Academic Job Search

September 30, 2026 · March 11, 2027 · April 13, 2027

Virtual Webinar Series | Individual Event Registration Available

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Ace the Faculty Interview: Insights from Preparation to Execution | 12:00-1:30pm ET

Event Summary

Academic job interviews are complex, high-stakes experiences that require candidates to communicate their research, teaching, leadership potential, and professional fit across multiple settings and audiences. This workshop will help graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and research fellows understand the structure, expectations, and nuances of the academic job interview process, whether they are preparing for the current hiring cycle or planning ahead for a future search. Participants will explore common interview formats, job talk and chalk talk strategies, what to expect, and how to prepare.

The workshop will address how to communicate research effectively to diverse audiences, prepare for common interview questions, deliver compelling job talks, and navigate meetings with faculty, trainees, and administrators. It will also cover how to evaluate institutional fit, raise sensitive or critical personal considerations, and present yourself professionally and authentically throughout the interview process. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the instructor.

Join live, watch later. The best experience happens live: join the conversation, ask questions, and engage with the instructor in real time. Register now to secure your spot and receive access to the recording, giving you the flexibility to tune in live, catch up later, or revisit the content anytime.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be better able to:

  • Describe key elements of the academic job search and interview process
  • Compare the goals and expectations of research talks, chalk talks, and teaching talks
  • Develop a list of important questions to ask faculty, trainees, administrators, and search committee members during the interview process
  • Identify strategies for responding to common questions from search committees, faculty, administrators, and trainees
  • Develop an interview plan with a focus on advance preparation, stress management, professional presentation, and post-interview actions

Intended Audience

This program is designed for:

  • Senior graduate students preparing for faculty or academic research job searches
  • Postdoctoral researchers preparing for academic interviews or considering faculty career paths
  • Research fellows seeking to better understand the academic hiring and interview process
  • Graduate students, postdocs, and fellows who are not yet on the job market but want to prepare for a future academic search
  • Researchers interested in learning more about academic job searches, interview expectations, and faculty hiring processes

Meet the Instructor

Sharon Milgram, PhD
Sharon Milgram, PhD
Sharon Milgram, PhD, is a nationally recognized leader in biomedical research training, workforce development, and organizational culture, with more than 30 years of leadership experience in academia and government. She most recently served as Director of the Office of Intramural Training and Education at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she led programs supporting the career development and well-being of intramural fellows. Prior to her NIH role, Milgram was a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). At UNC, she led a federally funded research program, founded the Office of Postdoctoral Services, and dramatically expanded the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences graduate program.

Pricing

While the Academic Job Search Series is designed to support comprehensive skill development, each session can also be attended as a standalone event. We encourage registering for the full series to achieve the full list of learning objectives. Bundled member pricing offers the best value, and nonmembers may wish to explore the cost savings and additional benefits of membership before registering.



*Our Student community includes Postdocs and Fellows

Category Series Rate Individual Event Rate

Member: Student*

$25

$10

Nonmember: Student*

$65

$35

Member

$50

$20

Nonmember

$130

$50
Register Now

CVs and Cover Letters for Academic Jobs | 12:30-2:00pm ET

Event Summary

A strong curriculum vitae and well-crafted cover letter are essential components of a successful academic job application. Search committees often review hundreds of applications, making it critical for candidates to communicate their scholarly accomplishments, research trajectory, teaching experience, and professional contributions in a clear, strategic, and compelling manner.

Yet many graduate students and postdoctoral researchers may receive limited guidance on how to effectively present their qualifications for faculty, research, teaching, and other academic positions. In addition, they may be unsure how to assess how they may fit and whether they may thrive within the position’s institution.

Through peer review and guided exercises, this interactive workshop will provide practical guidance for developing competitive application materials for the academic job market. Participants will learn how to confidently build CVs that quickly grab the reader’s interest, tailor application materials to different institution types and position announcements, and craft cover letters that clearly and concisely articulate their qualifications and fit.

Attendees are encouraged to bring drafts of their materials for review and refinement.

The interactive workshop will be conducted via Zoom meeting. Participants will be encouraged to engage in practical discussions and activities.

