The Apprentice, Fear Factor and Survivor: Lessons from Reality TV Lynn M. Schnapp, MD University of Washington

Fear Factor When is it time to move on? No clear guidelines/time limit Fear of disappointing mentors – Career choice, deserting mentor Mentor’s role – Help you make an informed decision

Why? Independence from mentor New research directions Better package (always!) – Stronger bargaining position Increase professional contacts – Letters of recommendation, promotion “Genetic diversity” Sense of empowerment New adventures!

How to get to be “The Apprentice” You’re Hired!

“Product Placement” Professional Society Meetings – Always try to submit an abstract – Great networking opportunity – Get involved with assembly, committees – Come prepared with preprints, CV

Finding a position Advertisements in professional journals – Many positions are not advertised Contacts initiated by mentor/chief Letters to Division Chiefs Cover letter CV – (Keep track of your activities)

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Is this the job for me? What is the job description? Does the job description mesh with your personal goals? – Clinical/research/teaching/administrative split?

Is this the job for me? Are the necessary resources present to succeed? Critical mass of researchers/mentors in your area? Can I live here? Can my spouse live here?

Define your needs Make a list of what you need Prioritize – What is a deal breaker? Everything is negotiable – If you don’t ask for it, you won’t get it

“You get what you negotiate, not what you deserve”

Do your homework Divisional/Departmental websites Pubmed search on key faculty – Identify NIH-funded research – NIH CRISP database ( AAMC

It’s a Package Research environment Salary Clinical responsibility Lab set-up Start-up money Computing needs Technician Tenure clock Moving expenses Travel support Benefits Secretarial support Personal issues What is your bottom line?

Salary Be prepared to ask for a specific salary – Don’t be ambushed State institutions-salary information is public (may not capture actual compensation) AAMC salary reports Colleagues, fellowship directors, chiefs, chairs Specialty organization database Advertisements

Rank/Track What will be your title? – Instructor, Assistant Faculty track – Can you switch tracks? Criteria for promotion – Tenure clock Divisional track record for faculty advancement?

Clinical Responsibilities Protected time-what does it mean? Minimize clinical responsibilities in 1st year Clinic? Additional teaching responsibilities? KO8 requires 75% research time

Lab space Location, location, location Depends on core or shared facilities Common space for large equipment? Special needs Who assigns space?

Justify Start-up Needs

“Will my office be near a Diet Coke machine?” Office

Moving Expenses Pre-move visit for housing Home Laboratory Car? Relocation for laboratory members?

Added value Travel/meetings Journal subscriptions Professional Society Dues License Fees Recruiting Costs

Additional questions Housing Assistance Tuition Assistance Parking Benefit package

General Principles Get it in writing – Keep a copy of correspondence – Verify phone conversations with Divisional AND Departmental support Make a decision – It’s not (necessarily) a lifetime commitment

A bad deal can be worse than no deal

Minimize downtime Set up budget number ahead of time Purchase major equipment prior to arrival Determine what you can take with you Consider purchase of depreciated equipment Minimize initial clinical or teaching responsibilities Finish manuscripts or grant submissions

Protect your time

Resources Job Search Advice: NIH Virtual Career Center – dvice.html dvice.html Strategies for the Successful Job Hunt – Finding a Clinical Job –

Moving on