Calling all graduate students and postdoctoral fellows: do you want to be a university faculty member? This presentation offers advice on how to secure an academic job, and even advice on whether this is right for you. The picture of the black book half way through? That's the book you bring with you to the interview with questions for each meeting, research and teaching plans, and other notes to get you through the interview process confidently.
The presentation was given in fall 2014 at the University of Waterloo, organized and hosted by Co-operative Education & Career Action (CECA).
The multi-faceted academic application and interview process can be daunting for a would-be faculty member. Various factors that impact the academic application such as institution type, experience, research interests, and long-term career goals will be explored in the context of finding an appropriate fit. This two-session workshop will provide attendees with the knowledge they need to understand the academic application process and preparing for the academic interview. The first session will focus on the pre-submission process whereas the second session will review interview and negotiation strategies. We invite attendees to bring their draft application packages to receive feedback.
2017 demystifying the academic job marketJay Van Bavel
This is a slide deck for navigating the academic job market for phd students and postdocs in psychology (as well as the social and cognitive sciences). It describes the job market, offers concrete advice on preparing materials, explains the interview process, and discusses negotiation strategies.
Plagiarism is not always a matter of deliberate theft; it can happen inadvertently through misunderstanding academic conventions of referencing and attribution, or through inappropriate collaboration with other students on your course. This session is designed to explain guidelines on plagiarism, to look at some real-life case studies, and to give you information and strategies to help you avoid it.
Being a PhD student: Experiences and ChallengesFaegheh Hasibi
These slides provide some guidance to the prospective PhD students. The content reflects my personal experiences together with useful feedbacks I received from my colleagues/friends.
Importance of SOP and LOR to Get Admission in AbroadMeetUniversity
While applying to get Admission to Study Abroad, SOP and LOR is must for the candidates.
You must know about "What is the Importance of SOP & LOR", What is SOP & LOR, Statement of Purpose and Letter of Recommendation to Study Abroad, Objective of SOP/ LOR, Structure of SOP, Structure of LOR, Tips to get SOP and LOR, etc.
Pursuing Masters in the United States is a convoluted
process. There are several aspects to meet and parameters to fulfill. This interactive PowerPoint Presentation shall guide you through the entire process with comprehensive information on postgraduate programs across America.
The multi-faceted academic application and interview process can be daunting for a would-be faculty member. Various factors that impact the academic application such as institution type, experience, research interests, and long-term career goals will be explored in the context of finding an appropriate fit. This two-session workshop will provide attendees with the knowledge they need to understand the academic application process and preparing for the academic interview. The first session will focus on the pre-submission process whereas the second session will review interview and negotiation strategies. We invite attendees to bring their draft application packages to receive feedback.
2017 demystifying the academic job marketJay Van Bavel
This is a slide deck for navigating the academic job market for phd students and postdocs in psychology (as well as the social and cognitive sciences). It describes the job market, offers concrete advice on preparing materials, explains the interview process, and discusses negotiation strategies.
Plagiarism is not always a matter of deliberate theft; it can happen inadvertently through misunderstanding academic conventions of referencing and attribution, or through inappropriate collaboration with other students on your course. This session is designed to explain guidelines on plagiarism, to look at some real-life case studies, and to give you information and strategies to help you avoid it.
Being a PhD student: Experiences and ChallengesFaegheh Hasibi
These slides provide some guidance to the prospective PhD students. The content reflects my personal experiences together with useful feedbacks I received from my colleagues/friends.
Importance of SOP and LOR to Get Admission in AbroadMeetUniversity
While applying to get Admission to Study Abroad, SOP and LOR is must for the candidates.
You must know about "What is the Importance of SOP & LOR", What is SOP & LOR, Statement of Purpose and Letter of Recommendation to Study Abroad, Objective of SOP/ LOR, Structure of SOP, Structure of LOR, Tips to get SOP and LOR, etc.
