Academic Job Search Series

Graduate students and postdocs interested in exploring career options in academia can participate in the Academic Job Search Series throughout the 2017-18 academic year. The series addresses tenure-track faculty positions during the fall semester and broad career options in academia during the spring semester. You can find topics relevant to all students as well as specialized panels for two broad disciplinary areas: the humanities and social sciences, and sciences and engineering. This series is offered every two years and is co-sponsored with the Duke Career Center and the Office of Postdoctoral Services.

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math Seminars

Behind the Scenes with the Search Committee: The Academic Application Process (for Postdocs and Graduate Students in the Sciences and Engineering)

Tuesday September 19, 9:00 am to 10:30 am
In this session, a faculty panel in the sciences and engineering will discuss the faculty recruitment process from the search committee’s perspective. Topics include what the search committee looks for in application documents (CV, cover letter, research/teaching statements), the screening process, and selecting candidates to interview. More information.

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Academic CV & Cover Letter Workshop for STEM Graduate Students & Postdocs

Wednesday October 11, 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Academic cover letters are your opportunity to expand on your CV, tell your personal narrative, and convince the reader how you will add value to their department. In this workshop, you will learn how to craft compelling CVs and cover letters that emphasize how your specific skills and experiences will fit within and enrich academic institutions. More information.

The Academic Interview (for Postdocs and Graduate Students in the Sciences and Engineering)

Tuesday October 17, 9:00 am to 10:30 am
In this session, a panel faculty members in the sciences and engineering will discuss the interview process for faculty jobs, including the campus visit, the job talk/chalk talk, and typical interview questions. More information.

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Managing a Research Budget: Panel Discussion for STEM Graduate Students and Postdocs

Tuesday Oct 31, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Research budgets can be a nebulous topic unless you are a faculty member. How many grants should you apply for? How many graduate students or postdocs could you take on? Where does the money for your salary come from? Come to this panel to discuss these questions and more with faculty. More information.

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Humanities and Social Sciences Seminars

Behind the Scenes with the Search Committee: The Academic Application Package (for Postdocs and Graduate Students in the Humanities and Social Sciences)

Thursday September 28, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
In this session, a panel of faculty in the humanities and social sciences will discuss the faculty recruitment process from the search committee’s perspective. Topics include what the search committee looks for in application documents (CV, cover letter, research/teaching statements), the screening process, and selecting candidates to interview. More information.

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

The Interview Process for Faculty Positions (for Postdocs and Graduate Students in the Humanities and Social Sciences)

Tuesday Oct 3, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
In this session, a panel of faculty members in the humanities and social sciences will discuss the interview process for faculty jobs, including the campus visit, the job talk, and typical interview questions. More information.

Request access to the videorecording

Humanities and Social Science Postdocs: What, Where, Why, and How

Wednesday October 4, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
With so much emphasis on the tenure-track job market, it can be easy for graduate students to overlook postdoctoral opportunities. Join us for an informal, engaging conversation about postdoc appointments and how they can advance an academic career.  We’ll discuss how to locate and evaluate opportunities, how to be a competitive candidate, and how to make the most of your time as a postdoc. More information.

Negotiating the Academic Job Offer (for Postdocs and Graduate Students in the Humanities and Social Sciences)

Monday October 23, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
In this session, a panel of faculty members from the humanities and social sciences address common elements that can be negotiated when an offer is extended. They also answer questions about common pitfalls in the process. More information.

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Seminars for All Graduate Students and Postdocs

The Tech-Savvy Academic Job Search

Monday September 11, 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to use an RSS aggregator to simultaneously collect search results from hundreds of job posting sites, including the Chronicle of Higher Education and many other well-established, reputable sources of academic job postings (it really is much more efficient than getting email alerts.) Bring your laptop. This workshop is suitable for postdocs and graduate students in all academic disciplines. More information.

The Teaching Statement

Monday October 2, 12:00 pm  to 1:30 pm
A teaching portfolio is more than a collection of documents: it is set of claims about your teaching and evidence to support them. In this workshop, you will examine how claims and evidence can be framed in way that allows you demonstrate your skill (or potential) as a university instructor in a teaching statement supported by materials created by you (such as videos, handouts and student assignments). This workshop is suitable for postdocs and graduate students in all academic disciplines. More information.

