Understanding the process, researching the campus and department, carefully reviewing expectations outlined in the job description and considering your compatibility with the position are all critical steps in a successful job search in academia. Depending on the institution and specific position, teaching, research and service may be prioritized differently. Employment commitments may be short or long-term and have varying benefit options.
Tenure-Track and Adjunct Faculty
Tenure-track faculty positions, typically starting at the Assistant Professor level, are full-time, permanent appointments with a department of an institution. Tenure-track positions can be found at all levels of higher education institutions, including community colleges, private universities and public universities. Depending on the role, the time allocated between teaching, research and service will differ.
Adjunct faculty positions, also called Lecturer positions, are typically temporary part-time roles that are completely dedicated to teaching. Contracts for adjunct faculty can be made for the full academic year or by each term. Though uncommon, it is possible to teach full-time as adjunct faculty. These positions are typically eligible for benefits if the contract is for at least 50% time. Details regarding adjunct faculty parameters can usually be found on the institution’s website.
Postdoctoral Scholarships
Postdoctoral scholarships are often considered a key stepping stone between completing a PhD and becoming tenure-track faculty, especially at primarily research-focused institutions. These positions allow for additional training and mentorship opportunities beyond what is typical for a student. While some academic postdoctoral fellowship openings are posted through institutional websites and job boards, many are obtained through effective networking.