Pursuing Masters in the United States is a convoluted
process. There are several aspects to meet and parameters to fulfill. This interactive PowerPoint Presentation shall guide you through the entire process with comprehensive information on postgraduate programs across America.
This is details of Study in UK.
This Presentation is created for CSP Square International Pvt Ltd.
This is company Presentation about CSP Square International PVT Ltd. It was created by Webomatic - Ahmedabad.
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Our PhD statement writer knows, how to write a SoP for PhD. If you need our professional help, visit us at http://www.researchfellowship.net/research-statement-writing-and-editing-services/phd-statement-of-purpose-consulting/
Do you know, why a scholarship PS is most important when applying for scholarship? It is a formal document that contains information about you and your talents. If you need a nice example of scholarship PS visit link http://www.researchfellowship.net/research-statement-writing-and-editing-services/scholarship-personal-statement-consulting/
This is details of Study in UK.
This Presentation is created for CSP Square International Pvt Ltd.
This is company Presentation about CSP Square International PVT Ltd. It was created by Webomatic - Ahmedabad.
Kindly contact us for such presentation through our website https://webomatic.in/
Thank you
Our PhD statement writer knows, how to write a SoP for PhD. If you need our professional help, visit us at http://www.researchfellowship.net/research-statement-writing-and-editing-services/phd-statement-of-purpose-consulting/
Do you know, why a scholarship PS is most important when applying for scholarship? It is a formal document that contains information about you and your talents. If you need a nice example of scholarship PS visit link http://www.researchfellowship.net/research-statement-writing-and-editing-services/scholarship-personal-statement-consulting/
This workshop is designed for young researchers in the first five years or so of academic employment. It provides advice and discussion on key aspects of building an academic career, such as balancing teaching and research, developing a strong publication track record, how to build research grant activity and success, etc.
The first part of the workshop features a presentation by Prof. Nigel Healey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences Nottingham Trent University, UK discussing milestones for the first promotion including topics like balancing research and teaching or the value of services to the academic society.
The second part of the workshop focuses on finding research grants and writing grant proposals. Prof. Ross Chapman, Head, Deakin Graduate School of Business, Deakin University will an overview of the various categories of research grants and provides tips and hints from his experiences.
These slides address the process of writing an effective personal statement or essay for a graduate school application. The presentation addresses understanding the audience and the expectations, brainstorming, and developing your essay.
Academic Job Panel/Timelines to Graduation, Spring 2012utepgrad
Presentation given by Dr. Flores and several successful UTEP doctoral graduates focused on graduating on time, building a strong CV and finding an academic job.
CapTechTalks Webinar Feb 2024 Darrell Burrell.pptxCapitolTechU
Slides from a Capitol Technology University webinar presented on Feb. 15, 2024 and featuring Dr. Darrell Burrell discussing "Finding Your Scholarly Voice: Using Peer-reviewed Publications to Showcase Your Expertise.
From research student to academic: thinking about and preparing for academic ...Joss Winn
Preparing for academic life (or not). See also: http://josswinn.org/2015/07/from-research-student-to-academic-thinking-about-and-preparing-for-academic-work/
How to give a good scientific oral presentationJosh Neufeld
This presentation outlines the basic philosophy, strategy, and skills needed to give a good scientific presentation. This talk outlines compassion, clarity, enthusiasm, preparation, and uses examples throughout.
Introduction to 16S rRNA gene multivariate analysisJosh Neufeld
Short introductory talk on multivariate statistics for 16S rRNA gene analysis given at the 2nd Soil Metagenomics conference in Braunschweig Germany, December 2013. A previous talk had discussed quality filtering, chimera detection, and clustering algorithms.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE SAMPLE RETURN.Sérgio Sacani
The return of a sample of near-surface atmosphere from Mars would facilitate answers to several first-order science questions surrounding the formation and evolution of the planet. One of the important aspects of terrestrial planet formation in general is the role that primary atmospheres played in influencing the chemistry and structure of the planets and their antecedents. Studies of the martian atmosphere can be used to investigate the role of a primary atmosphere in its history. Atmosphere samples would also inform our understanding of the near-surface chemistry of the planet, and ultimately the prospects for life. High-precision isotopic analyses of constituent gases are needed to address these questions, requiring that the analyses are made on returned samples rather than in situ.
