untitled

tion.” Analyze the history of the depart-

ment’s achieving that. Be ready to be your

own advocate and to initiate interactions

with others in your department or across

your campus. Learn clearly, preferably in

writing, how you will be evaluated for pro-

motion and how the department or campus

may come to your assistance if you have a

temporary lapse in grant funding. How com-

mitted is the department to assuring the

research space and resources for you to

advance professionally? What specific

responsibilities are required of you each aca-

demic year? Ask how your opinions will be

counted in departmental decisions on policy,

hiring, and retention of other faculty, tradi-

tional or not. In addition, ask the Dean or

other upper level administrator how the posi-

tion is significant for the campus. Answers

will vary, and the decision to accept the posi-

tion or not will depend upon personal cir-

cumstance. Going in with eyes open and with

supporters to promote professional develop-

ment are essential.■

CHAPTER 8 • ACADEMIC CAREERS 213

Often one may be told, “We will

try to move you into a more

secure position.” Analyze the

history of the department’s

achieving that.

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CELL BIOLOGY