So you just got a PhD. Navigating the Academic Job Market Paula - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

So you just got a PhD…. Navigating the Academic Job Market

Paula Lantz, PhD Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Ford School of Public Policy Professor of Health Management and Policy University of Michigan

Many Different Positions and Places in the Academy

Positions:

• Tenure track
• Research Scientist/Research Professor track
• Research Administration

Places:

• Schools of Public Health
• Medical Schools
• Social Science Departments
• Other Professional Schools:
• Nursing; Pharmacy; Dentistry; Social Work; Public Policy; Business;

Law; Health Sciences; Allied Health

• Research Institutes and Centers
• Academic Medical Centers/Health Systems

Be Prepared to Submit:

 Letter of interest  C.V.  Statement of research/agenda  Statement of teaching experience/interests  Diversity statement  At least one paper/publication  Names of references Reference Letters Should be Sent Directly

Diversity Statement

 Goal: To understand how you will contribute to institution’s goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion  Make it action oriented (not descriptive):

 Do not say that you bring diversity simply because of your race/ethnicity, background (e.g., military, first generation college), etc.  Focus on things you have done/can do; discuss specific contributions you can make  Common elements:

a) specific ways you have incorporated DEI aims in your research/teaching/service b) future plans c) past experience or event that illustrates your perspective

Diversity Statement

Think about DEI broadly, not as an exercise in political

• correctness. For example:

 Diversity includes political diversity  Equity is at heart of many health services research questions  Methods courses: Unpacking what variables related to race, ethnicity, gender, family income, census tract are measuring

Will have to tailor for each application:

 Read specific instructions (although oftentimes vague)  Search for DEI statements/strategic plans and tie your comments to institutional activities and goals  Understand legal environment of institution

Lots of online resources to assist

Master of Obvious

(yet worthwhile) Advice

 Apply Early (>2 weeks before the deadline)  Read Job Description/Instructions Carefully  Craft a Tailored Application  Bundle Materials in Single PDF

Typical Faculty Search Process

 Position, rank and focus has to be approved  Search committee identified and charged  Position advertised/posted  Search committee reviews applications to narrow pool  List identified for phone/conference interviews, etc.  Short list identified for on-campus interview  Search committee solicits feedback/makes recommendations  Faculty members vote according to bylaws  Offer made by department chair or dean  Negotiation  Offer accepted or rejected  If rejected, offer likely made to another person

NEGOTIATION

 Expected and important part of the process  Requires preparation and being savvy  Requires knowing what you are worth/want  Never go first in a negotiation  Be prepared to deflect requests to go first (practice!)  Negotiate respectfully at the right time  Negotiate salary and more:

 Teaching load; clinical time; research funds; computing; summer salary; salary coverage from research; support for submitting big proposal/K Award; opportunity for partner

 Get everything in writing