Professional air quality monitoring systems provide immediate, on-site data for analysis, compliance, and decision-making.
Monitor common gases, weather parameters, particulates.
Observation of Io’s Resurfacing via Plume Deposition Using Ground-based Adapt...Sérgio Sacani
Since volcanic activity was first discovered on Io from Voyager images in 1979, changes
on Io’s surface have been monitored from both spacecraft and ground-based telescopes.
Here, we present the highest spatial resolution images of Io ever obtained from a groundbased telescope. These images, acquired by the SHARK-VIS instrument on the Large
Binocular Telescope, show evidence of a major resurfacing event on Io’s trailing hemisphere. When compared to the most recent spacecraft images, the SHARK-VIS images
show that a plume deposit from a powerful eruption at Pillan Patera has covered part
of the long-lived Pele plume deposit. Although this type of resurfacing event may be common on Io, few have been detected due to the rarity of spacecraft visits and the previously low spatial resolution available from Earth-based telescopes. The SHARK-VIS instrument ushers in a new era of high resolution imaging of Io’s surface using adaptive
optics at visible wavelengths.
Nutraceutical market, scope and growth: Herbal drug technologyLokesh Patil
As consumer awareness of health and wellness rises, the nutraceutical market—which includes goods like functional meals, drinks, and dietary supplements that provide health advantages beyond basic nutrition—is growing significantly. As healthcare expenses rise, the population ages, and people want natural and preventative health solutions more and more, this industry is increasing quickly. Further driving market expansion are product formulation innovations and the use of cutting-edge technology for customized nutrition. With its worldwide reach, the nutraceutical industry is expected to keep growing and provide significant chances for research and investment in a number of categories, including vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal supplements.
This pdf is about the Schizophrenia.
For more details visit on YouTube; @SELF-EXPLANATORY;
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAiarMZDNhe1A3Rnpr_WkzA/videos
Thanks...!
Earliest Galaxies in the JADES Origins Field: Luminosity Function and Cosmic ...Sérgio Sacani
We characterize the earliest galaxy population in the JADES Origins Field (JOF), the deepest
imaging field observed with JWST. We make use of the ancillary Hubble optical images (5 filters
spanning 0.4−0.9µm) and novel JWST images with 14 filters spanning 0.8−5µm, including 7 mediumband filters, and reaching total exposure times of up to 46 hours per filter. We combine all our data
at > 2.3µm to construct an ultradeep image, reaching as deep as ≈ 31.4 AB mag in the stack and
30.3-31.0 AB mag (5σ, r = 0.1” circular aperture) in individual filters. We measure photometric
redshifts and use robust selection criteria to identify a sample of eight galaxy candidates at redshifts
z = 11.5 − 15. These objects show compact half-light radii of R1/2 ∼ 50 − 200pc, stellar masses of
M⋆ ∼ 107−108M⊙, and star-formation rates of SFR ∼ 0.1−1 M⊙ yr−1
. Our search finds no candidates
at 15 < z < 20, placing upper limits at these redshifts. We develop a forward modeling approach to
infer the properties of the evolving luminosity function without binning in redshift or luminosity that
marginalizes over the photometric redshift uncertainty of our candidate galaxies and incorporates the
impact of non-detections. We find a z = 12 luminosity function in good agreement with prior results,
and that the luminosity function normalization and UV luminosity density decline by a factor of ∼ 2.5
from z = 12 to z = 14. We discuss the possible implications of our results in the context of theoretical
models for evolution of the dark matter halo mass function.
