Should I submit an expression of interest for another position although I still have 1.5 years left in my current contract? I am a postdoc with slightly more than 1.5 out of 3 years left in my contract. Recently I have received an email about a postdoctoral position in another country, which interests me. The position is not yet formally advertised, but potential candidates are invited to submit a brief expression of interest, and to indicate the date they will be available. 

Is it a common practice to submit an expression of interest although I will only be available 1.5 years from now?
Is it a common practice to submit an expression of interest although I will only be available 1.5 years from now?


I wouldn't say it is "common practice", simply because it seems relatively pointless. While starting dates for academic jobs are usually flexible, 1.5 years of delay for a postdoc seems like a stretch. Many postdocs are hired on specific projects, and the project in question would be half-over before you even begin. Even for postdocs paid by some sort of fellowship, the start date usually isn't that flexible. Of course this does not stop you from asking, but I would not get my hopes up too high.