Is a Visiting Assistant Professor Position Better Than a Research Postdoc?

Introduction

Deciding between a visiting assistant professor position and a research postdoc can significantly impact your academic career. Both roles offer unique advantages and challenges, making it crucial to weigh your career goals, field-specific requirements, and personal circumstances. This article explores the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.

Visiting Assistant Professor

Pros:

Teaching Experience: This role provides valuable experience in teaching. It is essential if you aim for a tenure-track faculty position. You will have the opportunity to refine your teaching skills and potentially enhance your application for permanent faculty positions. Networking: Engaging with faculty and other academics can lead to future collaborations or job opportunities. Building professional relationships is crucial for your career advancement. Independence: With more autonomy, you can develop your research agenda, including pursuing projects that interest you.

Cons:

Short-Term Position: Many visiting assistant professor roles are temporary with less job security and benefits compared to permanent faculty positions. Ensure you have a clear plan for the future. Research Focus: Significant teaching responsibilities can limit your time for research. Prioritize your time efficiently to achieve both teaching and research goals. Lower Salary: These positions typically offer lower salaries than postdoc roles. Budget accordingly and consider the long-term implications on your career.

Conclusion: A visiting assistant professor position can be advantageous if your primary goal is to gain teaching experience and prepare for a tenure-track faculty position. For those who prioritize research and building a specialized skill set, a research postdoc role may be more suitable.

Research Postdoc

Pros:

Research Focus: This role allows you to concentrate on cutting-edge research, often with access to funding resources and mentorship from established researchers. It can also lead to high-impact publications. Skill Development: You have the opportunity to develop specialized skills and enhance your CV. This will be invaluable for future academic or industry roles. Networking: Building connections within your research community can be beneficial for future academic appointments or industry positions.

Cons:

Less Teaching Experience: These positions may not offer significant teaching opportunities. If you aim for a faculty position, consider seeking other teaching experience alongside the postdoc. Temporary Nature: Postdoc appointments are often temporary, leading to uncertainty about long-term career prospects. Plan accordingly and explore other opportunities. Pressure to Publish: The focus on research can create pressure to produce results quickly, which may be stressful. Manage your workload and maintain work-life balance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision between a visiting assistant professor and a research postdoc should be based on your career aspirations. Consider which option aligns most closely with your long-term goals and the specific institutions or labs involved. Each position offers unique benefits and challenges, and by carefully evaluating these factors, you can make the best choice for your academic journey.