Tuesday, June 4, 2019

The 2020 Faculty Jobs List: 4 positions and first open thread

The 2019 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List (curated by Andrew Spaeth and myself) has 4 positions.

Want to help out? Here's a Google Form to enter positions.

In 2019-2020, we will be adding teaching professor positions, targeting positions that demonstrate a promotion ladder and/or are titled "assistant teaching professor" or "associate teaching professor."

The 2019 Chemistry Faculty Jobs List finished with 587 positions.

Want to talk anonymously? Have an update on the status of a job search? This will serve as the open thread.

229 comments:

  1. Here we go again. I feel like interviews just ended and now I have to start over.

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    1. I believe in you internet stranger.

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  2. Seems like the UT Austin positions are already closed...

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  3. Anybody know what is up with the UT Austin positions?

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  4. The interfolio link for the UT Austin position doesn't work. Could not apply.

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  5. Troy University just reposted their Materials position, starting date Fall 2019. What happened there? Either the posting is a mistake or someone bailed at the last minute.

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  6. Does anyone know how does people value the submitted paper? I have two papers which will be submitted to top journals, however, it will not get out in time for job application

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    1. i think submitted journals are ok to have, but i will certainly look at it with a grain of salt, because there is no guarantee it will get into the journal you said you submitted. On the same note, i do not like "in prep" manuscript, it just looks desperate.

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    2. How far along in the publication process are they? If it's a top journal, I write "in review" instead "submitted" if it progressed to the review stage (because not all of them do) and "in press" if accepted, but not out yet.

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    3. Thanks! It's really helpful! That is what I am afraid too. I think I will only keep published and the submitted papers then, no in prep manuscripts for sure!

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    4. I think both of them will go to review process when I start to send out my applications, in review sounds much better, thanks a lot!

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    5. Just list "Submitted for Publication" but not the journal name. Regarding 10:50's comment, that way it shows that it is in review, but doesn't bias the reader to where it is, or have to make you revise it later.

      In prep can definitely look desperate, but if you have a good publication record, a few "submitted" manuscripts, an "in prep" or two just shows you're continuing on a good trajectory and might be appropriate.

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  7. How closely do you have to fit the discipline that the position is seeking for PUI/MS institutions? I would consider myself a materials chemist, which encompasses organic synthesis, spectroscopy, computations, a bit of inorganic. If I apply for an analytical or inorganic position, does my proposal have to be exactly in that field or is the committee mostly concerned with me being able to teach that subject?

    Thanks.

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    1. Yes, most likely "the committee will be mostly concerned with you being able to teach that subject". Make it clear how you are the best fitted for that, and how your diverse background is an added value for the students and the faculty. The search committee may have to convince the higher ranking administrators (sometimes including the HR) to invite you for an on-site interview, thus, help them to do so.

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    2. That's helpful. Thanks!

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    3. I second what All For Science said! I'd also encourage you to think about the labs that would be taught as part of the course (or independently, depending on the university) and make sure you are clear about your ability to teach and develop upper level labs. For instance, if you are applying to an analytical position, at my university we would be interested in whether you could develop the advanced instrumentation labs that go along with the upper level analytical course.

      In terms of research, when I was writing applications, I tried to speak specifically to how the breadth of my research program would appeal to a wide range of students, and how I could tailor projects for undergraduates based on their specific interests, while still fitting into my overall research program.

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  8. Is anyone else having problems with the University of Utah School of Medicine posting?

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  9. This is my first time to apply jobs, I have a question about papers, I have several papers which is highly cited but not landed on high impact factor journals, so should I highlight that? Or people do not care about cited number only care where you published?

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    1. For many members of the committee, the scientific content of the papers is the most important aspect of the publication list, along with evidence from your publications that you have the expertise required by your research plan. For those who count but don't read, though, definitely include the citation count if notable. You can write it below the relevant publication, where you would also include statements like: "Profiled in Faculty of 1000", "Highlighted in Nat. Chem.", "Selected as Very Important Paper", or "Cover Article". It is also not unusual to include an aggregate citation count for all of your publications.

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    2. Thanks a lot!

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  10. The entry for New Mexico Highlands University is listed as organic, but the posting seems to be for analytical: https://nmhu.peopleadmin.com/postings/4558

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  11. This is my first time applying so I am sorry if this is a dumb question. In the University of Louisville posting, they are saying to submit letters to:

    Analytical Search Committee Chair,
    Department of Chemistry,
    University of Louisville,
    2320 South Brook Street,
    Louisville, KY 40292

    Just like this, without any email address. Do they want them by actual mail? That's wild, right?