Inside Graduate Admissions: An Introduction for Future Faculty

Tuesday October 17, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Graduate students and postdocs preparing for faculty careers at research institutions will likely participate in graduate admissions—but they likely have little information about the process. Who does the system work for, and who falls through its cracks? Drawing on firsthand observations of admission committees and interviews with faculty in 10 top-ranked doctoral programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, Julie Posselt, PhD, will pull back the curtain on a process usually conducted in secret. More information.

Gender Differences in Academia: Challenges and Choices along Career Paths in Higher Education

Thursday October 19, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Men and women are still treated differently based on gender stereotypes, and higher education is not immune to gender bias. This presentation explores some of the possible situations women and men may encounter as well as provide information on current research findings related to the gender divide in college and university settings. More information.

Understanding Power and Politics in Higher Education

Tuesday October 24, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Many postdocs and graduate students are aiming for a traditional tenure-track job, but have little experience with how the university system “actually works” in terms of budget realities, politics, and the hierarchy of decision-making. In this seminar, Belinda Lee Huang, PhD, will discuss the key topics. More information.


Core Competencies

An Introduction to Your Professional Development at Duke: A Workshop for Master's Students

Friday, September 8, 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Whether you’re a new master's student or about to finish your program, this workshop will help you familiarize yourself with the career and professional development resources, programs, and opportunities available at Duke and beyond. More information

Graduate Etiquette Workshop and Luncheon

Saturday, September 16, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Learn how to project a professional image and optimize your confidence in professional interactions. This workshop will be centered around a catered lunch to demonstrate the art of dining graciously.  More information

Cultivating a Culture of Mentoring

Tuesday, September 12, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
How can you establish supportive mentoring relationships? What is the role of good mentoring in your success as a graduate student? Join in the conversation in this interactive workshop. More information

Preparing for Corporate America

Friday, September 22, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
This talk will help you identify key skills and competencies that will help position you for a successful career launch and upward professional trajectory in corporate America. More information

How Do You Lead People Who are Not Like You? A Myers-Briggs Type Workshop

Tuesday, September 26, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
This interactive workshop will help you learn not only about your own behaviors and preferences but also how people with different personality types might perceive them, impacting your effectiveness as a leader.  More information

Cultivating Intercultural Communication for Collaboration

Friday, September 29, 12:00 to 2:00 pm
In this workshop, you will learn the three major cultural communication styles and how your preferences might interact with those of the people you work with; all participants must complete an assessment of communication preferences by September 20. More information

The Two-Hour Job Search, Featuring Steve Dalton

Tuesday, October 3, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
In this workshop, Fuqua career coach and The 2-Hour Job Search author Steve Dalton offers an exact process – rather than a series of tips – for effectively turning strangers into advocates, leading to more internal referrals and more job interviews. The recording of this event is available here through 10/1/2018 to authenticated Duke users. More information

An Introduction to Your Professional Development at Duke: A Workshop for Ph.D. Students

Tuesday, October 3, 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Whether you’re a new PhD student or about to finish your program, this workshop will help you familiarize yourself with the career and professional development resources, programs, and opportunities available at Duke and beyond. More information

Presenting Your Research in U.S. Industry Culture

Friday, October 20, 2017, 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

This workshop will help you prepare and present your research to appeal to audiences in the US corporate world. More information

 

Preparing Ph.D. Applications: A Workshop for Master’s Students

 

Tuesday, October 31, 12-1:30 pm

Gain insights into the decision-making processes of doctoral admissions committees with this workshop. More information


Ph.D. Career Paths

Translational Science Training Program

August 28 to August 29
The TSTP is an innovative training program that, in one two-day course, intertwines interdisciplinary scientific content, understanding of the drug development process, professional skills development, clinical trial terminology, and career exploration for graduate students and postdocs. Application deadline July 28. More information

Info Session: Duke DIscovering Career Options in Translational Science (DICOTS)

