C-GEM talked to Professor Jeffery Tharp and Professor Allison Walker about their experiences as faculty at research-intensive institutions. Professor Tharp is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Indiana University, and Professor Walker is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University.
Key Takeaways:
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Find where you fit in. Being a good fit for the department and the particular job posting is key. Our panelists recommend that you tailor your application to each job posting and do a deep dive on the department and institution to see how you and your science fit. With whom could you potentially collaborate? What infrastructure (core facilities, instrumentation) can you use in your research? What infrastructure do you need? What courses can you teach, and what courses would you add? Your application should show how the institution can support your research and what you can offer in return.
- For chemists, Chemjobber aggregates job postings each year.
- Being in charge of the books. As a postdoc, you’re likely focused on research. But as a faculty member, you are responsible for your research and its associated costs and administration. Our panelists recommend you pay attention to how much things cost while you’re still a grad student and postdoc so that when you’re asked to put together a budget, you have a sense of what you can buy.
- Ask for support. Thankfully, new faculty aren’t left to flounder on their own when they start the job. Both Prof. Tharp and Walker have mentorship committees where they can ask senior faculty at their institutions for advice on the ins and outs of running a lab. When applying for positions, both encourage soliciting feedback on your application materials from coworkers and friends. Your application will be evaluated by faculty with varying expertise, so try to mirror this diversity when asking for feedback.
- Is now a good time to apply? While the current funding climate is shaky, don’t let it dissuade you from applying. Our panelists’ advice is to have an informed plan. Be ready to answer questions about how you will fund your lab, and think beyond federal funding agencies. Are there private funders or state agencies to which you could apply? Putting together an application, even if you aren’t selected this round, will give you valuable experience and feedback for future cycles.