Slide 1: Title Slide
Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Slide 2: Introduction to Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Definition: Extrachromosomal inheritance refers to the transmission of genetic material that is not found within the nucleus.
Key Components: Involves genes located in mitochondria, chloroplasts, and plasmids.
Slide 3: Mitochondrial Inheritance
Mitochondria: Organelles responsible for energy production.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): Circular DNA molecule found in mitochondria.
Inheritance Pattern: Maternally inherited, meaning it is passed from mothers to all their offspring.
Diseases: Examples include Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and mitochondrial myopathy.
Slide 4: Chloroplast Inheritance
Chloroplasts: Organelles responsible for photosynthesis in plants.
Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA): Circular DNA molecule found in chloroplasts.
Inheritance Pattern: Often maternally inherited in most plants, but can vary in some species.
Examples: Variegation in plants, where leaf color patterns are determined by chloroplast DNA.
Slide 5: Plasmid Inheritance
Plasmids: Small, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria and some eukaryotes.
Features: Can carry antibiotic resistance genes and can be transferred between cells through processes like conjugation.
Significance: Important in biotechnology for gene cloning and genetic engineering.
Slide 6: Mechanisms of Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Non-Mendelian Patterns: Do not follow Mendel’s laws of inheritance.
Cytoplasmic Segregation: During cell division, organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts are randomly distributed to daughter cells.
Heteroplasmy: Presence of more than one type of organellar genome within a cell, leading to variation in expression.
Slide 7: Examples of Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Four O’clock Plant (Mirabilis jalapa): Shows variegated leaves due to different cpDNA in leaf cells.
Petite Mutants in Yeast: Result from mutations in mitochondrial DNA affecting respiration.
Slide 8: Importance of Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Evolution: Provides insight into the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
Medicine: Understanding mitochondrial inheritance helps in diagnosing and treating mitochondrial diseases.
Agriculture: Chloroplast inheritance can be used in plant breeding and genetic modification.
Slide 9: Recent Research and Advances
Gene Editing: Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 are being used to edit mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA.
Therapies: Development of mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) for preventing mitochondrial diseases.
Slide 10: Conclusion
Summary: Extrachromosomal inheritance involves the transmission of genetic material outside the nucleus and plays a crucial role in genetics, medicine, and biotechnology.
Future Directions: Continued research and technological advancements hold promise for new treatments and applications.
Slide 11: Questions and Discussion
Invite Audience: Open the floor for any questions or further discussion on the topic.
This presentation explores a brief idea about the structural and functional attributes of nucleotides, the structure and function of genetic materials along with the impact of UV rays and pH upon them.
Comparing Evolved Extractive Text Summary Scores of Bidirectional Encoder Rep...University of Maribor
Slides from:
11th International Conference on Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering (IcETRAN), Niš, 3-6 June 2024
Track: Artificial Intelligence
https://www.etran.rs/2024/en/home-english/
Richard's aventures in two entangled wonderlandsRichard Gill
Since the loophole-free Bell experiments of 2020 and the Nobel prizes in physics of 2022, critics of Bell's work have retreated to the fortress of super-determinism. Now, super-determinism is a derogatory word - it just means "determinism". Palmer, Hance and Hossenfelder argue that quantum mechanics and determinism are not incompatible, using a sophisticated mathematical construction based on a subtle thinning of allowed states and measurements in quantum mechanics, such that what is left appears to make Bell's argument fail, without altering the empirical predictions of quantum mechanics. I think however that it is a smoke screen, and the slogan "lost in math" comes to my mind. I will discuss some other recent disproofs of Bell's theorem using the language of causality based on causal graphs. Causal thinking is also central to law and justice. I will mention surprising connections to my work on serial killer nurse cases, in particular the Dutch case of Lucia de Berk and the current UK case of Lucy Letby.
