The LAUNCH Workshop is two days of exploring the hidden curriculum of applying for faculty positions, understanding the diversity of faculty positions and institution types, and considering non-academic tracks with a PhD in Earth and environmental sciences (and related fields)! Participants hear from faculty, administrators, and industry professionals with hiring experience. They also hear from new faculty hires about their recent job search, and what the job is like now that they’re in it!

Participants also bring any job materials they may already have (CV; any cover letters, research/teaching/service/diversity statements you may have already written), and will receive feedback on these materials. 

No housing or travel support is available, but if you are coming from out of town, we are happy to provide some recommendations on where to stay.

Who can apply: If you are…

1. A postdoc or current PhD student who is planning to defend their PhD in the next 18 months, and 

2. In an Earth and environmental science related discipline, broadly defined (including, but not limited to: Geology, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Geography, GIScience, Ecology, Water Resources), 

3. Are able to support your time and/or travel to Albuquerque, NM for the duration of the workshop (Sept 18-19, 2025)

...Then we’re looking for you! Applications are due September 2, and we'll confirm your attendance by September 5. 

When is it: September 18-19, 2025. For those who are traveling, we will ask you to arrive on the 17th and leave no earlier than 5pm on the 19th.

Why attend: Applying for a faculty position is complicated! We’re trying to demystify the process for future Earth and environmental science faculty. Also, this will be a great opportunity to network with others who plan to go through a similar process, and network with faculty at UNM. Find the two day agenda below.

How to apply: Apply here [or copy and paste this link: https://forms.gle/hKsqgqAij8VskYnn7 ]

Questions? Contact Yolanda Lin at ycl@unm.edu

This workshop is supported by the ASPIRE Center at UNM. Read more about ASPIRE at: aspire.unm.edu 

Day 1: Exploring what's possible

• Types of higher education institutions: Ever wondered what the difference between working at a research institution vs teaching institution is like? What is a Small Liberal Arts College? What are expectations like at each type of institution? We'll explore all these questions and more! 

• Overview of application and interview process, including types of positions at academic institutions: how do you find relevant postings, what goes into a job packet, and what is the interview process like? is there more than "tenure track"? 

• What makes an candidate stand out: hear from a seasoned panel of facult who have been on the hiring committee side to share what stood out in previous searches

• Negotiating your offer: How do you set yourself up for success once you've landed the job?

• Preparing for the job: Hear from recent faculty hires on what they wish they had known to prepare for the job! 

• Exploring non-academic pathways: What about opportunities for PhDs outside of academia? Hear from a panel from industry and government on their experiences going beyond academia!

Day 2: Crafting your story 

• Best practices for a CV: overview and feedback

• Best practices for a Cover Letter: overview and feedback

• Best practices for a Research Statement: overview and feedback

• Best practices for a Teaching Statement: overview and feedback

• Best practices for a Diversity Statement: overview + feedback

• Best practices for engaging in Service