I SURVIVED THE ACADEMIC INTERVIEW: AN APPLICANT’S POINT OF VIEW Daniel Michele, PhD Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology Department of Internal Medicine University of Michigan

Most common burning questions from my post-doctoral colleagues 1. How did you know it was time to start applying for jobs? 2. How did the interview process work…..when did you talk about this or that……? 3. How do you negotiate the job offer? 4. Now that you have gone through this do you have any advice for me? Transition from Postdoc to Jr. Faculty: Surviving the Initial Years Tues. April 4—8:00-10:00 AM

How did you know it was time to start applying for jobs? Ask yourself: 1. Does my CV display an INTRIGUING LEVEL of accomplishment? 2. Considering everything I am doing right now, will my CV IMPROVE SIGNIFICANTLY in the next 1-2 years? 3.Do I have the INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY to ensure my own success? - mentor needs to be supportive of this answer

How did the interview process work? 1. Standard format Apply – usually between September and January 1 st interview – seminar, meet faculty and chair 2 nd interview – meet more faculty, negotiate space and offer 2.Variations on theme 3 rd visit – find a place to live, bring family chalk talk – usually in second visit, discuss aims of first grant 3. Juggling multiple interviews 1 st choice second? be honest and upfront

What is my advice for you? My two main goals: 1.CONVINCE THEM that I am the right person for the job 2. CONVINCE MYSELF that this is the right place for me -Mostly the 1 st interview -Mostly the 2 nd interview

Convincing them that I am the right person for the job What are they looking for? 1. first and foremost an outstanding research scholar, mentor, and teacher 2. a person with defined research goals 3. a colleague who will contribute to the environment of the department

Convincing them that I am the right person for the job 1. first and foremost an outstanding research scholar, mentor, and teacher Your BEST SEMINAR EVER!! -commit first 3 slides to memory -end with 5-10 minutes of future directions to simulate Q’s -leave at least 5-10 minutes for discussion -show excitement!!--“Eureka moment” -TELL A STORY, not everything you have ever done, <35 slides

Convincing them that I am the right person for the job 2. a person with defined research goals -have a five year plan ready – your first NIH grant 3. a colleague who will contribute to the environment of the department - research each person your talking with - open opportunities for collaboration 2. a person with defined research goals -have a five year plan ready – your first NIH grant

Determining if this is the right place for me 1.Is it the right balance of research and teaching? 2.How do they support the career development of young faculty? 3. Do the resources support MY RESEARCH interests? 4.Are there colleagues here that I can interact with? 5.Is the start-up package competitive and sufficient to support my research for three years, and can I keep what I don’t spend?

Determining if this is the right place for me How to find the answers: 1. Establish a dialogue with the chair, if you cant now will you ever be able to? 2. Request to interview with ASSISTANT PROFESSORS and ask them 3. Research the environment and come with questions 4. Ask your current boss or chair what start-up packages are reasonable 5. Draw up a fairly detailed budget -shows your serious and you know what you need -shoot for 20-30% above what you can survive on

Some final tips and advice 1.It does not hurt to be friendly – s, thank you’s 2. Don’t talk about things you don’t like – positive spin 3.There is no such thing as an “ideal job” – be flexible 4. Don’t forget that science is only one part of your life

Some resources I found useful while I was interviewing and starting out - Free: 1. Making the right moves - HHMI and BWF – by far the best 2. This site developed more after I interviewed Books: 1.Academic Scientists At Work by Boss and Eckert -somewhat basic but inclusive of all career steps -CDrom with forms for comparing jobs, making budgets 2.At the Helm: A Laboratory Navigator by Barker -somewhat basic but interesting discussion of lab environment and personnel issues