1. HANDOUT VERSION
Josh D. Neufeld
University of Waterloo
MODIFIED FROM THE VERSION
PRESENTED OCTOBER 21, 2014
2. Today’s workshop
What is it like to be an academic?
Plan A versus Plans B-Z
Career building towards academia
Applying for an academic position
The interview process
Landing the job
Resources
3. Today’s workshop
What is it like to be an academic?
Plan A versus Plans B-Z
Career building towards academia
Applying for an academic position
The interview process
Landing the job
Resources
5. Forbes.com
What is it like to be an academic?
The public face of a
typical professor is
restricted to class time
This doesn’t seem like
a lot to most people!
Must look behind the
scenes…
11. Often very rewarding. You are able to pursue research and study in a
field that interests you.
Academic freedom. You are less bound by commercial
considerations or social norms while pursuing your research.
Job security. When professors achieve tenure, they enjoy enhanced
job security.
Flexible hours. You work the hours required to get the job done.
No dress code.
Teaching. Academia gives you the chance to share your interests
with others and expand the field of knowledge.
Leadership opportunities. You hold a position of stature and get to
make a difference in your community.
No boss. The people you work with are your colleagues.
What is it like to be an academic?
Source: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/graduate-pathways-success/getting-academic-job
13. Today’s workshop
What is it like to be an academic?
Plan A versus Plans B-Z
Career building towards academia
Applying for an academic position
The interview process
Landing the job
Resources
14. What is Plan A?
Assistant professor (untenured), Associate
professor (tenured), Full Professor
• Teaching faculty
• Research faculty
• Both teaching and research
Plan A versus Plans B-Z
15.
16.
17. Questions to consider for Plan A (academia):
Do you really want an academic position?
Are you fascinated by research and new ideas?
Do you like being on your own (i.e., independent)?
Are you self directed?
Are you a work-a-holic?
Are you a good communicator? Personable?
Do you enjoy teaching?
Are you comfortable in a mentorship role?
Are you willing to work evenings and weekends?
Are you comfortable not being paid a good hourly rate?
Would you still go to work if unpaid?
Plan A versus Plans B-Z
18.
19.
20. Plan A versus Plans B-Z
Faculty positions are relatively rare.
• More job seekers than jobs
• ~14% of PhD graduates have a faculty position
within 5-6 years post graduation in the biological
sciences (NSF 2006 survey).
Advertised positions typically receive >100
applications.
There is a bright side.
21. Today’s workshop
What is it like to be an academic?
Plan A versus Plans B-Z
Career building towards academia
Applying for an academic position
The interview process
Landing the job
Resources
22. Career building towards academia
Publications are critical.
• Quantity (more is good, not always better)
• Quality (higher impact is important)
• Story (diversity, direction, depth)
Other considerations
• Teaching experience
• Industry work experience
• Science outreach
• Awards
23. Career building towards academia
Research productivity can take many forms (e.g., 2
high-impact publications versus 8 solid
contributions)
Now: develop a research identity, a coherent and
recognizable path that equips you with a set of
projects that are realistic, interesting, and “yours”.
Become recognized in your field – go to
conferences and participate.
No substitute for hard work and long hours on your
primary projects, but don’t forget about the soft
skills…
Be passionate about what you do!
24. Career building towards academia
Be aware of available positions; start doing this
during graduate school.
Subscribe to University Affairs. Many journals
(Nature, Science) and societies have job postings.
Join academic societies (e.g., Canadian Society for
Microbiology).
Attend conferences whenever possible; network!
Contact senior colleagues familiar with your work to
let them know you are looking.
Make sure your advisor knows you are interested in
an academic job.
25. Publications (~1 per year is typical in my field)
Build network with peers (future colleagues and collaborators)
at different institutions: summer schools, conferences
Meet at least a few senior figures in the field (visiting speakers,
at conferences, by e-mail, your dept seminar series!)
