral mentors. If you find a group whose work aligns with your interests, you can explore their publications and even consider reaching out to the professor to discuss a possible postdoctoral proposal.
So, rather than blindly reading hundreds of papers, use research group websites as curated entry points into well-defined areas of research.
Step 3. Bridge Your Work to a Research Gap
Once you've narrowed down a potential research area, the next step is to reflect on how your PhD experience and knowledge can add value to this field. Ask yourself:
- Can your previous work help address a specific problem this group is working on?
- Is there a gap or limitation in their approach that you can solve using your expertise?
- Can your skills or methods be applied in a new context to enhance or complement their research?
This is how novel ideas are built — not from thin air, but by connecting your background with unsolved problems in current research.
- Write down 4–5 specific ways your work can:
- Solve an existing challenge in their research
- Introduce a new method or approach
- Improve efficiency, sustainability, or scope
- Open a new application area
- Provide a unique perspective or hypothesis
Step 4. Using AI to Explore Existing Work and Sharpen Your Focus
Now is the perfect time to involve AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or GitHub Copilot. Use them to:
- Check if similar work already exists
- Identify the most recent publications in your topic
- Get an overview of the current state of research
- Brainstorm and validate the feasibility of your idea
While AI can't generate truly original scientific ideas, it’s excellent at quickly surfacing trends, gaps, and related work — helping you refine and validate your thinking.
Step 5. First Draft — Writing Down Your Idea in a Short Proposal (2–3 Paragraphs)
You might already have a research idea in mind — but now it’s time to take the most important step: put it on paper. This stage is more powerful than it seems. Often, your idea remains tangled in your thoughts, caught between doubts like: Will it work? Is it really novel? Am I thinking in the right direction?
The moment you start writing, everything begins to clear up. Start simple: jot down whatever comes to your mind in bullet points. Don’t worry about structure yet. Just get all your thoughts out. Once that’s done, revisit those points and begin organizing them logically — What’s the problem? Why is it important? How do you plan to approach it?
This short first draft — just 2 to 3 paragraphs — becomes the seed of your full proposal. Once you see it written, it becomes easier to evaluate, refine, and even check its novelty against the literature. When your idea starts to make sense on paper, you know you’re on the right track.
What Will This Process Give You?
By following this approach, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to confidently take the next step toward a postdoctoral position:
- A well-structured, novel idea summarized in a short 2–3 paragraph proposal.
- A curated list of professors and research groups working in your chosen topic area.
- The confidence to approach a potential supervisor, knowing that your idea is thoughtful, relevant, and feasible.
Now, it’s time to draft a strong cover letter to contact your prospective host. You can refer to these two helpful articles “Writing a Cover Letter for Postdoctoral or Ph.D. positions” and “Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Cover Letter for Postdoc Applications” for guidance on writing an impactful cover letter.
Don’t forget to also prepare the essential documents:
- Your updated CV
- Degree certificates
- Your short research proposal
Package these together professionally when reaching out to professors — a thoughtful and organized approach can make a strong first impression.
All the Best!
Coming up with an original research idea isn’t about having a sudden breakthrough — it’s about observing, connecting, and writing it down. This process will not only make your idea clear to others, but also crystal-clear to you.
You're closer to a strong proposal than you think.
