Transcript Document

Finding an Academic Job
Junying Yuan
Women in Cell Biology
ASCB
The Timing
Samara Reck-Peterson
Assistant Professor
Department of Cell Biology
Harvard Medical School
THE JOB SEARCH CALENDAR
JULY:
Start putting your application package together
AUG: Finalize application, job ads begin appearing
SEPT:
Lots of ads appear
OCT:
Earliest deadlines
NOV:
Many deadlines
DEC:
Many deadlines, interview invitations begin
JAN:
Interview invitations, interviews begin
FEB:
Interviews continue
MARCH:
Interviews continue, 2nd visits
APRIL:
2nd visits and negotiations
MAY:
2nd visits and negotiations
JUNE:
Job!
FINDING A JOB
WHEN AM I READY TO APPLY?
FINDING A JOB
WHEN AM I READY TO APPLY?
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One great paper or several good papers. You need a
story. The more unique and ground breaking the
higher you can aim.
You should have spent considerable time thinking
about new directions and ideally begun some pilot
experiments. Identify new collaborators.
Trust your gut. If you start to have more ideas than
you have time to implement, you are ready.
Pay attention to feedback. People should start asking
you at meetings- “Are you looking for a job?”
Due to the financial crisis: talk to your PI about
staying longer, use this time to start a new pilot
project that will help make you stand out.
HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT JOBS?
http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/index.html
http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/
FINDING A JOB
HOW MANY JOBS SHOULD
I APPLY FOR?
Rose Goodchild
Assistant Professor
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
FINDING A JOB
The Logistics
Stephanie K. Eberle
School of Medicine Career Center
Stanford University
Agenda
• CVs, Cover letter, personal/research
statement and teaching portfolio
sections
• Helpful cover letter, research statement
and teaching portfolio hints
• Tips on soliciting references
• Anything else?
The Academic Job Application
Consists of:
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CV (curriculum vitae)
Cover letter/statement of
purpose/statement of interest
Teaching statement/portfolio and/or
research statement
Reference letters
Writing samples
The Curriculum Vitae
CVs and Resumes:
What is the Difference?
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Jobs for which they are submitted
Focus
Length
Reading Time
Primary Sections
Sections of a Vita
Required
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Contact Information
Education
Dissertation
Fellowships/Awards
Research Experience
Teaching Experience
Publications/
Presentations
Optional
• Academic/Community Service
• Related Professional
Experience
• Languages
• Research/Teaching Interests
• Works in Progress
• References
Tailoring Your CV
Your CV Should Can Be Tailored
According To:
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Focus
School
Position
Specialization
Remember:
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Font size matters
Highlight sections sparingly
Follow conventions of your field
Avoid acronyms
Have others proofread your work
Use professional paper and print
Cover Letters
Cover Letters and Personal
Statements
Cover Letters
Personal Statements
• Highlights relevant
points/skills
• Provides a brief
introduction to your CV
and teaching portfolio
• Limited to 1-2 pages
(depending on field and
type of letter)
• Focus on “who” you are
as opposed to basic
skills
• No standard page limit
• Make sure you answer
the question!
Sections of the Cover Letter
Contact Information
Date
Addressee/Address
Salutation: To a specific person, if possible
First Paragraph: Introduction
Second/Third Paragraph: How you are qualified
Final Paragraph: Closure
Sincerely,
Helpful Hints:
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Use departmental letterhead (if possible)
Proofread
Pay attention to transition in letter
Take credit for accomplishments
Use “active voice”
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
• Not taking the letter/statement seriously
• Submitting a “generic” statement or letter
• Trying to guess what the committee wants to
hear
• Being too personal
• Repeating only what is on the CV
• Not answering the question
Research and Teaching
Documents
Research Statements
• Gives an overview of your research
(past, current, and future)
• Discusses relevance to department and
university
• Typically kept at 2 pages
• Specificity varies
Characteristics of a Teaching
Portfolio
• Comprehensive presentation of your
teaching skills, goals, and
accomplishments
• Individualized
• Supported by empirical evidence
Possible Inclusions: Honors
and Awards
• Letters given to you mentioning your
teaching skills
• Formal awards
• Outside invitations to teach or contribute
Tips for Developing Your
Portfolio:
• Start compiling samples for your
portfolio early
• Select items which you deem to be the
best examples of your work
• The format may vary, depending on
intended use
Recommendations and
Resources
Tips on Soliciting
Recommendations
• Know what the reference entails
• Give referees enough time to compose
something thoughtful
• Ask them if they can provide a “positive”
reference
• Provide supporting information
• Send thank you letters afterward
Helpful Resources
• http://www.chronicle.com
• http://www.ujobbank.com
• http://www.ccweek.com
• http://med.stanford.edu/careercenter/
The Interview
Alan Hall
Chair, Cell Biology Program
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Applying for Academic Positions at a
Primarily Undergraduate Teaching Institution
Laurie Cook
Assistant Professor
State University of New York
College at Brockport
Applying for Academic Positions at a
Primarily Undergraduate Teaching Institution
• Cover Letter Tips
– Identify with the college.
