This presentation was designed to assist and educate the interviewee regarding Faculty Search Committees, and was authored by Seiichi Matsuda (Chemistry), Matteo Pasquali (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering), and Joff Silberg (Biochemistry).
What are we looking for?
The tenure package
Publications
Grants
Invited talks
Teaching
Service
The university’s timeline
Decide on search criteria
Evaluate applicant packages
Select the short list
Interview
Decide on offers
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
Some variability in details and format between fields.
Academic credentials
Research experience
Publications
Honors, awards, grants, etc.
Research interests statement
Teaching interests statement
References
May include reprints/preprints
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
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 makes an application stand out?
Varies between departments/institutions
Strong publication record
Most important factor!
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
