Robert F. Todd, III, MD, PhD
2005-04-01
Dr. Todd is Professor of Internal Medicine and Division Chief of
the Department of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Michigan.
Types of Academic Positions
In the disciplines of adult and pediatric hematology/oncology, there
are three basic types of academic positions. The Physician Scientist
has a dominant focus in basic or translational laboratory research
(generally 75-80 percent effort) with limited clinical care and
teaching activities. The Clinician Investigator performs
patient-oriented clinical investigation (clinical trials, prevention,
or health services/outcomes research) combined with patient care that
is complementary to the focus of research interests. The Clinician
Educator has a dominant focus on clinical care coupled with medical
education. Academic titles and tracks vary among institutions, but
starting academic positions often carry the titles Instructor or
Assistant Professor. Junior faculty in the tenure track generally have
six to 10 years to achieve the level of productivity to warrant
promotion and tenure, with a guarantee of a longer-term financial
commitment. Faculty working in non-tenure tracks often have renewable
employment contracts, but generally without the longer-term commitment
of "tenure."
Applying/Interviewing for an Academic Position
Academic employment opportunities can be identified from journal
advertisements, the employment Web sites of professional societies,
including ASH, and personal contacts (generally with the help of a
mentor). On the basis of a review of submitted CVs and personal
references, selected candidates are invited for a one- to two-day
interview. The academic interview provides an opportunity for the
applicant to meet with unit leadership and prospective colleagues,
including potential collaborators. The applicant is generally expected
to deliver a 50-minute seminar which highlights his/her research or
clinical experience. Since considerable weight is given to the quality
of the seminar (both its content and delivery), applicants are advised
to prepare carefully, with particular attention given to clarity and
the effective use of visual aids.
The Academic Offer Letter: What to Expect and How to Evaluate
The preferred candidate for an academic position is given a written
offer letter which outlines the terms and expectations of the
appointment. For the laboratory-oriented Physician Scientist,
institutional commitments should include independent laboratory and
office space, access to core resources, shared secretarial and grants
management support, and laboratory start-up funding (for equipment,
consumable supplies, recharges for shared core facilities, and
technical support) sufficient to run a small laboratory operation for
two to three years pending receipt of extramural support. The letter
should also document the availability of "protected time" (generally
75-80 percent professional effort) to pursue research activities and a
senior mentor to assist in career development. The letter should
describe the salary and benefits with criteria for merit raises/bonuses
and other factors that may influence the salary, as well as the terms
of employment with criteria for achieving
promotion/tenure/reappointment. For the patient-oriented Clinician
Investigator, the terms of the offer letter are similar but with other
elements that include the availability of patients (with relevant
diseases) to serve as potential human volunteers in clinical research
studies. A significant proportion of the expected clinical effort
should complement the focus of clinical research. Other factors of
importance to the clinical investigator are the availability of
relevant laboratory collaborators, ancillary services critical to
clinical research, and support personnel which may include data
management, biostatical, and physician extender support. The time that
is protected for clinical research should be clearly indicated. To
avoid future misunderstandings, "get it in writing."
back to top
