It’s never too soon to start preparing for a faculty job search. The Faculty Job Search Series is a multi-week series designed to demystify the required application materials and the overall process.
In this series, participants will get familiar with the landscape of higher education in the U.S., learn how to craft and organize the job application materials, and gain a general understanding of the interview process.
Fall 2025 Workshops
August 22– Faculty Job Materials Boot Camp
9:00 am – 5:00pm
McDonnell Medical Sciences Building, room 100
Transform your academic job search with this intensive, hands-on workshop in the McDonnell Medical Sciences building. Over the course of a full day, you’ll learn the art of tailoring your application materials to stand out in today’s competitive academic job market. Working with expert facilitators, you’ll learn proven strategies for crafting targeted CVs, persuasive cover letters, compelling teaching statements, and authentic personal statements that align with specific job openings. You’ll leave with strong drafts of your materials, personalized feedback, and the confidence to apply for your dream faculty position.
Workshop facilitators
Peter Myers, Ph.D. (Office of Postdoctoral Affairs); Kyle Farris, Ph.D. (Center for Career Engagement); Kate Harnish, Ph.D. (Writing Center & Speaking Studio); Lisa Kuehne, Ph.D. (Center for Teaching and Learning)
September 5– Landscape of Higher Education in the U.S.
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Farrell Learning & Teaching Center, room 302
The landscape of higher education offers diverse career paths for aspiring faculty members. Whether you’re drawn to research-intensive universities, teaching-focused colleges, or specialized institutions, there’s a wonderful academic environment waiting for you. This interactive workshop will guide you through the various routes to becoming a faculty member, from understanding different institutional types and their unique cultures to mapping out practical steps for your academic career journey.
Workshop Facilitator
Paola Cepeda, Ph.D. (Office of Postdoctoral Affairs)
September 12– Research Statement Roundtables
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Farrell Learning & Teaching Center, room 302
Writing a compelling research statement is one of the most complex challenges in the faculty job search. You must present research that’s both feasible and innovative, drawing on your unique background while demonstrating deep expertise in your field. Your statement needs to convince hiring committees that you can execute your proposed work within realistic timelines, secure necessary funding, collaborate effectively with departmental colleagues, and mentor the next generation of researchers. It’s a tall order that requires balancing ambition with practicality.
These discipline-specific roundtables offer valuable insight from faculty who recently navigated this challenge themselves. You’ll hear firsthand strategies for crafting research statements that opened doors, learn what worked (and what didn’t), and get practical advice tailored to your field. Join your colleagues in small-group discussions organized by discipline: Humanities & Social Sciences, STEM, and Biomedical Sciences.
Roundtable Speakers
Jaclyn Kaslovsky, Ph.D. (Political Science); Josh Oltmanns, Ph.D. (Psychological & Brain Sciences)
Gregory Kehne, Ph.D. (Computer Science & Engineering); Karthik Ramanathan, Ph.D. (Physics)
Amber Griffith Neil, Ph.D. (Medicine); José Marcio Luna, Ph.D. (Radiology)
September 19– Job Talks & Chalk Talks
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Farrell Learning & Teaching Center, room 302
You’ve landed the interview! Congratulations!
Now comes the next challenge: delivering a stellar job talk and potentially a chalk talk. If you’re wondering what these presentations entail or how to make yours memorable for all the right reasons, this panel is for you.
Join experienced faculty members who’ve sat on both sides of the interview table as they share insider perspectives on what makes a job talk truly shine. You’ll hear candid stories about standout presentations, common pitfalls to avoid, and those small but crucial details that can elevate your performance. Our panelists will demystify the process, from structuring your talk to handling tough questions, so you can walk into your interview with confidence and clarity.
Come prepared with questions as this is your chance to get honest, practical advice from faculty who know exactly what search committees are looking for.
Panel Speakers
Meghan Campbell, Ph.D. (Neurology and Radiology, WashU)
Morgan Grotewiel, Ph.D.(Psychology, Webster University)
Mohini Sengupta, Ph.D. (Biology, St. Louis University)
September 26– The Interview
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Farrell Learning & Teaching Center, room 302
Landing a faculty interview is an incredible achievement. You’re officially a top candidate! But as the excitement settles in, you may wonder, “what exactly happens during those intimidating full-day interview schedules? How do I navigate everything from formal presentations to casual dinners with the search committee?“
The academic interview process is a marathon, not a sprint, and after weeks of preparation, it’s natural to feel both exhausted and anxious about the final hurdle. This faculty panel will walk you through the typical interview format, from morning meetings to evening social events, so you know exactly what to expect. You’ll learn practical strategies for maintaining your energy and enthusiasm throughout the day, discover ways to make authentic connections with potential colleagues, and get insider tips on how to stand out positively at every stage of the process.
Come ready to ask questions about everything from handling awkward dinner conversations to managing interview fatigue. Our panelists have been there and want to help you succeed.
Panel Speakers
Jeramia Ory, Ph.D. (Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, WashU)
Stella Park, Ph.D. (Communications & Journalism, Webster University)
Laurie Shornick, Ph.D. (Biology, St. Louis University)