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    1. That is just for the recommendation letters. The application is online at https://louisville.edu/hr/employment/jobs/currentopenings (reference job ID 37745)

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    2. Is there any email address available? I have asked one but no answer yet. lol

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  12. In the new table entry for Oregon State University, it's marked as "physical(?)", but I'm not seeing anything about concentration are in the announcement. How do we know it's possibly just physical chemistry?

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    1. 1. "Relevant teaching experience in physical chemistry"
      2. Checking into it to confirm

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  13. How much does quantity and quality of publications matter for PUI/MS schools?

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    1. see reply below (August 5, 2019 at 1:30 PM)

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  14. Can't give you a number but the majority of those applying to the PhD schools will also be applying to the highly-ranked PUI/MS schools (Williams, Haverford, Barnard, etc.) so PUI schools now expect a greater # of publications than they probably did 10-20 years ago. Any top-ranked PUI will want a considerable amount of research in addition to high caliber teaching. For example, Williams once quoted 45% research, 45% teaching, 10% service.

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  15. The posting for Taylor University says it's for Fall 2019.

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  16. The University of Notre Dame position in analytical sciences is listed at rank of associate/full, but the position description describes an open rank search. "Our primary focus is on making a junior faculty appointment, however, outstanding candidates at all levels are encouraged to apply."

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  17. Brown university has an opening this year for modern experimental physical chemistry and chemical physics
    https://main.hercjobs.org/jobs/12648717/assistant-professor-of-chemistry-experimental-physical-chemistry

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  18. Is there a resource for finding biochemistry searches that originate in biology/biochemistry departments, rather than chemistry departments which would be listed here?

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    1. Most other fields have something like a "job wiki"; searches for "bio job wiki" aren't super-fruitful, but that's not something I spend a lot of time thinking about.

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  19. @Chemjobber

    Shouldn't the Colorado College lab lecturer position go on the academic/teaching jobs list? It's not really the same as all these other positions

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    1. IMO it's clearly labeled. Your objection is noted, and other list users are invited to comment.

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    2. The Colorado College lab lecturer position mentions that it's a renewable 9-month position with opportunity for advancement, which is why you're probably listing it here under TEACH, but what's the link for the academic/teaching jobs list mentioned above? Is there a separate list that I'm not aware of? Thanks!

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    3. What's the difference between this position and a lab coordinator position then? Both are essentially in charge of teaching laboratories

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    4. A4:32PM: Probably a reference to the staff jobs list? https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LVMb0Av6o2OVBUEkw78t_JTT_PWlRoPjle1yNVJpjvc/edit#gid=0

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  20. If you're giving a talk at ACS, do you mention it in your cover letter for the departments you apply to before ACS? Since Chemistry doesn't do a "Meet the Faculty Candidates" symposium at their big conference like most other fields, not sure if it's even worth mentioning?

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  21. Does anybody have any thoughts on applying to ads such as the recent Texas A&M one, where they say that it's both "open", but also that special consideration will be given to areas x and y (assuming you don't do x and y). I would both hate to miss an opportunity on one hand, and waste time applying on the other.

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    1. They need people who can teach classes in X and Y. But they wouldn't be adverse to general awesomeness.

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    2. Thanks, hope my general awesomeness will help me out here :)

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  22. What is the main difference in what departments are looking for when searching for candidates in biological chemistry vs chemical biology?

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    1. I generally think of biological chemistry as being more close to biochemistry (i.e. studying the structure/function of natural biomolecules), whereas chemical biology is the design of chemical probes to study biology. If it were me, I'd apply to both if I was somewhat related to either.

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    2. What 10:08 said. Someday I'll ask that on a test: What is the difference between biochemistry, chemical biology, and biological chemistry? I'm curious to see the different takes and what their Venn diagrams would look like.

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    3. My feeling:
      Biochemistry- more focused on biomacromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids.
      Chemical Biology- more focused on bio-related small molecules (ligands)
      Biological Chemistry- more focused on biochemical interactions than materials.

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  23. Scripps is asking for both a Research Statement and Research Plan... any idea what the difference is?

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  24. One is more of a philosophy (like a teaching statement). The other is your research proposals.

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  25. Does anyone have tips for applying to a position in a department where you also applied the previous year?