– Explain red flags.
– How do you fit the job
description?
• CV
– Teaching/mentoring
experience, including
undergraduates and their
successes
– Has your research been
published? Have you
experience writing grants?
• Teaching Philosophy
– Two pages single-spaced is
sufficient.
– Should include information on
teaching style, assessment
strategies, inclusion of
technology, etc.
• Research Statement
– Address constraints (BSL-1
versus BSL-2?).
– Are the projects amenable to
undergraduates?
– Will it be fundable?
Interviewing for Academic Positions at a
Primarily Undergraduate Teaching Institution
• Phone Interviews of 8-10 candidates are used
to narrow down the 4-5 people we bring to
campus
• Meet one-on-one with Department Chair
– Ask questions regarding faculty
expectations, tenure requirements,
teaching load, support, etc.
• Meet with other faculty
– Depending upon stage of career, your
questions should change
– Get a sense for faculty collegiality, stresses
• Teaching seminar
– 20-40 minute time slot in an existing
course. Usually on a topic of your choice.
– Engage the students!
• Lunch with Students
– Potential research students; learn more
about curriculum; student satisfaction
• Research Seminar
– 45-50 minutes with both students and
faculty present
– Know your audience and pitch it at their
level
– Focus on projects related to what you
might do if hired.
• Round Table Discussion
– Can you get the questions ahead of time?
– Your chance to discuss what you might
teach and how
– Further explanation of research
requirements and plans
• Dinner with Faculty
– Informal meeting to ask questions about
housing, child care, etc
How to deal with
Daniela Nicastro
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Brandeis University
Red flags in your application package
and suggestions about how to deal with them
Category
1 Publication
record
Type
Suggestions
low number
(especially 1st author)
 Add a “current projects summary” (rather than
just “manuscripts in preparation”
 Networking/talks to showcase your work
 Advisor should explain in his reference letter
reason(s) and what is in preparation
large gap(s)
 Advisor letter explains reason(s) in his reference
letter
retracted paper
 Advisor letter should explain situation and give it
a positive spin (unforeseeable, handled situation
well ..)
Red flags in your application package
and suggestions about how to deal with them
Category
1 Publication
record
Type
Suggestions
low number
(especially 1st author)
 Add a “current projects summary” (rather than
just “manuscripts in preparation”
 Networking/talks to showcase your work
 Advisor should explain in his reference letter
reason(s) and what is in preparation
large gap(s)
 Advisor letter explains reason(s) in his reference
letter
retracted paper
 Advisor letter should explain situation and give it
a positive spin (unforeseeable, handled situation
well ..)
Red flags in your application package
and suggestions about how to deal with them
2 Advisor(s)
rather long time in one lab
(“long” depends on field =>
ask around to find out)
 Your statement/advisor letter should explain
situation (e.g. had to pioneer a technique before
getting results)
rather short time(s) in a lab
 Your statement/advisor letter should explain
situation (e.g. lost funding …)
 Find a way to make up for missing proof of
“independence” (e.g. applications for
fellowships/funding, or so; what did you learn…)
 Base your research statement on work with
good track record (e.g. graduate work instead of
postdoc)
only one advisor
(grad+postdoc)
 Your statement/advisor letter should explain
situation (e.g. personal reasons –> was bound
to a certain location...)
negative or missing
reference letter of your
advisor(s)
 Other advisor/collaborator/provider of letter that
is familiar with the situation could explain it and
give it a positive spin
 Networking to showcase you and your work
 During an interview you can explain the
situation – be open but avoid negativity and
negative comments
Red flags in your application package
and suggestions about how to deal with them
2 Advisor(s)
rather long time in one lab
(“long” depends on field =>
ask around to find out)
 Your statement/advisor letter should explain
situation (e.g. had to pioneer a technique before
getting results, hard project, …)
rather short time(s) in a lab
 Your statement/advisor letter should explain
situation (e.g. lost funding …)
 Base your research statement on work with
good track record (e.g. graduate work instead of
postdoc)
 Find a way to make up for missing proof of
“independence” (e.g. applications for
fellowships/funding, or so; what did you learn…)
only one advisor
(grad+postdoc)
 Your statement/advisor letter should explain
situation (e.g. personal reasons –> was bound
to a certain location...)