August 29, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Learn about the DICOTS Network, which supports graduate students who are interested in exploring career options outside the traditional academic track, such as public policy, global health, industry, and regulatory affairs. Applications close 9/15. More information

Ask Me Anything with Dr. Desney Tan, Microsoft Health

September 6 to September 8 (online)
Join Desney Tan, Senior Director of Microsoft's Clinical Sensing and Analytics group, for an AMA hosted by Versatile PhD. More information

Insight Data Science Fellowship Info Session

October 3, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Greg Antell, Program Director for Insight Data Science Boston, will discuss careers in data science and data engineering and will share information on the Insight Data Fellows Programs, tuition-free professional fellowships for students and postdocs looking to transition to these careers. More information

Ask Me Anything with Dr. Peter Fiske, Technology Entrepreneur

October 11 to October 13 (online)
Join Peter Fiske, author of the science careers classic "Put Your Science to WORK!", for an AMA hosted by Versatile PhD. More information

“Career Opportunities Beyond the Bench: One Man’s Journey through Big Pharma, Consulting, and Government” with Nader Halim, Ph.D., MPH, Senior Director, Pfizer

October 26, 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Nader Halim, Ph.D., MPH, will discuss how he made the leap from academia to industry, describe his job duties and what a typical day is like at Pfizer, and give first-hand advice to grad students and postdocs who are considering moving from academia to industry. More information

An Environmental Sciences Ph.D.’s Career Path in Research, Conservation, Education, and Public Policy

November 7, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Join us for this limited-enrollment lunch for informal conversation with Dr. Hilary Swain, Executive Director and Senior Research Biologist at Archbold Biological Station, who has crafted a career that combines ecological research, conservation, and education. More information

Introduction to ImaginePhD: An Online Tool for Humanities and Social Sciences PhD Students and Postdocs

November 9, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm and November 15, 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm
This workshop will introduce you to the ImaginePhD online tool, designed for humanities and social sciences PhD students, postdocs, and alumni. We’ll complete skills and interests assessments, explore the tool’s resources for careers of interest, and begin creating a plan for career exploration and professional development. More information for 11/9, more information for 11/15

Academic Job Search Series

Graduate students and postdocs interested in exploring career options in academia can participate in the Academic Job Search Series throughout the 2017-18 academic year. The series addresses tenure-track faculty positions during the fall semester and broad career options in academia during the spring semester. You can find topics relevant to all students as well as specialized panels for two broad disciplinary areas: the humanities and social sciences, and sciences and engineering. This series is offered every two years and is co-sponsored with the Duke Career Center and the Office of Postdoctoral Services.

Visit the Academic Job Search Series webpage for a complete listing of events.

What Is A Provost? And Other Questions about Working in Academia that You Were Afraid to Ask
Tuesday, January 30, 12-1 p.m.
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between academic affairs and student affairs or contemplated the distinction between department chairs and department heads, then join us for this presentation and conversation. More information

CV Workshop for Graduate Students and Postdocs
Thursday, February 1, 10-11:30 a.m.
In this workshop, you will learn how to craft compelling CVs that emphasize how your specific skills and experiences will fit academic and non-academic institutions. More information

Doctors without (Departmental) Borders: Professional Pathways in Academic Affairs
Thursday, February 8, 3-4:30 pm
Join us for a lively conversation with four PhDs in the humanities/social sciences who play key roles in fostering academic and intellectual work at Duke. More information

Negotiating the Academic Job Offer
Tuesday, February 13, 9-10 a.m.
In this session, a panel of STEM faculty members will discuss the negotiation process. More information | Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Faculty Careers Beyond Duke
Thursday, February 15, 9-10:30 a.m.
In this panel session, STEM faculty from various institutions will discuss their career path, how they prepared to go on the academic job market, and how academic hiring and promotion work. More information | Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Non-Tenure-Track Faculty Careers in the Sciences and Engineering
Wednesday, February 21, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Our panel will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of non-tenure-track faculty appointments in the sciences and engineering. More information | Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Postdoc Search Workshop for STEM Graduate Students & Postdocs
Wednesday, February 21, 2-3:30 p.m.
In this workshop, we will discuss how to conduct a postdoc search, how to find positions, what to look for in a postdoc experience, and how to apply. More information

