Academic opportunities and considerations for a successful career in an evolving institution

The goal of this chapter is to provide a framework for understanding what it takes to secure a faculty position, successfully advance in this career path and plan for a sustainable career. Academic scientists advance and disseminate knowledge through their research, teaching and service activities. These pursuits build on the scientific foundation provided during pre-and post-doctoral training but also encompass an increasingly diverse set of roles, opportunities and responsibilities. This chapter provides an introduction to various aspects of the professorial career path. In addition, a case will be made for the importance of individual and institutional interconnection with partners outside the university, as these relationships are critical to effective translation of and, increasingly, funding for research. Expectations for both traditional and emerging ideas about faculty roles and responsibilities will be discussed. © 2014 American Chemical Society.