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    1. I'm just applying again with a new application/research plan. It might be a different search, so it could be that they're more interested in your research area this year. I think the only time this might be a bad idea is if you also interviewed there last year and didn't get the position.

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    2. There is a good chance the search committee will be different (at a larger school). I know of people passed over one year and hired the next. Your package and letters mean more than anything else (and the package is what you can control!).

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    3. I've got a friend who had an on-campus interview but didn't get the offer. It turns out, he did well but there was a stellar candidate that just barely beat him out. When that individual chose to leave that university two years later, my friend applied again and got the position. On the searches that I've participated in, there have been a few candidates that we would have considered in a different year or with a different candidate pool. However, most of the time, resubmitting the same application (without improvements or changes) for the same position doesn't work out.

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  26. I think the WashU job was listed for a 2nd time today. They both link to the same Interfolio posting.

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  27. Is it ok to submit more than the requested number of letters of recommendation?

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  28. What's the best way to handle applying to multiple different departments at the same university? Is it best to just submit your application to each department and not mention anything, or is it better to mention in your cover letter you've also applied to X department?

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    1. I'm in the same situation and curious about this too.

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    2. From Twitter, a senior professor:

      https://twitter.com/dasingleton/status/1166943566498869248?s=19

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  29. Is the Rochester opening actually an internal search? It doesn't show up on their website.

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    1. This tweet, such as it is, tends to indicate that they are conducting a full search: https://twitter.com/Kara_L_Bren/status/1166449959778050051

      I agree that it is odd that it hasn't shown up on their website yet.

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    2. We are doing a full search. The online form for applications will appear in the near future. -Kara Bren, U of Rochester

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  30. If you know somebody at a department you are applying to, is it standard practice to contact them and let them know you are applying? My PhD advisor gave me that advice, but to me it seem a bit presumptuous at this stage. I do know these people and even collaborated with some of them before, but I definitely do not expect them to be pulling stings for me or anything like that.

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    1. Definitely do it. This process is highly personal. Even if you just met them at a conference it's OK to shoot them an email saying you've submitted an application.

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  31. How to logon to U of Minnesota's application site? It is complicated and I was not able to do so even after I created a guest account.

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  32. Wondering proper etiquette for applications by email: All documents in a zipped folder? Or one combined pdf?
    And what about letters - do recommenders send them directly to the email provided in the call, or should they be included with my materials?

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    1. I definitely wouldn't use zipped folders. In two institutions I've worked at, spam filters would always flag zipped attachments. You don't want your application to get stuck. A combined pdf would be OK, I think.

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    2. You don't even save that much room by using a zipped folder. I don't see much of a point of using them in 2019.

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  33. I saw Brigham Young University had a T/TT position posted, but the application window was only two weeks. I assumed that this was just an internal search, but then I noticed a statement saying that administrative positions are listed for two weeks and staff positions are listed for one week by default. Not sure what's going on there, but I didn't bother filling out the form to get it added to the list unless someone else can confirm.

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  34. The link for Whittier College is incorrect

    https://www.whittier.edu/humanresources/faculty#Assistant%20Professor%20of%20Inorganic%20Chemistry

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  35. Do other search committees typically solicit recommendation letters for all applicants, or do you have a pre-screening process? My department asks applicants to include copies of the three letters with all of their other materials in a single pdf. I'd like to do away with that practice, but I also don't want to burden people with providing letters unless the candidate already looks like a great fit. Just wondering how other departments/institutions do it.

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    1. Just curious: letters are included in the application that comes directly from the candidate? So the candidate has access to the letters?

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    2. OP here: Yes, the candidate has access to the letters. This has been the subject of debate among faculty, but we ultimately concluded that having access to letters of support during the application process is no different from having access to the letters of support required for certain early career grant proposals. I'm a bit paranoid and am always concerned that candidates will alter or manipulate their letters, but mine is a minority opinion.

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    3. Sept 4 11:42 here: That is good to know, and I do understand your point about candidates altering letters. I was actually asking because most applications have a statement such as "letters that are not signed or sent directly by the applicant are void/will not be considered/etc", so when other calls say that they just want a single PDF with everything, it was thoroughly confusing. But it's good to know that some campuses do actually request this.

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  36. A position specifies they're looking for someone to teach one area or another (same position, not two different calls) - neither is my area of specialization per-say, but I do feel qualified to teach either. Is it better to say this or does that look more like I'm trying too hard?

