top of page
Search
Wen-Jun Cao

The Faculty Search 101

Recently, i received many emails asking for tips of faculty search. I am not sure if I am the right person to give advice or suggestions. I think the recruiter has more valuable opinions on this topic. But since there are many requests, I decide to write down sth I know.


1. Timeline

The traditional application season looks like this:

Aug-Sep: Job postings start to appear

Dec-Jan: Deadline for applications

Dec-Mar: Interviews (online and on-site)

Mar-May: Decision and Contract

2, Websites

university websites

Linkedin

Networking.


3. Materials

  • Cover letter (1-2 pages)

  • CV (2 pages)

  • Research Statement (2-3 pages)

  • Teaching Statement (1-2 pages)

  • Diversity Statement (1-2 pages)

  • Referees' contact (3-5) : Ph.D. supervisor, postdoc adviser, collaborators, manager (if you have industrial experience)

4. Interview preparations

Almost impossible to prepare, if you know, then you know. If you pretend you know, they know.

But it may be good to revisit some of the memory:

  • Describe one challenge and how you solved it

  • If you are an "experiment" person, the sensors/equipment are ...

  • Why XXX university?

  • What are your start-up needs? (negotiation space could be very limited for TTAP)

  • What are the grant opportunities you are eyeing?

  • Industry working experience

5. Tips

Be HONEST!

Aim high and keep your expectations low. Only 1% Ph.D. get a faculty job.

Life is a long journey, with problems to solve, lessons to learn, but most of all, experiences to enjoy.

6. Other choices

teaching positions

industrial jobs

postdoc

research assistant professor


To be continued.

135 views

Comments


bottom of page