Guidelines for Promotion within Cell Biology

 

The guidelines for promotion within Cell Biology were approved by the Cell Biology Staff at the April 26th, 2004 Staff Meeting and are detailed below:

 

Cell Biology Department Guidelines for Promotion from Postdoctoral Fellow to Research Associate

The goal of the following guidelines is to ensure that the promotion from Postdoctoral Fellow to Research Associate is by merit. Applicants must meet the LRI guidelines for promotion (indicated by asterisks) as well as department-specific criteria. The criteria and process for promotion in the Cell Biology Department are as follows:

 

Promotion Criteria

1. Strong endorsement by the Staff Sponsor for promotion to Research Associate.*
2. At least 3 years of postdoctoral training, including one year in the laboratory of the Staff Sponsor.*
3. At least two first author-publications in peer-reviewed journals from work done during the postdoctoral training period*
   OR the receipt of a multi-year national grant (non-fellowship) of > $60,000 direct costs/year and one first author publications in a peer-reviewed journal from work done during the postdoctoral training period.
4. Satisfactory performance in a Department Promotion Seminar.*
5. Clear evidence of intellectual command of their current project and future research directions, as described in a brief but detailed research plan.
6. Clear evidence of intellectual contributions to the scientific environment of the department. Contributions may include but are not limited to: participation in discussions at seminars and journal clubs; collaborations with others in the department; sharing of techniques and ideas; service to the department such as organizing the Visiting Professor Seminar Series.
   

 

Cell Biology Department Guidelines for Promotion from Research Associate to Project Scientist

The goal of the following guidelines is to ensure that the promotion from Research Associate to Project Scientist is by merit. There are currently no LRI guidelines for promotion to Project Scientist. The criteria and process for promotion in the Cell Biology Department are as follows:

 

Promotion Criteria

1. Strong endorsement by the Staff Sponsor for promotion to Project Scientist.
2. Since attaining the rank of Research Associate: a minimum of two first author-publications in well-respected journals OR the receipt of a national multi-year grant of > $60,000 direct costs/year.
3. Satisfactory performance in a Department Promotion Seminar in which the applicant stresses his/her independence and the long-term goals of their research project.
4. Letters of recommendation, including at least 2 letters from individuals outside CCF who are established scientists in the appropriate research area and who are familiar with the candidate's work. At least one letter should be from a scientist who was not a prior mentor of the applicant.
5. Clear evidence of intellectual command of their current project and long-term research directions, as described in a brief but detailed research plan.
6. Clear evidence of intellectual contributions to the scientific environment of the department, including but not limited to: participation in discussions at seminars and journal clubs; collaborations with others in the department; sharing of techniques and ideas; service to the department and/or the LRI.

 

Cell Biology Department Guidelines for Promotion from Postdoctoral Fellow to Research Associate and Research Associate to Project Scientist

Additional Factors Which Will Be Weighed in the Promotion Decision

1. Quality and impact of publications.
2. Applications for external funding.
3. Other case-specific considerations as determined by the Cell Biology staff.

 

Promotion Process in the Cell Biology Department

1. A cover letter requesting the promotion and a package containing the following should
   be submitted to the Department Chair:
   - A letter from the Staff Sponsor recommending the promotion.
   - A full CV including a listing of outside support history (grants applied for and funded), attendance or presentations at local and national meetings, and departmental service.
   - A Research Plan of 1-2 pages describing the future directions of the project and long-term career goals. The Specific Aims page of a multi-year grant may be substituted for the Research Plan.
2. Applicants will present a research seminar describing their accomplishments and future plans. The seminar will be advertised in advance as a Promotion Seminar.
3. Once the packet is received and the seminar is presented, the department staff will vote on the promotion. A 2/3 acceptance will be required for promotion.