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    1. If you truly feel qualified to teach both topics, then you should absolutely state that. It will look more legitimate if you can provide a very brief explanation as to what makes you qualified to teach those topics.

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  37. It annoys me to no end that some departments decide to have completely different formats for the research proposal from everyone else. I already feel like this is the only type of job that requires months of preparation to even simply get a phone interview for, so to require us to completely reformat/write our proposals for one position is so asinine. Just accept the same proposal format as all the other institutions! We all know they barely read the proposals to begin with!

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    1. i was here to complain about the same thing, (one department is asking for a 7 page proposal! That is SO short). I'm tempted to not bother with that particular application, or submit 10 pages anyway

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    2. Right, and do references count? Who knows!

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    3. It would be interesting to hear from other folks who have served on search committees, but in my experience, no application was ever tossed for being out of compliance on proposal page limits. That being said, I don't recall seeing egregious violations of our 10-page limit (~5 pages/proposal). An extra page with references or a paragraph spilling over onto the next page wouldn't disqualify a candidate in our searches. On the other hand, there are advantages to writing a concise proposal. Concise proposals are easier to digest, and committee members are more likely to see the full scope of your plans. Because most candidates are proposing new and unproven research directions, proposals are usually taken with a grain of salt anyway (how many of us are actually still working on what we initially proposed after several years?). As an aside, proposals written in double-column format usually allow one to squeeze in an extra figure or paragraph and have an attractive aesthetic when done well.

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    4. I misread one application and submitted my full 12-page proposal (refs included) when they requested 5 and they hired me anyway. Looking at the last few searches here, most were within the page limit, but no one really checks. The committees just don't want to wade through an extra 7 pages times 200-500 applications.

      I strongly suggest a graphically heavy summary slide covering all your proposals as your page 1. That way when people are skimming, they can get a sense quickly and come back to read thoroughly later (the rest still has to be cogent and complete).

      Regarding the page limits, it sucked, but you can cut it down to the highlights. I started with that 12-pager, then made a 6, 5, and 9 page one as schools requested other sizes. All ended up getting used more than once. Looking back at interviews, only the 12-pagers got me one, but 80% of the applications requested that length. So who knows.

      Good luck.

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    5. I can also vouch for this. When I applied I had 2-3 versions of my proposal docs to fit all the page requirements. I think we ask for 5 page, but I honestly have no idea since I have never not read a proposal due to its length. A good idea that my PD advisor suggests all his people going out for jobs do is to put a 1-page executive summary on the front of your applications package. We have tons of applications to get through and may not have the time or attention to read all the details of 100 different applications. Another suggestion that I got from grant writing workshops is to have a really nice overview figure on the first page if you can fit it. It will grab attention and again give an overview of what you want to do.

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  38. Jeeze, maybe my proposals are too short? I have a 1 page summary, and about 1 page for each of the three proposals, then 1 page of funding and facilities, so ~5 pages total.

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    1. There's no magic formula. I had a 7 page format for mine (cover plus 2 per prop) and got hired, a friend of mine had 10 pages per proposal and got a job too. They're just looking for you to demonstrate you have big ideas and convince them it's plausible you'll succeed in achieving them.

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    2. Along similar lines, a standard federal grant application might allow you up to 15 pages, but coming in under the upper limit isn't the kiss of death, especially for early career faculty who don't have a lot of prior results to brag about.

      I 100% agree that the ideas should be big and shiny, but I agree even more (200%?) that they need to be plausible. Most people greatly underestimate how long it will take to publish their first paper as PI. Plenty of great PI's take 2-3 years for their first independent publication to come out, but ideas that look like they're going to take more than that are going to make the department nervous.

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    3. Having seen the applications that have gone through my group before, I have seen people get a job with a > 10 page proposal. These people have also received interviews for the shorter versions of this same proposal as well (some places had lower limits, as low as 5).

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  39. As I understand, it's uncommon to request a budget as part of an application packet at this early stage. I am applying to BS/MS granting institutions and a couple ask for 'anticipated equipment needs' - not quite sure how to interpret this? There are maybe 1 or 2 more 'major' pieces of instrumentation I'll need if they don't already have them, but I'm just not sure how detailed this should be...

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    1. Just give a list of major equipment (>$10000) with their estimated costs. I'd say just be careful because from what I understand, they definitely use this to weed people out for requesting too much. Also, for you can mention you're happy to use your startup funds to purchase the big equipment to be housed in a core facility for general department use.. they tend to like that more.

