PREPP: Writing a Research Statement for the Faculty Application

The POSTDOC READINESS to ENTER the PROFESSORSHIP PROGRAM (PREPP) is a professional development initiative designed to equip postdoctoral scholars with the knowledge, skills, and insights necessary to successfully transition into faculty positions. Established and coordinated by the North Carolina State University Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, co-sponsored by UNC-CH and other System Schools, PREPP aims to provide targeted guidance on critical aspects of the faculty job search and career progression. Through a series of interactive panel discussions featuring faculty and administrators from UNC system institutions, PREPP offers practical strategies for navigating the academic job market, securing faculty positions, and effectively managing early-career faculty responsibilities. By leveraging expertise from across the UNC system, the program ensures that postdocs receive diverse perspectives and actionable advice on preparing for the professoriate.

Research statements are an important part of the faculty application. Assistant professors and/or department heads share guidance on what to include (and what to exclude) from research statements.