Academic Employment Resources
In the academic world, the people you know will be your best resource. Your friends, family, graduate advisors, and professional society will be important sources of information and advice. You might find reading the Networking and Researching an employer quick guides helpful.
Note: Regardless of your graduate degree level, you are NOT qualified to teach as anything other than a substitute in Michigan public schools. Teaching certification is required for employment at primary and secondary schools.
Academia
There are several options for those considering employment in the Academic sector.
Graduate Institutions
At these universities, faculty may teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as supervise theses and dissertations. Independent research is expected of all faculty members, and independent funding through grants may also be an expectation. A PhD is required for faculty status.
Baccalaureate institutions
Faculty usually have teaching responsibility for several undergraduate courses, and may supervise independent research. Classroom teaching is a major part of tenure evaluation. Research expectations for faculty vary widely from institution to institution, but some research is usually expected. A PhD is usually required for faculty status.
Associate Degree Colleges and Community colleges
Faculty members typically teach very applied courses related to a trade or vocation. A Master’s degree is required for employment.
Private College Prep schools
Faculty are hired to teach and work with students preparing for admission to one of the above institutions. A Master’s degree is usually required for employment.
Tools and tips for your search:
- Community College Resources
- Landing an Academic Job
- The Academic Scientist's Toolkit
- What universities want in new faculty
- Index of US Colleges and Accreditation status
Web sites that list mainly research positions in Academia:
- Nature Jobs
- Science Careers (American Academy for the Advancement of Science)
- Sciencejobs.com
Web sites that list mainly faculty positions in Academia:
- Chronicle of Higher Education
- Academic 360: international meta-search engine
- Academic Careers Online [registration required]
- Academic Position network
- AdjunctNation.com
- Affirmative Action Registry [click on “type of position”]
- Association for Women in Science
- HigherEdJobs.com
- Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education
- National Job Bank
- Women in Higher Education