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    2. It's also a good idea to peruse websites to try to figure out what instrumentation the department already has, or if there are other options available nearby (i.e. do any of the faculty collaborate with larger R01 universities nearby to use instrumentation?). Discussing the capabilities of the department as they stand shows that you've done some research and you're really interested in that particular department. If my department felt that you wouldn't be able to get started without significant instrumentation upgrades, it would be difficult to envision how you could get a productive research program started within the first few years.

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  40. Old CSU East Bay link doesn't work. Here is a new one:
    https://apply.interfolio.com/61589

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  41. The inorganic position at the University of North Georgia is for the Gainesville campus, not the Dahlonega one: https://ung.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobID=33239&job=assistant-professor-in-chemistry-inorganic-tenure-track-fall-2020

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  42. Question, if you miss the deadline by a day (or a week...), should you still apply or is it a lost cause?

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    1. It takes hiring committees a couple weeks to read the applications, and some letter writers are slow, so it's not a lost cause. After more than a few weeks though, depending on how on top of it the committee is, the ball is rolling and chances go down: applications have been read, short lists have been created, skype or on site interviews are being scheduled. If a stellar application trickles in, it might percolate up, but they've likely already found enough great applications.

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  43. The position at Mills College is for analytical and/or Inorganic (not organic). Thanks!

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  44. A call asks for 3 rec letters, 2 of which can speak to teaching ability. Can do, but this means I would need to leave out either my PhD or postdoc advisor as neither of them ever had much to do with my teaching. Does that seem like a red flag (to the committee)? I know it can be a red flag if one of your advisors WON'T provide a letter...

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    1. Can you send in 4? Or see if one of your advisors can incorporate the teaching rec letter into theirs? It's pretty common for people not to have TA'ed for their advisor.

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    2. Did you mentor students in one of those iterations? Have one of them touch on your research, then transition into what a great supervisor you were for undergrads, and supply them with your teaching reviews/CV so they can speak to your teaching, even if they weren't your direct teaching supervisor.

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    3. There is only room for 3 recommenders, but I could have my advisors speak about my mentoring - thanks for the suggestions!

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  45. For the recommendation letters, does anyone know if the recommendation letters also need to meet the deadline? Some of the schools I have submitted the whole package, however, one or two letters are not uploaded by my advisors before the deadline...

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    1. If you are strong candidate, they will contact you and ask.

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    2. That is great! Thanks! My concern is if I do not have all the recommendation letters uploaded they even do not look at my package.

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  46. Could Chemistry Education Research get added to the totals at the bottom? Seems odd that its listed but not part of the sums/totals later.

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  47. Does anyone know usually when will the candidates receive interview notice?

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    1. Last year, I heard from places in November.

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    2. Last year, phone interviews were generally within 2-3 weeks from the deadline. If you were waiting for over a month, it was likely they had already conducted phone/Skype interviews (this blog will let you know when those are occurring) and moved ahead in their search. September deadlines can have campus invites as early as late-October to early-November.

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  48. The job posting for University of Colorado Denver is listed twice: once on Aug 27 (row 245 of Excel sheet) and more recently on Sept 23 (row 269). The links to the advertisement seem to give the same information...

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  49. I just found that the deadline of the UT Austin is 10/31 not 9/15. Probably they changed the deadline (or priority date) when they re-listed their post from the defunct listing?

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    1. I noticed that too, have no idea what happened

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    2. The size of a pool wasn't satisfactory I guess.

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    3. it was definitely on 09/15 when i submitted it on 09/15, but i guess they extended the deadline

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    4. now the question is...should you resubmit, if you get a new paper accepted or you change your proposals significantly?

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    5. I will update it, in Interfolio the status is still editable

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    6. Anon @11:45AM, think I'm planning to to that too...

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  50. Any suggestions on asking for a non-confidential letter of rec for that one position that asks for it (looking at you, Clemson)?

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    1. Aren't the Clemson applications though Interfolio? You send letter requests to your recommenders and they upload their letters confidentially. I use Interfolio to handle all of my letters. Everything is confidential.

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    2. OP Here. That is normally true and is what I thought originally, but then I looked closer at the application, and they aren't using that system for some reason.

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  51. CSB/SJU has already sent out rejection emails.

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  52. Hope College conducting Skype interviews

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  53. Just realized that the last paragraph of my diversity statement has the wrong school's name. Is there any hope for my application at this point at all?

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    1. My suggestion is having a master copy with "School Name here" highlighted in yellow. May help from that mistake happening again... good luck!