Apply for own funding (PhD and post-doc)
Review some papers (typically together with advisor)
Take advantage of opportunities to develop soft skills:
presentation workshops, “Preparing Future Faculty” type
courses, this workshop!
Align your expectations and career plans with your advisor’s
plans and the lab’s capabilities.
Do all of this in moderation: #1 is still research productivity.
Career building towards academia
MSc and PhD students
26. Choose lab with pedigree if you can (possible exception:
working with a new faculty member).
Work on projects that set you up for a compelling
independent research proposal.
Continue to build network, take a more active role (e.g.,
proposing workshop topics).
Start applying for faculty jobs as soon as your first
postdoc paper comes out.
Attend grant writing workshops, apply for independent
investigator grants if your position allows; ask to be
involved in your advisor’s grant writing.
Advisor should be promoting your work; ask to be
considered for invited talks.
Research always #1 priority.
Career building towards academia
Postdocs
27. Today’s workshop
What is it like to be an academic?
Plan A versus Plans B-Z
Career building towards academia
Applying for an academic position
The interview process
Landing the job
Resources
28. Applying for a position
Cover letter
CV
Research plan
Teaching philosophy
References
29. Career building towards academia
Cover letter
• Be brief (2-4 paragraphs).
• Mention you are a citizen of country, if possible.
• Demonstrate how you are a good fit to the
described position and the Department.
• Mention existing connections to location.
You want the letter to help convince the committee
that you would have a good career there, will
continue to be excellent, and want to live there for a
long time.
32. Career building towards academia
CV
• Be brief (2-3 pages).
• Publication list is key.
• Grant proposal writing experience a plus.
• Avoid mentioning manuscripts in preparation.
• Seek example CVs from your supervisor.
• Pay attention to design (first impression).
• Career Services can help you.
34. Career building towards academia
Research vision
• Be brief (2-3 pages) and clear; committee has
broad backgrounds.
• Include overarching research direction and short-
term research goals.
• Be careful not to look like a copy of your current
lab’s projects, yet blending your past training and
with future research a plus. It’s a balance.
• Convince committee that you have a realistic plan
and help them envision what your first students
will do and what your lab will look like in 10 years.
35. Career building towards academia
Teaching vision
• Teaching experience for entry position usually
limited among applicants – research is the focus.
• Include overarching teaching direction and short-
term teaching interests.
• Sound enthusiastic about teaching and use your
teaching experience to demonstrate how this has
shaped your approach to teaching.
• Mention 1-2 courses in the department you could
teach if needed and 1-2 courses that you would be
interested in developing (this is the challenge).
36. Career building towards academia
References
• Two of the three should be from your PhD and
postdoctoral supervisor. If not, this will be a red
flag for you. IMPRESS YOUR SUPERVISOR NOW.
• The third will ideally come from your MSc
supervisor (if applicable), or someone else at arm’s
length. Perhaps a committee member.
• Letters should provide specific examples and be
extremely positive.
• Letters are critical. People are consistent and track
records are the best judge of future success.
37. Today’s workshop
What is it like to be an academic?
Plan A versus Plans B-Z
Career building towards academia
Applying for an academic position
The interview process
Landing the job
Resources
38. The Interview Process
Usually one day, the busiest day of your life. Dress well.
Ask in advance to meet with specific people of interest (not just
faculty, but also techs/managers), and tour key facilities.
If not given an agenda 1 week ahead of interview, ask the chair’s
secretary to send you one.
Meetings: the chair, the dean, one-on-ones with hiring
committee members, grad student(s), group meeting with
committee, lunch, dinner.
Presentation(s): 50 minute research talk.
Primary purpose is to sell yourself to the university, but be
prepared to explain what you need to be successful.
39. The Interview Process
Sample questions you should be prepared to answer:
How will you start your research program?
Where do you expect to be in 1, 5, 10 years?
How will you attract students and trainees?
