NextProf Nexus
Preparing the next generation of scientific and academic leaders
Applications for 2025 will open in Spring 2025.
August 26-29, 2024 | Ann Arbor, MI
Pursue a faculty position and build your network
NextProf Nexus – sponsored by program partners, the University of Michigan, UC Berkeley, and Georgia Tech – is part of a nationwide effort to strengthen and diversify the next generation of academic leaders in engineering. This preeminent event is designed to give participants the opportunity to explore and prepare for a faculty position in academia.
Join a select cohort of diverse engineering PhD students, recent doctoral graduates and top faculty and deans from around the country. Airfare and lodging costs associated with the program are covered for accepted applicants.
Applications are closed.
Applications are closed.
Nominate Now!
Recommend someone for NextProf Nexus 2024
Recommendation letters due April 22nd by 11:59 pm EDT
Attendees will leave NextProf Nexus with a clear understanding of the academic job market and how to navigate the rigors of first faculty positions. They will:
- Meet mentors and future collaborators
- Attend panel discussions with successful faculty
- Learn about the faculty search process
- Prepare for the academic job market
- Plan for the rigors of first faculty positions
- Understand how to build a successful research program
Applications for 2024 are closed. The application for the 2025 NextProf Nexus workshop will open in Spring 2025.
Selection Criteria
An ideal NextProf candidate can express a passion for teaching and interest in making engineering academia a more inclusive and rewarding experience for all students and has a desire to positively influence institutional conversations about diversity.
We strongly encourage women and traditionally underrepresented groups at U.S. institutions to apply. To be eligible for Nexus, you must be a senior-level Ph.D. candidate, postdoctoral researcher, or an early-career scientist or researcher in the field of Engineering. If you are a rising 1st- or 2nd-year PhD student or a Master’s student intending to apply for a PhD, we commend you consider NextProf Pathfinder.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- Have an interest in a faculty career in engineering
- Must be a 4th+ year PhD student, postdoc, or recent graduate by fall 2024
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have a demonstrated a commitment to diversity and excellence
Costs
Airfare and lodging costs associated with the program are covered for accepted applicants.
How to Apply
Applicants may either apply directly to the workshop or be nominated by a faculty member.
Application Materials
Current CV
- PDF format
- Save the file as “Last Name-First Name_2024Nexus_CV.pdf”
Statement of Interest
- Save in PDF format
- Use the file naming convention “Last Name-First Name_2024Nexus_Interest.pdf”
- Statement should be no more than one single-spaced page in 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman)
- Include your name and date at the top of the page
A statement of your interest in the NextProf program addressing the following:
- What interests you about an academic career?
- Which of your experiences in research, teaching and/or mentoring have shaped your future career plans?
- What do you expect to gain by participating in the NextProf Workshop?
Diversity Statement
- Save in PDF format
- Use the file naming convention “Last Name-First Name_2024Nexus_Diversity.pdf”
- Statement should be no more than one single-spaced page in 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman)
- Include your name and date at the top of the page
A diversity statement describing your past experience with activities to support diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, as well as your future plans for engagement on these topics during your professional career. One of our NextProf Nexus partner institutions, UC Berkeley, provides this helpful resource for crafting your statement.
Here are some suggestions that might help you prepare your statement.
- Describe a personal experience that shaped your attitude about the importance of diversity in academic leadership. Are you involved in committees or groups working to engage your community on issues around diversity?
- In a faculty position, what are some strategies you might pursue to help achieve goals related to your commitment to diversity?
Letter of Recommendation
Applicants must obtain a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or supervisor. Please note: if you were nominated for NextProf Nexus by a faculty member, you do not need to complete this section or share the recommendation form link.
- The candidate’s preparedness for a faculty position.
- The candidate’s research and level of scholarship, teaching ability and commitment to diversity and excellence.
Nominate a Candidate
When prompted on the Nomination form, please indicate “I would like to nominate an applicant.” Please notify your candidate and inform them that they will need to submit a separate application to the workshop.
You will also be required to submit a letter of recommendation assessing the candidate’s preparedness for a faculty position. In doing so, please address the candidate’s research and level of scholarship, teaching ability and commitment to diversity and excellence.
Program and Deadlines
Travel details and workshop-associated costs will be arranged for accepted applicants. Specific programming details will be shared with attendees leading up to the event
- Application Deadline: April 22, 2024 at 11:59 PM EDT
- Applicants Notified of Decision: Week of June 10, 2024
- Deadline to Accept Offer: July 5, 2024 at 5:00 PM EDT
Contact Us
NextProf Nexus 2024 will be hosted at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. For more information and questions about the 2024 program, please consult the FAQ or contact [email protected].