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    2. If the deadline hasn't passed you might still be able to upload a new version. But if it has passed, I don't think that alone would sink you at most places if the application is strong otherwise and tailored to the right kind of institution (i.e. don't refer to graduate education a bunch in an application to a PUI). Nobody thinks you're only applying to one position at a time.

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    3. I did the same thing. Contacting HR to withdraw my application as we speak to reapply.

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    4. Thanks for the hopeful words.

      Yea, a master copy with highlights is a great idea. Thanks!

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    5. Maybe here is a related question. Is it possible to update a document for already submitted applications in interfolio or academicjobs websites before the deadline? It looks like the documents are editable, but I do not want to mess up the submission. I found two typos in the proposal narrative section.

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    6. Anon @6:54 PM, I have done so successfully in both systems (Interfolio and AJO).

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  54. Is anyone facing this dilemma?: I am engaged to be married in the near future and would like to hyphenate my last name, but this is not yet official. Additionally, in my publications, I am only using my maiden name now. In my research statement, I am using my "future" hyphenated last name for my research group in hopes that I would be hired this application cycle after our wedding. However, I am hesitant to hyphenate my name for my research group because during a Skype interview, I have had a committee member express suspicion for the choice of my research group name. Should I just use my maiden name only for my research group? I know of research groups that do not even use the PI's last name, but for some reason, my choice of a hyphenated last name as the name of my research group is not being perceived well...Sigh!

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    1. I wouldn't use your future name during the application if it's not yet official. If you get hired this year and then your name changes before you start, you just use your new name when setting up the lab and I don't think that would be a problem at all. But I could see how it would be confusing/concerning if someone applied using a name that doesn't match anything on the CV and for which there isn't a legal record of a change. In theory someone could apply for a job for which they aren't qualified that way (though this seems like a weird con game).

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    2. Use your maiden name on your applications until it's legally changed. And, even then, you can tell your new colleagues that your name has changed or you've decided to hyphenate once you're hired. But if it's not official, for the application and interview process especially, just use your maiden name so your publications match. Also, by hyphenating, you're automatically telling the search committee that you're married so you have a "two body" problem. And, that may not be something you want them to know so early on in the process. I still use my maiden name for anything work related even though I'm now married.

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    3. I'm confused... what kind of caveats did this committee member have? As someone with a hyphenated maiden name, I'd like to know.
      Also, I wouldn't use a name that isn't my legal name for applications, you can always change it when you get married. At this point, it may make paperwork more convoluted.

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    4. Anon 11:28 nailed it. Not just the two-body problem, but also "she might get pregnant." Academics like to talk a big game about feminism, but their actions say otherwise.

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    5. Comments from Twitter on this question: https://twitter.com/Chemjobber/status/1177466831038078976

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  55. Augusta University is trying to recruit for the NMR position for the fourth year in a row. They aren't giving up, are they?

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    1. Aren't they a PUI basically?

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    2. They are basically a feeder school for the medical school. A couple of years ago the old Augusta State College and Medical College of Georgia merged because the medical school was concerned about the quality of Augusta State graduates and wanted greater input.

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  56. First time on the market and saw Colgate post their open Biochem position today on a new job board while still listing the deadline that has past. Isn't it a bit early for re-posts for positions? Any reason to be concerned?

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    Replies
    1. Maybe they didn't get as big of a pool as they wanted?

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    2. Could be nothing, but that does seem a little concerning for those of us who already applied for the position...

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    3. We can all wait in silent anxiety together.

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    4. @3:50pm: thanks; that's the relatable content I came for

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    5. Having similar feelings about the UT Austin thing...

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    6. FYI Colgate now scheduling phone interviews.

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  57. UT Austin scheduling Skype interviews

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    Replies
    1. I am puzzled now. Deadline is Oct 31.

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    2. The last few years they've had multiple openings. Maybe that's it?

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  58. Berea College listed as a PhD-granting institution; I don't think that's correct

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  59. My first time applying to faculty positions. I'd like to land a job at a PUI. How long do you think my teaching philosophy statement should be?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1.5-2 pages. Enough to have some detail, but definitely keep it under 2.

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  60. Previous entry was deleted so I'll try one more time. Anyone know what a "Statement of Professional Achievement and Activity" is? This is being requested in addition to a CV, publication list, statement of past teaching experience, etc. Paragraphs or resume-like bullet points? Suggested Length?