negative or missing
reference letter of your
advisor(s)
 Other advisor/collaborator that is familiar with
the situation could explain it in his letter and
maybe give it even a positive spin
 Networking to showcase you and your work
 During an interview you can explain the
situation – be open, BUT avoid negativity and
negative comments
Red flags in your application package
and suggestions about how to deal with them
3 Proposed
Research
is “unfundable” (“who
cares”)
 Emphasize in your research statement the big
picture and significance of your proposed
research
 Maybe mention to what agencies you plan to
apply for funding
straight forward research in
a highly competitive field
(“big shot labs” as
competitors)
 Emphasis the unique angle/innovative approach
you propose to use
very close to your advisor’s
research
 Distinguish your research from your advisor’s
 Advisor letter could explain that you take the
project with you and that he/she will not further
pursue this research direction
too close or too far from
the department you are
applying to
 Do your homework and look inform yourself
about the department you are applying to
 [Customize your research statement for the
department you are applying to – lot of work!]
will require very expensive
equipment, not present yet
 Have alternative plan for what other facilities
you can use (national resources …)
 Note that you are prepared to apply for funding
Red flags in your application package
and suggestions about how to deal with them
3 Proposed
Research
is “unfundable” (“who
cares”)
 Emphasize in your research statement the big
picture and significance of your proposed
research
 Maybe mention to what agencies you plan to
apply for funding
straight forward research in
a highly competitive field
(“big shot labs” as
competitors)
 Emphasize the unique angle/innovative
approach you propose to use
very close to your advisor’s
research
 Distinguish your research from your advisor’s
 Advisor letter could explain that you take the
project with you and that he/she will not further
pursue this research direction
too close or too far from
the department you are
applying to
 Do your homework and inform yourself about
the department you are applying to
 [Customize your research statement for the
department you are applying to – a lot of work!]
will require very expensive
equipment, not present yet
 Have alternative plan for what other facilities
you can use (national resources …)
 Maybe mention that you will apply for funding
Red flags in your application package
and suggestions about how to deal with them
4 Teaching
no experience
 Get experience (e.g. ask your PI to teach a
class)
 If impossible, then explain the situation and
write a good teaching statement where you
include your enthusiasm to teach
Red flags in your application package
and suggestions about how to deal with them
4 Teaching
no experience
 Get experience (e.g. ask your PI to teach a
class)
 If impossible, then explain the situation and
write a good teaching statement where you
include your enthusiasm to teach
Red flags in your application package
and suggestions about how to deal with them
4 Teaching
no experience
 Get experience (e.g. ask your PI to teach a
class)
 If impossible, then explain the situation and
write a good teaching statement where you
include your enthusiasm to teach
5 Background coming from a university not  Networking/talks to showcase your work
 Collaborate with well known lab
well known for research
 Reference letters from well-known scientist(s)
department you come from
doesn’t reflect your true
scientific background
 Emphasis your true background in your CV and
research statement
Red flags in your application package
and suggestions about how to deal with them
4 Teaching
no experience
 Get experience (e.g. ask your PI to teach a
class)
 If impossible, then explain the situation and
write a good teaching statement where you
include your enthusiasm to teach
5 Background coming from a university not  Networking/talks to showcase your work
 Collaborate with well known lab
well known for research
 Reference letters from well-known scientist(s)
department you come from
doesn’t reflect your true
scientific background
 Emphasis your true background in your CV and
research statement
Red flags in your application package
and suggestions about how to deal with them
4 Teaching
no experience
 Get experience (e.g. ask your PI to teach a
class)
 If impossible, then explain the situation and
write a good teaching statement where you
include your enthusiasm to teach
5 Background coming from a university not  Networking/talks to showcase your work
 Collaborate with well known lab
well known for research
 Reference letters from well-known scientist(s)
6 Personality
department you come from
doesn’t reflect your true
scientific background
 Emphasis your true background in your CV and
research statement
not so good reputation:
scientifically (e.g. overinterpreting data, …),
or personally (e.g. bad team
player, …)
 As a general advise: “the world is small”!
 Networking/talks to showcase you and your
work
 Good reference letters
Red flags in your application package
and suggestions about how to deal with them
4 Teaching
no experience
 Get experience (e.g. ask your PI to teach a
class)
 If impossible, then explain the situation and
write a good teaching statement where you
include your enthusiasm to teach
5 Background coming from a university not  Networking/talks to showcase your work
 Collaborate with well known lab
well known for research
 Reference letters from well-known scientist(s)
6 Personality
department you come from
doesn’t reflect your true
scientific background
 Emphasis your true background in your CV and
research statement
not so good reputation:
scientifically (e.g. overinterpreting data, …),
or personally (e.g. bad team
player, …)
 As a general advise: “the world is small”!
 Networking / talks to showcase you and
your work
 Good reference letters
THE TWO BODY PROBLEM
Sam Reck-Peterson
FINDING A JOB
THE TWO BODY PROBLEM
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Communicate! Talk to your partner and have a plan.
