Skip over navigation

Faculty Positions

Consider these words from Richard M. Reis, Tomorrow's Professor, Preparing for Academic Careers in Science and Engineering (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Press, Inc., 1997):

"For most department chairs and deans, making the correct hiring decisions is their most important task. It is their legacy. They will be looking for supporting evidence from you for their decision, which must be made in a relatively short period of time. They want to know what kind of researcher, thinker, and teacher you are going to be. They will be trying to analyze your ideas and the contributions you will make over many years. Thus, it is important to place your current work in a broader context, and to tie your interests to the overall issues and problems in the field."

When to begin your search

 
Your job search timetable will vary depending on how close you are to finishing your dissertation. You will want to have the Ph.D. completed prior to starting a tenure track position (for most positions, this a requirement). You should plan to begin your search about one year before completion of your degree. Be aware that job searching is time consuming:  you will need to balance looking for a job and completing your degree. Below is a simple guide to use for planning your search. Make sure to consult with your advisor and Career Services in planning your individual search since each discipline is unique.
 
Spring (e.g. Spring 2009 for Spring/Summer 2010 completion)
Ask advisor and other faculty members for letters of recommendation
 
Summer  (e.g. Summer 2009 for Spring/Summer 2010 completion)
Update C.V.
Draft Teaching Philosophy Statement
Draft Statement of Research Interests
Gather Teaching Portfolio
Have documents reviewed by the McGraw Center, Career Services, and your advisor
Identify resources for finding academic positions in your discipline
Continue progress on your dissertation
 
Fall (e.g. Fall 2009 for Spring/Summer 2010 completion)
Access job listings for academic positions in your discipline
Research schools to prepare letters of application
Register for professional conference in your discipline
 
Winter (e.g. Winter 2009 for Spring/Summer 2010 completion)
Practice interviewing (30 minute practice interviews are available through Career Services)
Prepare your Job Talk
Attend and interview at professional conference
 
Spring (e.g. Spring 2010 for Spring/Summer 2010 completion)
Conduct campus visits
Research late postings
Prepare for job negotiations
 

Recommended Reading:

The Academic Job Search Handbook, 4th Edition, by Julia Miller Vick and Jennifer S. Furlong, University of Pennsylvania Press. For a thorough discussion of the academic job search process. Copies of this book are available in the Career Services library.
 
“Learning the Lingo” by Mary Morris Heiberger and Julia Miller Vick. The Chronicle of Higher Education. For an introduction to the terminology of the academic job search.

 

Resources:

The Chronicle of Higher Education Jobs

Inside Higher Ed Jobs

Academic 360

Academic Careers Online

The University Jobs