The Journey to Becoming a Professor: Steps After Earning a PhD

After earning a PhD, the road to becoming a professor in the United States can be both exciting and challenging. This journey involves several key steps: securing a tenure-track position, the application for promotion and tenure, and the university's hiring process. This article will outline the detailed steps and requirements involved in each stage, offering valuable insights for recent PhD graduates and current postdoctoral researchers.

Securing a Tenure-Track Position

The first step towards becoming a professor is securing a tenure-track position at a college or university in the US. This involves several stages, starting with an application process that can be quite intensive. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Job Advertisements and Applications

Colleges and universities post job ads on their websites and in publications specific to the field, such as 'The Chronicle of Higher Education'. This advertisement occurs typically during the last year of the doctoral studies when the candidate is planning to defend their thesis, though they can apply after graduation as well. The application process starts with submitting a curriculum vitae (CV) to the hiring committee, which is often composed of professors in the relevant department. The committee then shortlists candidates and invites them for additional materials and interviews. Some institutions also conduct video interviews to screen a large number of candidates before bringing a few to campus.

Interview Process

The interview process is carefully structured to assess both the candidate's qualifications and their fit with the university. A typical sequence of events includes:

Research Presentation: Candidates are usually asked to give a research presentation to the faculty to showcase their work. Teaching Sample Class: Some universities request candidates to teach a sample class to evaluate their teaching skills. Faculty, Chair, and Dean Interactions: The faculty, chair, and dean assess the candidate's fit with the institution, considering research and teaching capabilities and the potential for future growth.

Ultimately, after these rigorous evaluations, the candidate is offered a position. A period of consideration (often a few weeks) allows the candidate to compare offers and negotiate terms. If the first candidate declines, the next candidate on the list can be offered the position, and the process continues.

The Application for Promotion and Tenure

Once secured, the tenure-track position is a six-year period during which the candidate works towards promotion and tenure. This process involves several crucial elements:

Requirements and Materials

The candidate must provide a detailed dossier that includes:

Research CV and publication list Teaching evaluations and syllabi Letters of recommendation from colleagues and former mentors Letters from current colleagues and mentors at the institution A statement of future research plans and goals A sample of their teaching materials

The dossier is evaluated by a committee that includes members of the department and beyond, as well as outside reviewers who are experts in the field. The committee then makes a recommendation to the Dean and Chair.

Decision and Next Steps

The Dean and Chair make a final decision about promotion and tenure based on the committee's recommendation. If approved, the candidate officially becomes a tenured professor, ensuring job security for life at that institution.

Conclusion

The journey from earning a PhD to becoming a professor is a complex, rigorous, and rewarding process. It involves securing a tenure-track position, compiling a robust dossier for promotion and tenure, and impressing various stakeholders within the institution. For prospective professors, understanding this process can significantly enhance their chances of success. The key is thorough preparation, ongoing engagement, and a clear vision for one's professional development.