Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Academic job search update

A few people have asked how my job search is going, so I thought I'd post some specifics.

37 jobs applied for, 5 rejections so far. Some of these applications were a stretch and many were not specific (e.g. looking for a "molecular biologist:), so I don't really mind a low success rate (success judged by the number of phone interviews I get).

The earliest application was due in September (and I'm assuming I didn't get it since I haven't heard back) and the latest closing date was 1/15. The bulk of the closing dates were between December and January.

I'm still hopeful, although I'm shifting my focus toward writing a K grant application from the NIH. This way if I don't get an assis. prof. position I can hopefully still do some research in the Fall. My current lab MAY have money to support me for a year, but it is not certain. 

More updates will come as things happen....

6 comments:

  1. The waiting is the hardest part. It stinks, but just hang it there. It seems like once you get that first positive phone call/e-mail things really seem to pick up! Best of luck to you!

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    1. I swear it's like dating all over again.

      Did they like me? Did I say the right thing, leave the right impression? Why did I say X? Will they call me?

      Although at least I don't get nauseous during the job search. Or maybe that comes later as part of the job interview prep....

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    2. The nausea really kicked in for me during the onsite visits. The night before my interview, sitting in the hotel room, was the worst! I get extremely nervous right before I start talking, but it goes away the more I talk...unless I screw up!

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    3. Well, at least I have that to look forward to... LOL

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  2. Dr. Dad, what K mechanism are you planning to apply for? You might want to check http://writedit.wordpress.com/nih-paylines-resources/ for updates about funding and official/unofficial pay lines. I submitted a K99/R00 in July, and the feedback was positive. The grant was scored, but it is in the funding line is slightly lower. In any case, publications and your training/career plan are a key part of the review, and some minor emphasis is placed on your research plan. Good luck!

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    1. I just resubmitted a K99, but I'm not all that optimistic about my chances. My first submission was triaged (problems with research plan), and while I made some major changes, I'm not sure if I can count on a 30+ swing in score. Especially because I couldn't get any new preliminary data.

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