I would like opinions (especially from those on hiring committees) on how desirable a candidate would be if he/she did not complete a Postdoc, but applied for an Assistant Professorship at a research university? I'm assuming the candidate would have a higher chance at getting a Research Professor or Research Associate than an Assistant Professor position? I also imagine that it would be heavily dependent on the candidate's publication record, but I would like to know if it's even possible.
Yes....it is possible to be even to become a full professor in tire 1 university in US without even having a PhD. I can even give you examples. However, these are all exceptional cases and considered case by case basis.
Many factors play a role here. As Mohammad pointed out, it is the publication records. Additionally, prior work history (academia, industry, as well as teaching experience), nature of expertise and discipline they belong to, also play a crucial role as deciding factor.
In normal circumstances, post-doc experience is necessary. In many cases, more than one. This is because, they will learn independent research, learn to write and present research papers and project proposals. Such requirements are not necessarily needed for a phd student.
It is not that a particular university in is interested in hiring a person for a faculty position. Ultimately, how much money (funding) he can bring to the department would be the deciding factor.
Funding situation in academia is difficult throughout the world. Only the best can survive. Even if a department is willing to offer a start up fund, not only he/she should sustain themselves as well hire one or two people to work for them to move forward with their research plans. What will happen if the department hires someone as an asst. prof. and then he/she never received any grants?
Best way to do is, to apply for departmental grants (usually 50K or less), then apply for supplementary research grants (to a bigger grants - such as programs within a department), K awards, industry-sponsored research (participate in clinical trials of medications, devices, therapy, etc), and then go for an independent R01, etc. This will consolidate someone's position.
By the way, I am not in any hiring committee, but just happen to know due to my long experience in the field as well my connections and interactions.
I am sure some hiring committee members might respond to you and give much clear perspectives of this issue!
Yes....it is possible to be even to become a full professor in tire 1 university in US without even having a PhD. I can even give you examples. However, these are all exceptional cases and considered case by case basis.
Many factors play a role here. As Mohammad pointed out, it is the publication records. Additionally, prior work history (academia, industry, as well as teaching experience), nature of expertise and discipline they belong to, also play a crucial role as deciding factor.
In normal circumstances, post-doc experience is necessary. In many cases, more than one. This is because, they will learn independent research, learn to write and present research papers and project proposals. Such requirements are not necessarily needed for a phd student.
It is not that a particular university in is interested in hiring a person for a faculty position. Ultimately, how much money (funding) he can bring to the department would be the deciding factor.
Funding situation in academia is difficult throughout the world. Only the best can survive. Even if a department is willing to offer a start up fund, not only he/she should sustain themselves as well hire one or two people to work for them to move forward with their research plans. What will happen if the department hires someone as an asst. prof. and then he/she never received any grants?
Best way to do is, to apply for departmental grants (usually 50K or less), then apply for supplementary research grants (to a bigger grants - such as programs within a department), K awards, industry-sponsored research (participate in clinical trials of medications, devices, therapy, etc), and then go for an independent R01, etc. This will consolidate someone's position.
By the way, I am not in any hiring committee, but just happen to know due to my long experience in the field as well my connections and interactions.
I am sure some hiring committee members might respond to you and give much clear perspectives of this issue!
Thank you, that is a fantastic answer. I really appreciate your examples and thoroughness.
Dear Alexandria: I'd say: It depends... it depends on where you graduated from; Where you intend to be hired; What is your previous connection (if any) with your target institution?; Who is/was your mentor? What is Her/His connection with the target institution?; ...and possibly a number of other complex and often unjustifiably complicated interactions. I know, that this answer is not too helpful, but it probably supports my two-word answer: "It depends...":-)
Thank you for your reply. I do see how this is very situation dependent! Thanks again for taking the time to provide some feedback!
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