Job Skills Astro MRes after PhD in another field?

[sunrah]

How would you respond to postdoc applicants if they hold a PhD in another field (physical oceanography) and then complete an MRes in astrophysics?
Just interested because I don't qualify for funding for any of the astronomy and cosmology PhD positions I'v found in the UK (even though I am British, I haven't been a permanent resident for a number of years).
I have BSc in physics and MSc in astronomy. I have found one PhD project in physical oceanography which specifically mentions that EU nationals (I have dual nationality) can apply even without permanent resident status and I have spoken with the supervisor who encouraged me to apply (I know this project has been available for a number of years now and it's actually quite a good opportunity to work with a national agency, but I still want to keep my astronomy dreams alive :) ).

Thanks I guess it's a long shot.

 

[mfb]

It depends on what they did during their PhD and what they apply for. It also depends on the fixed requirements for the postdoc - usually it is "PhD in physics or related field" or something. You can check some job offers now and ask if oceanography would be accepted if the description is not clear enough. These won't be the postdoc jobs you are interested in but that should give you an idea what people think about it.

MRes = Master? Doing that after a PhD (any type) is unusual, and I'm not sure how much it would help.

I see that the nationality and resident status play a role in the question, but I think the approach is odd. Finding a postdoc position is usually more difficult than finding a PhD position - even for people not switching the field. And you'll compete with people who have ~3 years more experience in the field then. You might have other strengths, but in terms of astrophysics knowledge these people will out-compete you by far, even a master degree wouldn't change that. It also sounds like you consider the oceanography PhD only because it's available, not because you are fascinated by it. That will make it really tough to finish the PhD.

Does it have to be in the UK? What about a PhD elsewhere? The UK isn't known for good PhD funding anyway.