Academic Job Offers
If you receive an academic job offer, express interest, and then take the time to carefully assess whether the offer is a good fit. Make a plan to negotiate items of interest. Consider the following:
Balance of research, teaching and service expectations
- Often can negotiate lighter teaching and service load in first year
Office and research space
- Make sure it meets your research needs
Startup funds
- Should cover equipment, supplies, staff, personnel (students, techs, etc.), travel, computer support
- Lump sum or restrictions? Timeframe? (typically the startup covers 2-3 years)
- Expensive equipment can be negotiated separately; can make the case for shared equipment
- You will be asked to prepare a list of needed equipment and resources
Salary
- Source of funding (internal vs. your grants); 9 or 12 months
- Research typical salaries at institution: https://data.chronicle.com/category/state/Massachusetts/faculty-salaries/
- Factor in cost of living in the location
Benefits
- health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement (mechanism, employer contribution or match), vacation and sick leave – listed on HR website (and standard for all faculty at institution)
Others
- relocation assistance, paid sabbatical, money for travel/professional development, tuition benefits, assistance with job search for partner
We encourage you to discuss your offer and questions about negotiating with a career advisor and other mentors.
