How to maximize the moment as a junior faculty
On the academic job hunt? Bookmark this article, which provides valuable information about what to do when your search is successful. The time between getting an offer and accepting it is the most critical time for you to negotiate to get the resources you need, such as space, equipment, institutional resources and support, and even help with a mortgage. Usually, the outcomes of these negotiations are not shared publicly, but evidence shows that there is a significant gender gap in the outcomes (see It’s all in the details: start-up packages and ongoing gender bias in academic medicine). Be bold and believe in your worth; if they have offered you the position, they want you to accept it and will try to accommodate your needs. The second part of the article lays out how to set yourself up for success in the first few months after starting a new faculty position. In most cases, the tenure clock will be running, so have a plan and prioritize getting publications and grants. Many institutions offer lighter teaching and committee loads during the first year – if these aren’t included in your offer, ask for them, and remember to say “no” to invitations as needed! (Summary by Mary Williams @PlantTeaching) Trends Plant Sci. 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.07.006