Managing Your Research Career Using an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Tuesday February 27, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
During this program participants will learn how to develop clear and specific goals and objectives, along with a plan for executing them. More information

Careers in University Research Administration
Tuesday, March 6, 9:30-11 a.m.
Research is the lifeblood of a university like Duke. This panel will provide a wealth of information about an academic career path you may not have considered. More information | Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Faculty Careers Beyond the Tenure Track
Thursday, March 22, 3-4:30 p.m.
Are you looking for a way to maintain your involvement in research, teaching, or service in an academic institution, but not sure you want the same kind of career as tenured or tenure-track faculty in your discipline? Our panel will discuss the opportunities and challenges of faculty positions beyond the tenure-track in the social sciences and humanities. More information | Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

CV Workshop for Graduate Students and Postdocs
Thursday, March 29, 1:30-3 p.m.
In this workshop, you will learn how to craft compelling CVs that emphasize how your specific skills and experiences will fit academic and non-academic institutions. More information

Developing an Online Presence with Portfolios
Monday, April 2, 12-1:30 p.m.
In this hands-on session, Dr. Hugh Crumley will explore the elements of an online portfolio that can include embedded video, links to your teaching materials and consistent navigation that will help search committees review your position applications. More information

New Professor Sets Up Lab: The Good, The Bad, and (Not So) Ugly
Monday, April 2, 12-1:30 p.m.
Kimberly S. Chiew, PhD, is a former Duke postdoc who just last year (2017) transitioned to her new position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, University of Denver. Kim will discuss how she set up her lab as a brand-new assistant professor and what she has learned since. More information | Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Perfecting your Pitch: An Application Strategy Workshop for Biomedical PhDs
Friday, April 6, 12-1 p.m.
This interactive workshop is for PhD students and postdocs who are interested in effectively marketing themselves for postdoctoral or faculty positions at academic and non-profit research institutions.  More information | Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Managing a Dual-Sector Career Search for Graduate Students and Postdocs
Monday, April 9, 10-11:30 a.m.
If you’re planning to pursue different sectors of employment at the same time, such as academia and business, then join us for this interactive workshop where you’ll learn effective strategies to manage the overall process. More information

Choosing a Postdoc Position: What to Know Before You Go
Thursday, April 12, 2-3:30 p.m.
In this panel, current postdocs will share their experiences while applying for postdocs, what to look for in a mentor, and how to prepare for the job market afterwards. More information | Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

“You’re Hired – Now What? Starting Your New Academic Position Right” with Dr. Mohamed Noor
Thursday, April 19, 10-11:30 a.m.
Join us for a talk with one of Duke’s favorite professors and mentors, Dr. Mohamed Noor, Professor of Biology and author of the book You’re Hired! Now What? A Guide for New Science Faculty. Dr. Noor will present his thoughts and advice for a successful faculty career. Dr. Noor will be joined by fellow Duke faculty members Dr. Jennifer Roizen, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, and Dr. Allison Ashley-Koch, Professor of Medical Genetics, for an informal discussion of the issues faced by new faculty. More information | Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel


Core Competencies

An Introduction to Your Professional Development at Duke: A Workshop for Master’s Students
Friday, January 12, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Whether you’re a new master's student or about to finish your program, this workshop will help you familiarize yourself with the career and professional development resources, programs, and opportunities available at Duke and beyond. More information

An Introduction to Your Professional Development at Duke: A Workshop for Ph.D. Students
Wednesday, January 17, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Whether you’re a new PhD student or about to finish your program, this workshop will help you familiarize yourself with the career and professional development resources, programs, and opportunities available at Duke and beyond, including the new Duke OPTIONS tool. More information

The Elevator Pitch, or Making a Successful Introduction
Wednesday, January 31, 12-1:30 p.m.
In this workshop, communication expert Joy Javits, President of In the Public Eye, will help you draft, edit, and practice your elevator pitch. You'll receive feedback on how to sharpen your pitch and establish your professional image in this limited-enrollment workshop. More information

