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Resources for academic applications

Academic applications can involve writing many documents. Especially for faculty positions, academic employers ask for a package not just your CV. ​

We have created bespoke advice to address all the aspects of the process. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CVs

Get started by watching our bite size intro videos on creating effective academic applications;

Craft your academic CV using three key principles (AHSS) and Make your faculty application stand out - CVs (STEM)]

Use this prompt questions document and example CV to make sure you have included all your relevant experience 

You can record your experiences and reflect on them using the Toolkit for academic career development.

​Get reading: if you prefer to learn by reading we have a dedicated section on lectureship and faculty applications in our CV book for PhDs and Postdocs.​

​Get feedback from researcher careers consultant on your draft application, or come to a workshop for peer feedback and the experience of evaluating others. Postdocs should register here for our booking platform Handshake.​

 

Narrative CVs

This Narrative CV Resource covers:

  • what a narrative CV is
  • why you would write a narrative CV and how it fits in the wider drive to change research culture
  • how to write a narrative CV by describing the different sections and giving examples of skills and experiences for each section

The Toolkit for academic career development is a great place to record your experiences and it guides your thinking about your career narrative either for a traditional academic CV or a Narrative CV.

Cover Letters

Get started by watching our bite size intro video on creating effective academic cover letters​.

Get reading: if you prefer to learn by reading, look at this sample lectureship cover letter where we have analysed how it could be improved.

Get feedback from a researcher careers consultant Use Handshake to book a session with a postdoc careers adviser for feedback on your draft application, or come to a workshop for peer feedback and the experience of evaluating others.

 

Research Statements & Proposals

Research statements are not as long as research proposals but they're not something you can write overnight. Give yourself the best chance by drafting yours before you start to apply for faculty jobs.

Get started by watching our bite size intro videos on when you need a research statement and how to write one.​

Get inspired with examples from successful research statements.

Get your ideas down: start writing your future work sooner rather than later will help shaping your ideas.​

​If you prefer to learn by reading we have a dedicated section on research CV book for PhDs and Postdocs.​

​Get feedback from our researcher careers consultants on your draft application, or come to a workshop for peer feedback and the experience of evaluating others' work. Postdocs should register here for our booking platform Handshake. if you haven't used us before.

Take a look at our resource on Lay Summaries.

Research Proposals

A research proposal can be built from the foundations of your research statement.  

Get started with our Fellowships Sessions podcasts where early career and career development fellowship holders share how they approached it. 

Get the support and feedback: you’ll need support of your department or future department academics and research facilitators. Get feedback from our researcher careers consultants on your draft application. We can read your research summary, lay summary, career plans and the justification of the host institution. We don’t usually comment on the experimental plans/methodology so you will need academic colleagues to review this for you. Get feedback from people inside and outside your field. We don’t keep any past applications to share due to GDPR but do recommend that you ask others in your dept if they would be willing to share. 

We organise workshops to gain peer feedback on your research ideas and the experience of evaluating others' proposals.  

 

Teaching Statements

Get started by working through our advice packet on teaching statements on what it is, how to write one, and best practises​

Get inspired with an example of a teaching statement.

Get feedback from a researcher careers consultant. Use Handshake to book a session with a postdoc careers adviser for feedback on your draft statement, or come to a workshop for peer feedback and the experience of evaluating others’ teaching statements.

 

Diversity Statements

Get started: Find out what equality and diversity work is already happening in your host department and more generally in your field look for ideas on content to include to develop your statement.​

Get writing: Include relevant experience, which can include outreach and public engagement. Always specify your target audience​

​Get inspired: Resources including prompts to help you get started, how your contributions might be assessed, and some examples.​

Academic Interviews

Preparing for an academic interview requires a similar approach to any interview - read the job description thoroughly, think about what they are looking for, and review your application material; anticipate questions and prepare your answers; practice interview questions and your presentation with colleagues and a Careers Consultant. 

Get started by watching our bite size intro video on academic interviews for faculty positions and fellowships;

Get prepared by checking our Interview Skills for Academia guide for lists of sample questions - we have collected actual questions from lectureship and fellowship interviews undertaken by previous Cambridge researchers.

Get insights

Senior academics with experience assessing applications share their practical advice on preparing: 

Teaching presentation/mock lecture: how to approach writing and delivering a teaching presentation. 

Chalk talks are hard to do well. Get insight on what’s required and how to structure it.

Get feedback and practise with a researcher careers consultant in a 1:1 confidential appointment.  Talk through any concerns you and practice your panel interview and presentation techniques.  Come to a workshop to practise your interview skills with peers. Postdocs should register here for our booking platform Handshake.

Sources of Vacancies & Funding

Sources of jobs and funding

  • www.jobs.ac.uk – for postdoc positions and fixed-term teaching positions and lectureships
  • The Recorder and Oxbridge college websites for Junior Research Fellowships.
  • www.researchprofessional.com – the University subscribes to this database of funding opportunities where you can sign up to receive alerts on funding opportunities for your career stage and discipline.

Outside UK