Abstract
Introduction: In the biological sciences, many areas of uncertainty exist regarding the factors that contribute to success within the faculty job market. Earlier work from our group reported that beyond certain thresholds, academic and career metrics like the number of publications, fellowships or career transition awards, and years of experience did not separate applicants who received job offers from those who did not. Questions still exist regarding how academic and professional achievements influence job offers and if candidate demographics differentially influence outcomes.
Methods: To continue addressing these gaps, we initiated surveys collecting data from faculty applicants in the biological sciences field for three hiring cycles in North America (Fall 2019 to the end of May 2022), a total of 449 respondents were included in our analysis.
Results and discussion: These responses highlight the interplay between various scholarly metrics, extensive demographic information, and hiring outcomes, and for the first time, allowed us to look at persons historically excluded due to ethnicity or race (PEER) status in the context of the faculty job market. Between 2019 and 2022, we found that the number of applications submitted, position seniority, and identifying as a women or transgender were positively correlated with a faculty job offer. Applicant age, residence, first generation status, and number of postdocs, however, were negatively correlated with receiving a faculty job offer. Our data are consistent with other surveys that also highlight the influence of achievements and other factors in hiring processes. Providing baseline comparative data for job seekers can support their informed decision-making in the market and is a first step toward demystifying the faculty job market.
This article is one of 18 in the Research Topic “Building Tomorrow’s Biomedical Workforce: Evaluation of How Evidence-Based Training Programs Align Skill Development and Career Awareness with a Broad Array of Professions”
Ariangela J. Kozik, PhD
Assistant Professor, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Dr. Kozik is interested in the connections between host, microbiome, and environment in adult asthma. She is engaged in science communication work to make science more accessible to the general public and support the next generation of biomedical investigators.
You (Lily) Cheng, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Dr. You (Lilian) Cheng is a neuroscientist, data scientist, and science communicator. As a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard Medical School, she studies the stages of dementia with multimodal data and deep-learning methods.
Ada Hagan, PhD
Science Communicator & Consultant
Dr. Hagan seeks to use her strong background in science communication and higher education to help make scientific concepts more easily understood and make the academy more inclusive to future scientists from all backgrounds.
Chris Smith, PhD
Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Dr. Smith is a neuroscientist interested in better understanding the human brain and passionate about science communication.
Amanda Haage, PhD
Assistant Professor, Biomedical Sciences
Dr. Haage is particularly interested in inclusive and evidence-based teaching practices at all levels, as well as bringing transparency to the faculty job search.
Nafisa M. Jadavji, PhD, FAHA
Assistant Professor
Dr. Jadavji has been involved in research with the Faculty Job Market Collaboration since 2018.