Who is more marketable? How much will you
compromise? Is one or both of you interested in nonacademic jobs?
Living together vs. apart? Will you apply to places
that are not commutable? Do you have geographical
preferences (try to avoid this).
Apply to an excess of jobs (2X)
Don’t talk about your partner until you have
interviews. If your partner is a very strong candidate
too- talk about them after getting an interview. If not,
you may want to wait until you have an offer.
Communicate! This can be a very stressful time for a
relationship.
Negotiating and Making a Decision
Agenda
• Components of an offer letter
• Negotiations
• Factors to consider before making a
decision
Components of an Offer Letter
• Job title
• Start date
• Length of contract and renewal information
• Tenure details (beginning/ending,
requirements)
• Course load and graduate assistant info.
• Equipment and budget details
• Salary
• Deadline to reply
When to Negotiate
• After you receive a formal offer
• When your gathering of information tells
you that your skills and the average
offer/range are better than the offer
• When you feel comfortable doing so
Negotiating: Initial Considerations
• Think about your interests/needs
(3 lists: bare essentials/extremely
helpful/”gravy”)
• Consider their interests
• What are the standards in your field?
• What are your alternatives?
• Think about your personal style
Negotiable Items for Academic Jobs
• Salary/benefits
• Start-up money (lump-sum if possible, no time limit …)
• Starting date/time to consider offer
• Teaching load (one year off, possibly team teaching …)
• Lab facilities/office space
• Access to equipment
• Early/delayed tenure options
• Moving/housing expenses
• Extra TAs/RAs or secretarial support
• Parking expenses
• Assistance with spousal employment
The Negotiation Process:
 Express your pleasure at receiving the offer
(if you treat them badly, others will hear about it!)
 Clarify aspects of the offer
 Explain your position and reasons for negotiating
 Listen for common interests and work toward a
mutually rewarding solution
 Reiterate the offer as you understand it
Final Negotiation Tips:
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Don’t mention salary on the interview
Make the students like you  be personable
Research ahead of time and have a sense of your “bottom line”
Know the institution - do not press on matters beyond their control
Evaluate the whole package
It may help to practice ahead of time
Don’t bring up your family situation, except if it will make your case
for wanting to be in the area (e.g. don’t mention wanting to have
more children)
• Take everything in and try not to show your real feelings
• Don’t sound desperate, but do sound interested - always thank
them for the offer and make positive statements about the job
• Ask about: expectations, tenure, nomination for awards, training
grants (grad students), indirect cost (grants), teaching, funding,
housing market/preferred neighborhoods
Making a Decision
Job Satisfaction: Factors to Consider
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Work/Lifestyle Values
What is your ideal work
setting?
What kinds of personal
interactions are important
at work?
What work activities are
ideal?
What must be present
outside of work?
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Research the Field
Growth rate?
Trends?
What are cycles it has
gone through?
Is there anything about it
that may bother you 5-10
years from now?
Making a Decision
Job Satisfaction: Factors to Consider
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Research University
& Dept.
Stability
History
Organizational
Culture/Goals
Department Organization
Size
Satisfaction of new and
recently tenured faculty
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The Job Offer
Responsibilities
Challenges
Everyday activities
Environment
Hours/Stress
Red flags during negotiation/decision
• Illegal questions/concerns, such as: family, nationality
• Concerns about preparation/dedication to teaching
universities when coming from an research institution
• Conflicts inside the department
• Non-concrete answers
• They don’t want to give a commitment in writing
(remember: “Get everything spelled out in writing”)
After Negotiations
• Receive an amended job offer
• Look it over to see that the correct
changes have been made
• Sign it and send it back by the deadline
• Congratulations! You have a job!
Negotiating for Academic Positions at a
Primarily Undergraduate Teaching Institution
Laurie Cook
Assistant Professor
State University of New York
College at Brockport
Negotiating for Academic Positions at a
Primarily Undergraduate Teaching Institution
• Do Not bring up salary or start-up prior to receiving an offer from the college!
• Salary
– For State positions, there is little room to negotiate.
– Remember, what you are hired at will dictate your salary for your entire
tenure.
– Do your research. Salary studies for similar institutions should help you
determine whether the offer is fair.
• Start-up Monies
– Again, for State positions, there is little room to negotiate.
– Varies widely ($10K to $100K for non-Ph.D.-granting institutions)
– Make up a detailed spreadsheet with all of your estimated costs over a period
of 3 years. Be as specific as possible.
– Research your equipment needs and make sure they are in working order. If
a large piece of equipment is needed for purchase to start your research, it
should be negotiated for at the time of salary negotiations.
Good Luck!