PhD applicants: Does a faculty member's rank matter when you're choosing a mentor?

MAYBE... (a thread)

First, what are faculty ranks? From lower to higher, major ranks are:
1-Assistant Prof
2-Associate Prof
3-Full Prof and Beyond. Ex: Distinguished, endowed, etc.

@PhDVoice

1. Assistant Professors
Motivations: Need to prove ourselves in order to stay because we do not have tenure.

You can expect: Papers, deep investment to demonstrate scholarship, more stress and pressure because stakes are high. Faculty more likely to change jobs at this stage.

2. Associate Professors
Motivations: Relief and stability! Usually tenured at this stage, so this is the time to explore high risk passion projects.

You can expect: Clear evidence of how they mentor (their CVs will speak volumes. So will past students).

3. Full Professors and Beyond
Motivations: Well established but with higher service demands. Freedom to focus on projects of interest.

You can expect: Larger networks, more name recognition. Less pressure to publish in lab (which can also mean less publishing). Known quantity.

Of course, these are generalizations. And, what you see as a pro, others may see as a con.

Choose what works best for you by learning about the lab and trusting your gut.

What would you add here, #AcademicTwitter?