What is your strategy in applying for (more) external funding?
*What grants will you apply for first?
What specific projects do you have planned? First experiment?
How will you supervise and manage your lab?
What equipment/resources/facilities do you need?
What collaborations do you see here?
What courses can you teach? How will you approach this?
How big will your lab be ideally?
How do you resolve conflicts?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
The committee wants to know if you will be a “good fit”, both
professionally and personally. Smile.
40.
41. The Interview Process
Have your own relevant and specific questions ready, for each
and every meeting. Be prepared.
Questions show that you are curious and eager, and help avoid
interview awkwardness. The absence of questions is a red flag.
Avoid asking questions that you should have known by looking
at websites for individual faculty members, the department, or
faculty. Instead, use online info to develop your questions.
General questions
Lab space (who allocates? renovation budget?)
Start-up funds?
Teaching reduction for new faculty members?
How is the graduate program and funding implemented?
What administrative or technical support is available?
Tenure success rate?
Teaching load?
43. The Interview Process
Have your own relevant and specific questions ready, for each
and every meeting.
Chair meeting (as appropriate)
How long have you been Chair?
Why did you choose to come to this university?
How collegial is the department?
Sharing of equipment common?
Does this department have a core facility for equipment?
Are grants reviewed internally in this department?
What will be expected of me teaching-wise in the first year?
Will lab space be ready when I am expected to start?
What start-up funding is available for this position?
Will I be allocated CFI dollars for equipment?
How does this position fit with the department’s vision?
How much does a graduate student cost?
Does this department have a strategic plan? Could I see it?
44. The Interview Process
Have your own relevant and specific questions ready, for each
and every meeting.
One-on-one faculty meetings
How long have you been at this university?
How collegial is the department?
Sharing of equipment common?
Where do most of your graduate students come from?
How supportive is the chair and dean?
How rapidly has lab space been renovated for recent hires?
Who is the department’s most recent hire?
Where do you live in relation to the university?
Do you like living here?
Are you happy with the schools in this area?
What was the tenure process like for you?
What is your teaching load?
45. The Interview Process
Have your own relevant and specific questions ready, for each
and every meeting.
Hiring committee meeting (as appropriate)
How does this position fit with the direction of the department?
Sharing of equipment common?
Does this department have a core facility for equipment?
Are grants reviewed internally in this department?
What will be expected of me teaching-wise in the first year?
Will lab space be ready when I am expected to start?
Can I see the lab space allocated to this position?
Will renovations be possible for this lab?
What start-up funding is available for this position?
Will I be allocated CFI dollars for equipment?
Does this department have a strategic plan? Can I see it?
***“I plan to explore the area tomorrow, what places should I see
and do you have any neighborhoods to recommend I look as an
idea of where I could live?”
46. The Interview Process
Have your own relevant and specific questions ready, for each
and every meeting.
Grad student meetings
What type of stipend do graduate students receive?
Are there specific awards available for grad students?
Is the an active grad student association?
Do the grad students have a place to socialize on campus?
What is the social atmosphere like in this department?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this department?
Is this the kind of department you’d choose to work one day?
What could make a grad student’s life better in this dept?
How active is the seminar series? Good talks? Mandatory?
Is there a professional development course for all graduate
students? For credit? Would you like one?
Do you feel training for a career is part of this department’s
mentorship?
47. The Interview Process
Have your own relevant and specific questions ready, for each
and every meeting.
Dean meeting
Do the departments in this faculty collaborate with one
another?
Do you have specific examples of highly successful new faculty
members to suggest that I might use as a model or mentor?
Does this faculty have a strategic plan? May I see it?
Are there plans for future buildings or space that may be
relevant as I consider this university as an academic home?
Is there additional support from the faculty for undergraduate
or graduate student stipends?
Is there teaching and research training available?
What is expected for tenure?
Are there teaching and research awards available for faculty
members?