Advanced Time Management
Thursday, February 1, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
This workshop will equip you with strategies to understand your strengths in managing short- and long-term goals. You will also learn ways to build new habits and break with old ones to ensure your success. More information

Leveraging Your Strengths
Monday, February 5, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Using the CliftonStrengths assessment, this workshop will help you explore a new way to talk about your skills. We will investigate strategies for communicating your strengths to others, the challenges that your strengths might pose for you, and ways you can use information about your strengths to thrive in a team setting. More information

Cultivating a Successful Presentation Presence
Thursday, February 15, 3-4:30 p.m
Enhance your public speaking skills with coaching from Joy Javits, President of In the Public Eye.This workshop gives you tools, not rules and an education, not a critique. Please bring a 2-minute presentation and your questions to this limited-enrollment workshop. More information

Perfecting your Pitch: An Application Strategy Workshop for Biomedical PhDs
Friday, April 6, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
This interactive workshop is for PhD students and postdocs who are interested in developing skills to effectively market themselves for postdoctoral or faculty positions at academic and non-profit research institutions. More information

Versatile Humanists at Duke Summer Writing Kickoff
Thursday, May 3, and Friday, May 4
VH@Duke and campus partners will once again offer workshops and conversations to help doctoral students in the humanities and humanistic social sciences prepare for summer writing projects. Join us for conversations on “The Strategic Dissertator,” “Writing is Thinking,” summer goal setting, and more.  Graduate students will also have the option to sign up for interdisciplinary summer writing accountability groups. More information

An Introduction to Your Professional Development at Duke
Tuesday, June 5, 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Whether you’re a new graduate student or in the later stages of your program, this workshop will help you familiarize yourself with the career and professional development resources, programs, and opportunities available at Duke and beyond. More information

Professional Development Progress Lunches
Summer is a wonderful time to make progress on your professional development goals. Whether your aspirations include updating your LinkedIn profile, starting your teaching portfolio, preparing faculty job application materials, conducting informational interviews, or researching career options, join our informal lunch gathering to share your progress and your questions. Join one lunch or all five.
Wednesday, June 6, 12-1 pm | Wednesday, June 20, 12-1 pm | Wednesday, July 11, 12-1 pm | Tuesday, July 24, 12:30-1:30 pm | Wednesday, August 8, 12-1 pm


Ph.D. Career Paths

Introduction to ImaginePhD: An Online Tool for Humanities and Social Sciences PhD Students and Postdocs
Monday, January 22, 2018, 12-1:00 p.m.
This workshop will introduce you to the ImaginePhD online tool, designed for humanities and social sciences PhD students, postdocs, and alumni. We’ll complete skills and interests assessments, explore the tool’s resources for careers of interest, and begin creating a plan for career exploration and professional development. More information

Alumni Lunch: Physical Sciences and Engineering
Tuesday, April 3, 12-1:30 pm
The Alumni Lunch is an opportunity for graduate students in the physical sciences and engineering to meet distinguished and recent alumni in an informal setting. More information.

Alumni Lunch: Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Wednesday, April 4, 12-1:30 pm
The Alumni Lunch is an opportunity for graduate students in the biological and biomedical sciences to meet distinguished and recent alumni in an informal setting. More information.

Alumni Lunch: Humanities and Social Sciences
Thursday, April 5, 12-1:30 pm
The Alumni Lunch is an opportunity for graduate students in the humanities and social sciences to meet distinguished and recent alumni in an informal setting. More information.

Science Policy Careers for PhDs Panel
Tuesday, April 24, 5-7 pm
Join Duke INSPIRE and other graduate students for a panel discussion with Duke science doctoral degree alumni who have chosen policy career paths in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The alumni panel will address non-academic careers in public policy and the paths that led them to their current roles. More information.

Career Options for STEM Ph.D.s
Friday, June 1, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Duke postdocs and graduate students are invited to attend a networking event at the North Carolina Biotech Center. Guests will include bench scientists, business owners, entrepreneurs, consultants, CEOs, venture capitalists, government researchers, tech transfer specialists, and patent specialists from local companies. More information