Search for faculty openings
Search strategies
Make use of many tools as you explore faculty positions in the academic environment. A systematic, organized approach can make what seems to be a daunting process more manageable. Enhance your chance of success by applying to some stretch institutions, a few target institutions, and some institutions that may not be a first choice, but would be a good starting point.
Locating a match
Finding a faculty position is a bit like a matchmaking job. Locate a place where your talents, interests, and experience match the needs of the institution. Do not be discouraged by a lack of response from some institutions, it just means the match was not a good one. Take the time to think about what you are hoping to accomplish as a faculty member as you explore the positions available.
Finding openings
In addition to the usual places to locate positions, such as job listings in national publications like the Chronicle of Higher Education, use the human network to find open positions that match your qualifications. Is there a researcher whose work you admire? Contact them. Sometimes a happenstance conversation at a meeting, conference, or contact with an author about an article you read may lead to an interview at a promising institution. If you are thorough, organized, and persistent you will find an appropriate faculty position for your talents and goals. You may even find out that a place you originally were not inclined to apply turns out to be a perfect fit once you do some investigation.
Keeping track
Create a file folder for each institution you apply to, and label each folder with the institution, position, and any due dates. Put the folders in a box and order the folders by due date. Spend a sufficient amount of time creating the initial application components. After you have the initial components completed, simply modify or update them for future applications. Be sure to tailor each application to the particular position to which you are applying, and keep copies of everything to save time when preparing the next application packet.
Locate Faculty Position Openings
Chronicle of Higher Education
This publication contains a comprehensive listing of faculty openings across the U.S. and internationally.
CSU Careers
California State University system
This California State University site offers a searchable database of academic opportunities at the 23 campus public university system.
CSU Campus Listings
California State University system
Search for CSU faculty positions by discipline, sub-discipline, region, campus, appointment or key words.
Faculty Salaries
Average Salaries Nationwide in Various Fields
Salary Explorer, Chronicle of Higher Education
This publication provides regular updates of faculty salaries across the country.
Tips for the Job Search
The Academic Job Search Handbook
Vick, J. M., Furlong, J. S. & Heiberger, M. M. (2008). University of Pennsylvania Press, Pennsylvania
This handbook contains practical tips for locating a faculty position.
Getting an Academic Job website
Ernst, M., Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering (2008). University of Washington
This is a compilation of a number of good resources to help you seek and obtain a faculty position.
The Chicago Guide to Landing a Job in Academic Biology
Chandler, C. R., Wolfe, L. M. & Promislow, D.E.L.(2007). University of Chicago Press
This guide offers advice about landing a biology faculty position.
Landing your First Job after Graduation
Graduate Division, UC Berkeley
This site is a comprehensive look at the search for a faculty position, including suggested timelines, how to psych yourself up for the task, profiles of recent grads and links to a number of pertinent articles about the job search.
Getting Psyched Up for the Market
Heiberger, M.M. & Vick, J.M. (August, 2003). The Chronicle of Higher Education
This article offers advice on the basics you need to begin the job search process, how to begin, how to focus your energies, how to determine which positions you are competitive for, and how to determine what is required at a particular institution.
Useful Resources for the Academic Job Market
Cordell, R. (September, 2012). The Chronicle of Higher Education
This article offers tips on surviving the academic job search market. It is a collection of links, aimed mostly at grad students but useful for all job seekers, on navigating the search process. Also included are a number of ideas about newer technologies and job searching.
