This workshop will provide an overview of what an academic job search looks like from beginning to end, focusing on useful resources both within and beyond Penn that are available to assist you. In addition to covering the logistics of faculty job applications, we will also discuss strategies for managing your time, staying organized, and remaining healthy and resilient throughout the process.

Join us for this panel discussion to learn from STEM PhDs who have recently navigated the academic job market and successfully secured a faculty position. They will share their personal experiences, discuss challenges, and offer perspectives on the job market and how to thrive within it.

Panelists:

Bernadette Bucher, Assistant Professor of Robotics, University of Michigan, PhD Penn (Computer Science) https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadette-bucher-09898536/

Max Li, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, BSE Penn (Electrical Engineering and Mathematics) and MSE Penn (Systems Engineering), PhD MIT (Aerospace Engineering) https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/lattice/home

Shirley Zhang, Assistant Professor of Cell Biology, Emory University, PhD Penn (Immunology) https://www.shizhanglab.com/

Join us for this panel discussion to learn from humanities and social sciences PhDs who have recently navigated the academic job market and successfully secured a faculty position. They will share their personal experiences, discuss challenges, and offer perspectives on the job market and how to thrive within it.

Panelists:

Tomas Elliott, Assistant Professor of English, Northeastern University London (PhD in Comparative Literature, Penn)

Hanna E. Morris, Assistant Professor at the School of the Environment, University of Toronto (PhD in Communication, Penn)

Trask Roberts, Assistant Professor of French and Translation, Kent State University (PhD in French & Francophone Studies, Penn)

Roopa Vasudevan, Assistant Professor of Art, University of Massachusetts Amherst (PhD in Communication, Penn)

Sarah Yu, Assistant Professor of History, DeSales University (PhD in History, Penn)

In this session, panelists will share their personal experiences, triumphs, and challenges as BIPOC individuals in academia. Discover practical strategies for navigating the academic job market amidst ongoing changes to DEI, all while embracing your authentic self and leveraging your unique perspective.

Panelists:

Surbhi Goel, PhD, Magerman Term Assistant Professor, Department of Computer and Information Science, University of Pennsylvania

Vanessa Irvin, EdD, Associate Professor, Department of Interdisciplinary Professions, East Carolina University

Paula H. Song, PhD, Interim Dean, College of Health Professions & Richard M Bracken Chair and Professor of Health Administration, Virginia Commonwealth University

Kevin J.A. Thomas, PhD, Professor of African and African Diaspora Studies & Sociology, University of Texas at Austin

Are you a doctoral student or postdoc interested in faculty roles outside the US? Join us for this session to learn more about where to find international opportunities, how to network with Penn alumni/former postdocs already in international faculty roles, and what resources are available for you to adapt your application materials and approaches if you do apply. 

The second part of this session will include a specific overview of navigating research opportunities in Europe shared by representatives from EURAXESS North America, touching on the tools available from the EU that promote and fund researcher mobility and cooperation, open to researchers of all nationalities, all disciplines, and at all career stages in the United States and Canada. EURAXESS North America is an initiative of the European Commission established to provide free access to information about research in Europe, opportunities for research funding, international collaboration, and transnational mobility. It links researchers in the U.S. and Canada to Europe.

Jackson Howard – Regional Coordinator, EURAXESS North America: Jackson Howard is the Regional Coordinator for EURAXESS North America, responsible for the United States and Canada. His main role is to inform the community of researchers of all domains and nationalities based in North America about the European Union’s framework program for research and innovation, Horizon Europe, and the career opportunities that the European Research Area (ERA) offers, including European, national, and regional funding opportunities. Another important role is the management of the European Scientific Diasporas in North America initiative together with the EU Delegation and EU Member States & Associated Countries. Prior to joining EURAXESS, he worked in the diplomatic and nonprofit sectors. Jackson holds a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from American University.

Gain a deeper understanding of teaching-focused careers in academia in this panel discussion. Faculty members with teaching-centric roles will share their insights, experiences, and the unique opportunities available at teaching-focused institutions. Whether you’re passionate about pedagogy or seeking a balance between teaching and research, join us for this panel to learn more about the diverse range of teaching positions available in academia.

