Spotlight on Researcher Development: Preparing for the US Academic Job Market

If you are a final-year DPhil student or a postdoctoral researcher considering your next steps, you may be exploring academic roles in the USA. This route is notoriously structured and intensive, with extensive application portfolios, campus visits and interviews extending over several days, and strong negotiations for the final job package. Graduates from UK PhD programmes are often unprepared and unfamiliar with the processes and culture around recruitment in the US - so we're here to help change that!

This term, the Humanities Researcher Development and Training Programme offers a range of workshops and events to support you through the process of applying for academic roles in the US. We're lucky to benefit from the expertise of academics who have taught and researched in North America who can offer first-hand experience and guidance on the pedagogical assessment aspect of the recruitment process. Additionally, on 21st May we are hosting Dr Karen Kelsky and Dr Kel Weinhold of The Professor Is In academic consultancy, who can answer your questions, bust some myths around the academic landscape of US universities, and offer top tips on interview techniques.

Finally, don't forget that the Careers Service provides a wealth of resources, information and guidance on applying for academic roles, including example academic CVs, interview workshops, and 1:1 appointments with Careers Advisers who can provide feedback on CVs and Cover Letters.

We wish you the very best of luck!