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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

  • Jun-Aug : Decide on search criteria
  • Sept-Nov : Evaluate applicant packages
  • Nov-Jan : Select the short list
  • Dec-Feb : Interview
  • Feb-Apr : Decide on offers
  • 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
    • 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.
  • 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

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Source:  OpenStax, 2010 nsf advance workshop: negotiating the ideal faculty position. OpenStax CNX. Feb 11, 2011 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col11275/1.4
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