    ReplyDelete
  61. Best guess is that it is a research summary, a 1-2 page paragraphed document where you talk about your previous research work (Professional Achievement and Activity during PhD and Postdoc I assume) and use of figure would be OK.

    I suggest you contact the phone/email of the posting school or the search committee chair and ask though, because that seems a strange way of putting it. I assume your "etc." includes a research proposal and that a research summary is not in listed there?

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  62. I am applying to R01 positions after only one year of post-doc and I don't have a postdoc paper out yet, though my first project is nearly complete and should be out the door by mid November. The reason for applying this year is that my wife's own professional training could not have worse timing with respect to academic hiring cycles. She can follow me anywhere as long as we know where that place is by next May. Because we have decided not to live apart, this year is my only chance to get a job. Is it appropriate to include this in my cover letter? That is, should I tell them that I am applying early because I am essentially kicked out of academia if I don't get a position this year. Similarly, I would be happy to start in summer 2020 or 2021 since my fellowship carries funding through to summer 2022. Is that also something to include in the cover letter?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should definitely not put any of that in a cover letter. Lots of people apply before the "ideal" time because there just aren't that many jobs out there and it often takes more than one cycle. Basically, you're not going to stand out that much, having that info won't make them view your application in a better light and, at some places, it might make them worry about your level of commitment.

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    2. I agree with 9:33. Some ideas that might help:
      1) Include a nice-and-complete-as-possible draft to make "manuscript in preparation" seem true
      2) Update your CV once that paper is submitted
      3) Have your advisor address the imminent submission in their letter, how much you've accomplished in so short a time, and how super-ready you are to embark on an independent career

      Separate from getting the offer, you can usually postpone starting this upcoming fall if there is more training that would be beneficial at your postdoc.

      Good luck.

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  63. i am going to ask a dumb question here: for the position at the University of Minnesota, i can't figure out how to register an account to apply. It always directs me to a "MyU" login page that requires an U of M ID. i registered for a guest account and it doesn't work either. any thoughts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't submitted anything but I ran into a similar problem. I also created an account, tried to sign in, and it also gave me the guest ID error. However, if I leave that tab open, go back to the 2020 chemistry faculty spreadsheet in a new tab, click the link for umn, it opens a new, different window. This only seems to happen if I have tried the sign in and gotten the error. From this new window I can click apply now in the top right. I haven't gone through it in full detail but it seems to be the right portal.

      Also, in the second new window I had to re- register again. I have no idea what I did wrong but this sequence seems to work for me.

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    2. to be clear, when I try again after having been rejected the first time, the window that opens up when I click on the link in the 2020 faculty jobs list it is a totally new window that I hadn't seen before. The link in the 2020 faculty spreadsheet seems to lead to different places depending on whether I have gotten the guest ID error recently. Surely my solution is not how it is supposed to be done but I just did it again and this sequence reproduces. Hopefully it works for you.

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    3. I had similar issue a few days ago, but I just tried to register normally through the chemjobber link and everything is fine now. I guess it was just a bug and they finally fixed it.

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  64. Am I the only one confused about the Boston Univ application? No research statement required?

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  65. VMI is scheduling Skype interviews.

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  66. With a lot of these interfolio-based applications they list a hard deadline of Month, Date, 11:59 pm. However they later go on to say that this date is only to receive full consideration.

    What is full consideration and do the application portals become inaccessible on Month, Date, 11:59 pm?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I found out last year that if there is an actual date/time listed on the main Delivery page of Interfolio then, yes, the application becomes inaccessible after the deadline unless the college opens up the application again. Others have open or no deadlines listed on the main Interfolio Delivery page but the job ad will mention, for example, "Full consideration will be given to applications received by September 30, 2019, but review of applications will continue until the position is filled." In this case, the application remains open on Interfolio (and Editable) but there's no guarantee your application will be considered if submitted after the specified date.

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  67. I'm not sure where I should be complaining about this, but I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed. Some of my application portals give an option to "Apply with Chronicle Vitae". University of Utah, Columbia and NC State are examples. I chose that option because I have trouble remembering passwords and it allowed me to use one account for several applications. As of this Friday, this button is no longer operational in all of the application portals. This wouldn't be a big deal, but I used to able to access my completed applications and check on the status of reference letters. I no longer seem to be able to do this. I know that this should not impact my completed applications, but I'm also worried.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I noticed the same thing. I've been able to circumvent it by logging in with Chronicle Vitae then selecting the forgot/change my password option. The link in the email has let me visit my application. It's a pain and I'm not sure if it would work with every school's application portal.

