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I know that getting to the stage of negotiation is already a function of winning the lottery but I’m happy to talk candidly w/anyone abt this who is in the midst of negotiating a faculty job. I’m especially excited to talk to people of color and other marginalized folk abt it. https://twitter.com/kelly_zvobgo/status/1216068614626955265
Places vary a lot in what they can do & I’m at Stanford, so privilege etc, but a few notes: if it’s a pub school, look up what they pay other people at your rank. If it’s a private school, assume you can ask for more. In any case, ask for more. Be reasonable but ask for more.
Summer ninths can be thought of as bonuses, though institutions don’t like describing them that way because they’re to compensate for work done during periods outside 9 months. Places vary a lot in # and norms. Ask for them. # vary depending on leverage and institution.
Esp if you are moving to an expensive place, raise and center housing in your negotiation. Again, places vary a lot in what they can do, but yes, housing can be a thing you talk about when you get an offer. And you should. Again, places vary in what they can do but talk abt it!
Research accts vary a lot. If you have a friend in your new dept, talk to them abt theirs. Ask them whether they thought it was sufficient. Make a spreadsheet of expected costs to continue your pretenure research program. Share it with the chair as you’re negotiating.
Salary is impt but time is essential. Talk with the chair about teaching releases. Be sure to ask if your university has junior leave or something akin to it after third year review. Ask if it is possible to be service free your first year.
Again, I want to stress this is all after winning lottery that is the academic market but here were my rules: be transparent, advocate for myself, be respectful, & remember that the chair, in most cases, is an advocate for you & is interested in getting you the best deal they can
And don’t feel bad for advocating for yourself. At some point, there are diminishing returns & you need to remember that these folks are your colleagues but I’ve talked to lots of women & POC who ask whether an institution will be “mad” if they ask for this or that. Ask. Bob is.
Again, happy to talk offline with folks looking for candid advice on this stuff. Every situation is different but I benefited a lot from people pulling back the curtains on this and I’m happy to pay it forward!
Oh yeah, and @TheDapperChef reminded me to add: Ask for an earlier start date than sept. I didn’t have any money as a grad student and needed money to move. I asked for a July start date so I could be added to payroll and get benefits. Again, places vary but push on this!
