Becoming Biomedical Faculty: An Analysis of Credentials among Successful Academic Career Aspirants
Hijara, C. M.; Jones, R. F.; Wood, C. V.; Remich, R.; Skelley, A. E.; Campbell, P. B.; O'Neill, D. P.; McGee, R.
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Understanding what is requisite for attaining a biomedical faculty career is crucial for guiding trainees preparing for these roles. For nearly two decades, we have collected accounts of biomedical training and career transitions from a large cohort through annual in-depth interviews and tracking of competencies and achievements. This paper elucidates the common and varied credentials of 40 who entered research-intensive faculty careers (RIFCs). Participants completed PhDs and postdocs in a range of research-intensive institutional settings. Developing research independence and a niche were essential to RIFC attainment, and mentors played a crucial role in this development. Counter to common assumptions, high-prestige publications and grants were not in and of themselves necessary for RIFC attainment. Our findings can aid RIFC aspirants and mentors who guide them.
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