48. The Interview Process
Have your own relevant and specific questions ready, for each
and every meeting.
Meals
Ask about department collegiality, where people live, whether
they have children, whether the chair is supportive, whether the
faculty members interact socially.
How do these faculty members blend applied and basic
research?
What was the tenure process like?
Where do most students recruited from? Lots of choice?
Do not order the most expensive food. Avoid messy food. Check
the menu beforehand if restaurant on the agenda.
Sit with your back to the room to avoid distraction.
If others are having alcohol, allow yourself one drink.
Decide beforehand what personal information you are willing to
share – be careful.
49. The Interview Process
Research (and teaching?) seminars
The goal is to show the breadth of your research. Give tastes of
research results and publications but avoid this talk being like all
other departmental seminars. It is not.
Show how the research you present has ideally positioned you
to begin an independent research career. Paint a picture of what
this research career will look like (match to your research vision
statement).
Mention possible collaborations with the Department.
Bring your own laser pointer. Have talk on USB and on your
computer. Smile and come out from behind the podium. Interact
with the screen.
The research talk is often used to provide an idea of teaching
quality as well.
If doing a teaching talk, make it the most interesting and
interactive lecture you can. Ask questions, be enthusiastic, look
at audience. Bring something to show. Come alive.
50. The Interview Process
General Advice
Do not get into a salary negotiation now. Avoid the discussion. If
it comes up, “a salary commensurate with my experience and
comparable to other new faculty would seem reasonable”.
Be prepared with specific courses in mind you would develop.
Be prepared with outline of specific grants you would apply for.
Bring your black book with you everywhere. Take notes.
Make sure you have a good handshake. Ask for feedback
beforehand if unsure.
Make sure there are breaks in your agenda schedule. If not,
request a break, especially before your talk.
Consider slipping a thank-you card onto the Chair’s secretary
desk if he or she was particularly helpful in organizing your trip.
51. Today’s workshop
What is it like to be an academic?
Plan A versus Plans B-Z
Career building towards academia
Applying for an academic position
The interview process
Landing the job
Resources
52. Landing the job
General Advice
After the interview, consider a thank-you email to each of those
you met with on interview day.
If they contact you with an offer, it means they very much want
you to come. Now is the time for negotiations.
Ask for what you need to be successful and back this up with a
detailed budget (ask advisor, recent new faculty for advice)
Two-body problem? Ask about spousal positions.
Do negotiate salary. Any increase pays off yearly, for life.
Get salary, start-up, space, teaching load, and other critical
components specified in writing.
Don’t overdo the negotiations. This should be a brief process.
53. Today’s workshop
What is it like to be an academic?
Plan A versus Plans B-Z
Career building towards academia
Applying for an academic position
The interview process
Landing the job
Resources
62. Things I wish I had done earlier
Learned R
Learned Python
Learned the Adobe Creative Suite
• Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
63. Parting advice
Serendipity a big part of the process. Some things
cannot be planned.
Be practical about career aspirations, be prepared for
Plans B-Z.
Make career choices that match your interests and
skills, not your idea of a perfect job. Be content for
life.
Ask: how am I uniquely qualified? What do I do well?
Use StrengthsFinder wisely.
Beware imposter syndrome (feeling like a fake,
attributing successes to luck, downplaying success).
Strategic plan (dept, faculty, university, you?)
64. Resources and sources
Many departments have a graduate “skills” course
(e.g., BIOL 690 – Scientific Communication)
Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE)
Co-operative Education & Career Action (CECA)
Dr. Matt van der Meer (Biology) workshop
presentation, used as template and some content
Dr. Mark MacLachlan (UBC)
https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/graduate-pathways-success/getting-academic-job
https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/graduate-pathways-success/sample-interview-questions
65. HANDOUT VERSION
Josh D. Neufeld
University of Waterloo
MODIFIED FROM THE VERSION
PRESENTED OCTOBER 21, 2014