The School of Engineering and Applied Science invites advanced graduate students, early-stage postdoctoral fellows, and recent Ph.D. recipients to participate in Princeton Pathway into the Academy Program (PPIA).

This year-long career development program prepares early-stage researchers for faculty careers in engineering and computer science. The program offers structured support that supplements the guidance graduate students and postdoctoral fellows already receive from their advisors. It combines on-campus workshops along with virtual trainings and check-ins and other opportunities for ongoing mentorship and guidance.

Applicants must demonstrate excellent research and scholarship potential as well as teaching ability. Key selection criteria will include a record of research and teaching excellence and potential future impact in their field or discipline.

Faculty and leadership at Princeton believe diversity drives creativity, flexibility and innovation in the production of research and new knowledge. We bring together people across academic disciplines, from industry, non-profits and government, and from all nations and backgrounds in a collaborative culture to achieve breakthroughs of benefit to humanity.

Thus PPIA is especially interested in candidates with strong potential to contribute -- through their research, teaching, lived experiences and service -- to the diversity and excellence of our academic community. Women and other historically underrepresented groups in STEM disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Funding

The School of Engineering and Applied Science will provide lodging and meals and funding for travel (up to $500).

Eligibility

Eligible participants include graduate students in the last year of Ph.D. programs and first-year postdoctoral fellows interested in seeking academic positions in engineering and computer science as represented at Princeton University. Applicants must have an excellent record of research productivity and demonstrate the ability to develop a rigorous research program.

Program Dates

This program will run from October 2019 - October 2020

How to Apply

Applicants may apply directly to the program or be nominated by a faculty member. Priority will be given to applicants who apply by September 7th. Applications who submitted post September 7th, will be considered as space allows.

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Faculty members

To nominate a participant, visit the nomination page. Nominated applicants will receive a formal invitation and link to apply via email.

Applicants

  • Go to Application Portal
  • Fill out brief online application and upload
  • 1-page statement on long term career objectives and why you would like to attend this program
  • CV
  • List of publications
  • 1 letter of recommendation from an advisor

Schedule

November 11 - 12, 2020

Faculty Panels  
Objectives

  • Enhance understanding of faculty roles and responsibilities
  • Demystify academic job search process and hiring criteria
  • Foster connections and facilitate networking
  • Introduce current junior and senior faculty who will describe their own pathways into the academy, and discuss:
    • the tenure process and building blocks of an academic career
    • how to merge personal with professional priorities

Virtual Monthly Workshops and Check-ins

December 2020

CVs and strategies for looking for job postings

January 2021
Writing the Research Statement

February 2021
Writing the Teaching Statement

March 2021
Imposter Syndrome

April 2021
Grant Writing

May 2021
Writing the Diversity Statement

June 2021
Preparing Job Talks

July 2021
Preparing for the Interview

August 2021
Feedback Sessions on job materials

  • Hone and polish application materials in preparation to launch into the academic job market
  • Provide an opportunity for participants to experience mock interviews and present job talks
  • Provide continued guidance and feedback on mock interview processes and job talks

September 2021
Mock Job Talks

October 2021
Mock Interviews