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All views expressed here are experiences/opinions of two people, and intended only for information, not practical application

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How do you know if youre ready Ask your PI - their opinion is the only one that matters! If you think youre ready, but they dont, convince them Theoretical requirement: ability to initiate and sustain an independent research PROGRAM Practical requirement: sustained success in publishing and funding (optional, but highly preferred) Nature/Science/Cell NOT required A single one of those, or a few others

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Before applying At all steps, ask people you know that just went through it for their input and templates Apply for funding: ability to get published and funded = most important factor Transition-to-independence grants (US = K99 ; EU = ERC starting grant) If you get one, youre nearly guaranteed a job, so why not try? If you dont get one, dont let it stop you from applying for faculty positions Compile ideas for research proposal - start early!

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Applying Conferences: the smaller the better Tell EVERYONE you meet at conferences (and anyone else that will listen) that youre looking its not awkward, theyve all done it some jobs are not advertised (ESPECIALLY in Europe) Cold emails to department chairs are fine but unlikely to work - send cover letter and CV If you mentors can help spread the word, super!

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Applying Build a website, write a research (2-5pgs) and teaching proposal (1pg) Think of research proposal as real grant application - 3 aims, sub-aims, figures to demonstrate feasibility and expertise tight working hypothesis, significance, coherence, fundability far-reaching but not fantastical I included potential collaborators here in predefined spots

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Applying Apply for EVERYTHING (Nature, Cell, Science, Chronicle of Higher Ed, ASCB, ASBMB, academicjobsonline.org, Simply Hired) tailor cover letters no cost ; all upside graduate-school.phds.org/rankings Remind references (3-5) early and often, including deadlines, etc

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Timing Rigid schedule based off academic year calls = late August - mid October interview invitations = late October - mid December (will hear from very few No) interviews = Jan-Feb (can be as early as Oct prepare early!) Notifications/negotiations = Feb-March start in August

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Timing and interviews Interviews are exhausting 2-day blab-fests 30-45min talks w up to 20 people Previous research seminar (90% old stuff/10% new stuff) and a chalk talk (10%/90%) Emphasize collaborations and fit Know the expectations from the department format, audience etc. Be confident and polite Every minute onsite is interview Be prepared to talk about family although not legal to ask

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Timing and interviews Medical school vs basic science departments are VERY different salary support, teaching, colleagues, PhD students About 3-6 candidates/job, so interview guaranteed job Experience comes from practice real or mock

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Job Offers What is included in the offer (get all in writing)? Start-up money Your salary (what percentage and for how long?) Lab space Grad students / technicians? How much teaching? Protected time? Tenure process: how long? when does clock start? Access to core facilities? Cost? Personal issues - family, quality of life, cost of living, etc

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Negotiating Offers Detailed budgets vs large chunks of cash Specific and budgets help justify expenses Add up everything you think youll need, then double it Can negotiate EVERYTHING on previous page Also lab renovations and timeline Often a second visit is to hammer out details and figure out living situations - this time theyre recruiting YOU

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Finalizing Offers Usually 30 days to make final decision Have all details in writing in the final offer - you want to know the realities of what youre comparing An email or phone call seals the deal, signatures are formalities

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After you get it Start thinking about independent grants right away. Not applying, just gathering ideas/data/directions 3 aims with 2-3 sub-aims per aim 1 figure/sub-aim to demonstrate that you can do what you propose NO unvalidated screens For two weeks, go through your normal experiments and write down EVERYTHING you use these will be the things you MUST have to get started Start-up package ~ $1M (including your salary for a couple of years) Borrow as many useful reagents/protocols/cell lines/plasmids/etc as possible from your lab and coworkers

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Starting up Do not be in a huge rush to hire: bad hire = BIG mistake Nature Jobs is free and will get you 100s of applicants HUGE new lab discounts (up to 50%) available from all vendors senior technician may be a useful first hire, as they know ordering/equipment/how to deal with vendors/etc For budgeting, add 25% to salaries for benefits ~$50-100K for start-up equipment and supplies then around $20-25K/yr/researcher for consumable

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Good luck!! Feel free to contact me: Ilya = Ilya.Levental@uth.tmc.edu ; 713-500-5566Ilya.Levental@uth.tmc.edu