0.13 What is a search committee looking for in junior faculty hires

What is a search committee looking for in junior faculty hires?

Marilyn L. Fogel, Carnegie Institution of Washington

In your application:

1) Well crafted cover letter with your background, your vision for the future, names of people you’ve worked with, and why that school needs you.

2) Willingness to teach new classes in a growing field and also within the core curriculum.

3) Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation in the cover letter and all statements!

4) Strong references from people who really know you and your work. Ask your references if they are able to write an excellent letter for you.

5) Personal connection with someone from that department is important, e.g., professors in common or a conversation at a meeting.

Publications and research:

1) Creative and innovative research plans, while also feasible.

2) Ability to “finish” publications from research to writing to submission to rewriting—for a young faculty member about 3-4 papers from dissertation.

3) Continued productivity post PhD including abstracts and published papers-about 2 new projects with 2-3 additional papers.

3) Someone who will set up a new laboratory and take primary responsibility for it.

4) Ability to win small grants with one submission to a major federal agency.

5) Well-planned list of laboratory requirements. Don’t ask for too much or too little. Request equipment in phases.

Prior to the interview—to do list:

1) Build a good seminar including dissertation and current research with a hint of future research goals that can be understood by non-specialists. Practice in front of your postdoc mentor and colleagues!

3) Show some pizzazz and style. Find clothing that looks good and feels comfortable. Wear it before you go on interviews.

4) Develop a brief 1-2 sentence statement about you and your research for people outside your academic area (e.g., Deans).

5) Do your homework! Know the people in the department and university.