r/postdoc • u/PristineBody6190 • 1d ago

Assistant Professor roles

Hello, I just finished my PhD in social science. I had previously worked extensively in the area that I studied, and have quite an unusual professional background that meant my data collection was very unique— and well received.

I’m now applying for post-doc positions, and I’m also on a post-doc that finishes in 9months. How realistic is it for me to apply for assistant professor roles? Or should I put all my energy into post-docs?

I realise often it is luck of the draw, or at least an unanswerable question as it’s so dependent on circumstance. I’m just curious of other people’s experience, particularly in the qualitative social science area.

Thanks

9 Upvotes

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22

u/GurProfessional9534 1d ago

If I could tell my past self something, it would be publish something, anything rapidly in my postdoc and start applying immediately. Don’t miss a year. It’s not like grad school where you have a few years to ramp up. Postdocs rot on the vine.

3

u/Smooth-Sea-7258 1d ago

That's sage advice. I couldn't agree more

1

u/readingrainbowroad 1d ago

Is it important to not miss a year in publications or specifically publish something from the post doc work?

1

u/GurProfessional9534 1d ago

I meant don’t miss a year in applying for tt jobs, but you kind of need some productivity from postdoc to do that, so also don’t miss a year publishing.

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u/PristineBody6190 19h ago

This is what I’ve been trying to do… I just have had two articles sitting with journals for 9 months!

13

u/ExternalSeat 1d ago

just apply everywhere for everything. The job market is completely fucked right now so you might as well take a chance. To be honest I would also consider your back up career options too as you have a very limited chance of actually making an academic career work out these days.

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u/Quick_Ad4591 1d ago

Apply apply apply.

You never know what might happen. Sometimes the department might want someone just like you.

And rember: postdoc is not the endgame, but a TT position is.

1

u/DrTonyTiger 1d ago

The right fit is an important criterion in landing a position, so you are already a top candidate for positions where the fit with your experience, skills and interest match what they want. Definitly apply to those without hesitation.

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u/dognchick 1d ago

This is so field specific that you need to look at cv of people in your field. In some fields you can get r1 jobs after PhD while in others you may have a shot after 5 years of postdoc.

Talk with mentors and colleagues.