Panelists:

Bailey Brown, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Spelman College, PhD, Sociology (Columbia University)

Chelsea Chamberlain, Assistant Professor of History, Wilkes University, PhD, History (Penn)

Daniela Fera, Associate Professor, Biochemistry, Swarthmore College, PhD, Biological Chemistry (Penn)

Christopher Jimenez, Assistant Professor of English, Stetson University, PhD, English (Penn)

Allyson Levin, Assistant Teaching Professor of Communications, Villanova University, PhD, Communication (Penn)

Ursula Williams, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Juniata College, PhD, Chemistry (Penn)

If you’re thinking of going on the academic job market, then you’re probably already familiar with the basic format of an academic CV. But how can you make this document more than just a series of lists? In this session, we will share how to craft a CV that is meaningful, cohesive, and strategically aligned with your target institutions. Join us to learn how to showcase your qualifications in a way that fits the unique requirements of different universities.

Register for this session to learn about the key components of a compelling cover letter for faculty positions, with some advice on applying for postdocs as well. We will discuss strategies to effectively showcase your qualifications, convey your excitement, and communicate your fit—all while keeping your narratives authentic to you.

Join this session to gain insights into how to write an impactful research statement. You will learn how to communicate the value of your previous research experiences, articulate your future research plans, and convey your enthusiasm and expertise—all while contextualizing your research for a variety of audiences.

Despite its name, a teaching philosophy is not meant to be purely philosophical. In this session, we will discuss strategies for supporting your pedagogical beliefs with compelling examples and classroom accomplishments. In addition, you will learn how to use the various components of a teaching portfolio, including sample syllabi, teaching evaluations, and assessments, to showcase your strengths and priorities as a teacher.

In this session, we will discuss how to talk about equity and inclusion in ways that allow job seekers to highlight the values they bring to their teaching, research, and service. We will consider common misconceptions around diversity statements, look at some examples of what the diversity request looks like, and consider ways to make these statements meaningful and concrete. While the session will primarily focus on the diversity statement, it will also consider how to convey a commitment to equity in teaching statements.

Good news! You’ve been invited to interview for a faculty position. But what exactly does that entail? In this session, we will discuss the different types of interviews you may face and how to best prepare for each format, with a particular focus on how to shift your mindset from student to colleague. We will address general interviewing strategies as well as the online resources offered by Career Services to assist in your preparation.

As a doctoral student or postdoc, you probably have experience presenting, whether at a conference, in the classroom, or in your lab. But how do job talks compare to other kinds of academic presentations? Join us in this session to learn more about what search committees are looking for in a job talk, how to best prepare, and how to accommodate a range of different audience members, from undergraduates to senior administrators.

Many faculty positions require a teaching demonstration in addition to a job talk. These demos need to be accessible and engaging for a range of audiences, from undergraduates to senior faculty, and should showcase your motivations and interests as a teacher. In this session, we will discuss how to plan an effective teaching demo, anticipate logistical challenges, and use the teaching demo to reinforce your teaching statement.

Are you currently on the faculty job market? Looking for a supportive community of peers to connect with throughout the process? Seeking a safe space to ask questions, vent, or celebrate? Then the Faculty Job Search Cohort is the perfect opportunity for you! Join us for this intro session to learn more about the structure of the cohort, what you can expect to gain, and the requirements for participation.

Having a hard time getting started on your job materials? Then join us for this in-person writing studio to jump-start the writing process. Use this time to work in a quiet and supportive space, or share your documents with Career Services advisors and receive immediate feedback. Bring your laptop and prepare to make meaningful progress on your applications! Snacks will be provided.

Location:

McNeil Building, 3718 Locust Walk

Room 403 (take the elevator to the 4th floor; you’ll see Room 403 as soon as you step off the elevator)

Pre-registration is required! The number of attendees is limited by the size of the space, so please be sure to register in advance.