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    2. Anon @8:37 AM. Thanks, that worked. A bit cumbersome, but could check the letter status.

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  68. Am I the only one who finds this whole process to be ridiculous? I feel like having to make logins for all these websites and having to make some weird, one off documents is not respectful of anyone's time. If this is how the departments treat people who are applying to them, imagine how some of them must treat the people that work there

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Totally. These departments that require specialized documents or have arbitrary page requirements for the research proposals (2 pages for some of them!) are ridiculous. We have to jump through all these hoops just for a 4 in 500 chance of getting an interview. If I'm ever on a search committee, I'm going to make sure that these weird ass requirements are not part of the application process.

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    2. I have a new hypothesis. This misery is by design and for our own good. Not one single thing has made me reconsider academia more than this agonizing process. If you don't want to be a professor anymore, the pain of failure is lessened.

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  69. I have a question regarding the opening(s) in Scripps. Is there a way that I can choose which site I apply to (Jupiter or La Jolla)? There seems to be no such an option in Interfolio. Does this mean I can only specify this on the cover letter? Also there seems to be no contact email/phone to ask this question. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I believe the call says it is a bicoastal review and you could be chosen for an interview at either location.

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  70. Anyone familiar with the UC recruitment deadlines and how flexible they are? I thought my last file (of 15) was uploaded by 11:59 pm but it looks like it didn't upload until 12:00 am - one minute late. So now it's saying I can still edit but that my application may or may not be reviewed as the last review date (Oct 1st) has passed. Anyone know if it's accessible by the Search committee or is it just sitting in some queue waiting for the Dec 31st final deadline? I take full responsibility; it's just extremely disappointing.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Is it acceptable/reasonable to reapply to places that are seeking to fill the same position as last year if (a) you were not even short-listed for a phone interview last year and (b) you were invited for a campus interview but then withdrew after receiving two other offers (which then later fell apart)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. (b) seems like it would be very awkward.

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    2. Did you withdraw before they could make you an offer or after?

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    3. I withdrew before the actual campus interview (before plane tickets were purchased) because I already had two offers and thought I was safe.

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    4. Can I ask why the other two offers fell through?

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    5. The two offers came a week apart and the first one only gave a week to decide. So after a week, instead of asking for more time (which is what I should have done), I respectfully declined to accept the second. And, then, the second offer was withdrawn by the University.

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    6. Ahh that sucks. Hope things go better for you this year!

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  72. I feel like that is less awkward then, since they could still go back to the pool and invite someone else.

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  73. UW-Platteville has moved their priority date to 10/15 it seems!

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  74. What is up with all these searches saying "all areas of chemistry" or "chemistry, broadly-defined" and then not acknowledging analytical chemistry in the drop-down menu for research area in the application itself? Is there even any point in applying if you are an analytical chemist?

    Starting to think this guy on Twitter is onto something: https://twitter.com/facundofGT/status/1177601611688026114

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The drop down menu thing could be a bunch of things: the department didn't make the list, they already gave a glut of analytical chemists, there was miscommunication with HR, any number of things. I wouldn't take it as an "analytical chemists need not apply." Just because an option isn't on a drop down menu doesn't mean that it's not worth applying. I've found selling the breadth of areas that analytical chemistry overlaps with (and thus areas you can benefit the department from) to be a really powerful selling tool even if the department isn't specifically looking for an analytical chemist. It's just one of those things to address in the cover letter.

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    2. Some departments don't have "analytical chemistry" as an official division. It doesn't mean that no analytical chemists need apply, just that professors who are essentially analytical chemists are officially classified as physical, inorganic, or organic at that university.

      Another possible explanation: clunky, poorly-configured applicant tracking software is a pretty common thing in industry. Anon 8:03 may be right that there was a miscommunication with whoever entered the position into the applicant tracking software, not a deliberate attempt to say "analytical chemists need not apply."

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  75. Anyone hear from SMC?

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  76. Hi, is there a shared google sheet for non-tenure track positions in chemistry? If so, where can I find it?

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  77. phone interview should be just around the corner...this waiting process is hard!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed. I expected there to be more interviews posted by this point.

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  78. Mississippi State University has started scheduling skype interview.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't their priority date 10/1? Such a fast turn-around!

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    2. If a very strong candidate had applied, they would not want to lose the one from competing schools.

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