Academic job offer questions

[Anonymous]

I am a research scientist in the private sector, and I recently received a tentative offer for a tenure-track professor job. I'm meeting with the assistant dean next week to hammer out the specifics of the offer letter. I've never done this before, so what should I be focused on. Obvious salary. Research support? What else?

[Anonymous]

Year round health insruance, not a nice month contract that cuts off in the summer thus resetting your deductible three times a year

[Anonymous]

I suspect science is somewhat different, but this is what I know to ask in the humanities

sabbatical
teaching load and teaching support (how many students, TAs, sections, etc)
committee load/expectation
tenure clock--and what is expected for tenure (in humanities generally something like book plus 2 articles)
maternity/paternity leave
expectations of raising funds/overseeing grad students

[Anonymous]

http://theprofessorisin.com/2014/02/28/how-to-negotiate-your-tenure-track-offer/

[Anonymous]

Having a husband in the STEM college education field, I would definetely ask them if there is the option to have your 9-month salary spread over 12 months.
It will seem like a big salary drop, BUT it will take the pressure off of spending 9 months trying to find research funds for the summer months. Also, besides health insurance, do read carefully what the disability policy is should you ever become disa led or ha e a serious illness and need to go on disability if it happens during the summer.

You might want to do some research to see how many folks have gotten there in say the last 5 to10 years or not? What is the real expectation for funding to get tenure? Are you being offered the teaching job because of your realm or only perceived ties to research dollars where you are coming from presently. Aftere 35 years in the academic world, it it is a research university, the bottom line on everything is bringing in money in the STEM fields. Besure you take the time to get a commitment for any lab space, equipment, technology support, and any other basic items you would need to set up a research program.
If you are a woman, it is a lot easier than a male. if a male, having a woman on any proposal really helps with chances for funding. Just go in with your eyes wise open.

[Anonymous]

OP here- thanks so much! I had never really considered academia, so all of this is helpful.

[Anonymous]

With respect to tenure, at my university I gather the STEM fields give tenure largely based on what grants you are able to secure for the university. So you better be good at writing grants. Then your way will be paved.

[Anonymous]

How many "preps" you will need to do, i.e., how many different classes you need to prepare each semester.

[Anonymous]

In addition to the above: research funds, research assistants, and teaching assistants. What are the soft money expectations (if any) for your position.

You might want to check out the discussion boards at the Chronicle of Higher Ed, they will likely have more field-specific info.

[Anonymous]

Yes, definitely post over at Chronicle of Higher Education.

[Anonymous]

Why would you consider moving from the private sector?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would you consider moving from the private sector?

OP here, a few of my top reasons:
Routine 70-hour workweeks. Constant fear of layoffs. Terrible coworkers. Lack of freedom to do anything creative.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:http://theprofessorisin.com/2014/02/28/how-to-negotiate-your-tenure-track-offer/

Not OP, but this is a really great article. Thanks for posting! (DH is in similar situation to OP, considering a jump to academia.)

GL, OP!

[Anonymous]

Congratulations, OP! FWIW, I would use the university's website to answer questions about benefits or speak with a department support staffer or HR person. I wouldn't address benefits questions to the assistant dean.

Is it a teaching or research institution? Public or private? Faculty union? Will you receive a 1-year or 2-year initial contract? Have you researched the university's financial position? Are you familiar with the typical tenure timeline? Do you have a mentor in your home department who can help you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would you consider moving from the private sector?

OP here, a few of my top reasons:
Routine 70-hour workweeks. Constant fear of layoffs. Terrible coworkers. Lack of freedom to do anything creative.

In academia you will likely work far more than 70 hour weeks.

As for layoffs and coworkers maybe you should just look at new opportunities? If you want better work hours maybe it is time to get out of research? Marketing or business development?