Panel discussion presented by Seiichi Matsuda, Jennifer West, and Randi Martin at the 2010 NSF ADVANCE Workshop: Negotiating the Ideal Faculty Position, A Workshop for Underrepresented PhDs and Postdocs in Science, Engineering and Psychology
September 19-21, 2010
What are we looking for?
The tenure package
- Publications
- Grants
- Invited talks
- Teaching
- Service
The university’s timeline
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Jun-Aug : Decide on search criteria
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Sept-Nov : Evaluate applicant packages
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Nov-Jan : Select the short list
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Dec-Feb : Interview
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Feb-Apr : Decide on offers
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Feb-Apr : Close the deal
Applying for a position
- “Cold” applications
- Usually need to have connections to the department
- Responding to an advertisement
- Consider level and areas requested
- Solicited applications
- Be sure to present at the most relevant conferences. Hopefully this visibility will lead to contacts with hiring departments.
The application
- Cover letter
- Summarize your qualifications and interests
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic credentials
- Research experience
- Publications
- Honors, awards, grants, etc.
- Research interests statement
- Teaching interests statement
- References
- May include reprints/preprints
Some variability in details and format between fields
Get feedback on your application package from a mentor.
Get examples!
Research statement
- Remember that the search committee members may be in areas peripheral to your research
- Describe two or three research proposals
- How proposals should connect to prior work is very much field-dependent!
- Usually one that is related to your prior work that is clearly feasible
- One or two projects that demonstrate your ability to think beyond your current work
What to include?
- Statement about the problem
- Key unanswered questions in field
- How will your work contribute?
- Description of research plans
- Break into specific aims
- Include figures
- Be both creative and realistic- mix of high-likelihood and high-reward projects
Teaching statement
- Describe your philosophy towards teaching and experiences that led to this
- Discuss courses within the core curriculum that you could teach
- Propose development of a new course
What to emphasize in your application?
- Find out about the department/school
- Importance of teaching vs. research
- Areas of interest/growth
- May want to customize your application materials for different positions
- Brag about your successes (within reason)!
What is makes an application stand out?
- Varies between departments/institutions
- Strong publication record
- Exciting research plan
- Creative and innovative while also feasible
- Great reference letters
- Evidence of innovation, creativity, hard work, etc.
- Interesting and innovative teaching plans
- Highlight your experiences and capabilities
- Other experiences
- Experience writing a grant, etc.
Recommended reading
- Making the Right Moves: A Practical Guide to Scientific Management for Postdocs and New Faculty
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- At the Helm: A Laboratory Navigator
- Kathy Barker, Cold Spring Harbor Press