Register Now

Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be better able to:

  • Develop clear, effective CVs that concisely highlight relevant experience
  • Craft compelling cover letters that communicate interest, value, and fit in a focused narrative
  • Tailor application materials by aligning content with job descriptions and employer expectations
  • Apply peer review, incorporate feedback, and embrace iteration

Intended Audience

This program is designed for:

  • Doctoral students preparing for faculty, research, teaching, or other academic job applications

  • Postdoctoral researchers seeking academic positions at research-intensive, teaching-focused, or hybrid institutions

  • Researchers pursuing careers in academia who want to communicate their qualifications more effectively to search committees

Meet the Instructor

Jim Gould, PhD
Jim Gould, PhD
Dr. Gould is the Director for Postdoctoral Affairs and the Program Director for Responsible Conduct of Research at Harvard Medical School. He has implemented research, career, and professional development programs and policies for trainees since 2011. Jim has spoken and published on career and professional development topics in various forums, locally and internationally, including his book, 'Making the Most of the Postdoc' and podcast, 'Propelling Careers'. Jim received his PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Louisville and did his postdoc training at Frederick National Labs of the National Cancer Institute.

Pricing

While the Academic Job Search Series is designed to support comprehensive skill development, each session can also be attended as a standalone event. We encourage registering for the full series to achieve the full list of learning objectives. Bundled member pricing offers the best value, and nonmembers may wish to explore the cost savings and additional benefits of membership before registering.

*Our Student community includes Postdocs and Fellows

Register Now
Category Series Rate Individual Event Rate

Member: Student*

$25

$10

Nonmember: Student*

$65

$35

Member

$50

$20

Nonmember

$130

$50

Teaching and Research Statements for Faculty Jobs | 12:00-1:30pm ET

Event Summary

Teaching and research statements are among the most important components of an academic job application. However, communicating a tangible evidence-based teaching approach in just a single page and then conveying a feasible, fundable, and future-focused research program in just a few pages can be exceptionally challenging. In addition, many graduate students and postdoctoral researchers receive limited guidance on how to develop statements that effectively communicate their strengths and align with institutional expectations.

This interactive workshop will help participants develop and refine teaching and research statements for faculty and academic job applications. Attendees will explore strategies for crafting an evidence-based teaching philosophy that demonstrates a clear approach to student learning, mentorship, and inclusive instruction. The workshop will also address how to develop a research statement that presents a coherent, feasible, and fundable research agenda while communicating long-term scholarly impact.

Through guided exercises, examples, peer feedback, and discussion, participants will learn how to tailor these materials to different institution types and position announcements.

Attendees are encouraged to bring drafts of their statements for review and refinement.

This interactive workshop will be conducted via Zoom meeting. Participants will be encouraged to engage in practical discussions and activities.

Register Now

Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be better able to:

  • Communicate a clear academic narrative by aligning teaching philosophy and research vision with career goals
  • Develop effective teaching statements that demonstrate a concrete, evidence‑based approach in a concise format
  • Design compelling research statements that communicate a feasible, fundable, and forward‑looking program
  • Apply peer review, incorporate feedback, and embrace iteration

Intended Audience

This program is designed for:

  • Doctoral students preparing faculty application materials for upcoming academic job searches
  • Postdoctoral researchers seeking tenure-track, research faculty, teaching faculty, or other academic positions
  • Early-career scholars developing teaching and research statements for the first time
  • Scientists and researchers interested in strengthening their ability to communicate their research vision and educational approach
  • Academic job seekers seeking feedback and practical strategies for refining core application materials

Meet the Instructor

Jim Gould, PhD
Jim Gould, PhD
Dr. Gould is the Director for Postdoctoral Affairs and the Program Director for Responsible Conduct of Research at Harvard Medical School. He has implemented research, career, and professional development programs and policies for trainees since 2011. Jim has spoken and published on career and professional development topics in various forums, locally and internationally, including his book, 'Making the Most of the Postdoc' and podcast, 'Propelling Careers'. Jim received his PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Louisville and did his postdoc training at Frederick National Labs of the National Cancer Institute.

Pricing

While the Academic Job Search Series is designed to support comprehensive skill development, each session can also be attended as a standalone event. We encourage registering for the full series to achieve the full list of learning objectives. Bundled member pricing offers the best value, and nonmembers may wish to explore the cost savings and additional benefits of membership before registering.

*Our Student community includes Postdocs and Fellows

Category Series Rate Individual Event Rate

Member: Student*

$25

$10

Nonmember: Student*

$65

$35

Member

$50

$20

Nonmember

$130

$50
Register Now