FUTURE FACULTY FELLOWS

About the Program

The Future Faculty Fellows (FFF) program in Rice’s George R. Brown School of Engineering is designed to help PhD students and postdocs explore the tenure track academic career path, compete successfully for tenure track faculty positions, and launch their careers. 

The program is divided into three levels, corresponding with readiness to apply for tenure track faculty positions, including:

  • Engagement
  • Preparation
  • Application

Level 1: Engagement

Rice Engineering PhD and postdocs can attend these events to engage with the idea of pursuing a career in academia as tenure track faculty. 

Level 1 fellows can learn more about careers in academia through workshops and panels such as Faculty Life and Benefits of a Career in Academia. 

The events in Level 1 are open to all doctoral and postdoctoral engineering students and fellows. 

View the Level 1 calendar and timeline [PDF]. 

Level 2: Preparation

Rice Engineering PhD and postdocs can attend these events to prepare for applying for tenure track faculty positions in 1 to 2 years. 

Level 2 fellows can best prepare for their applications by attending workshops such as Hiring Priorities and Cover Letters and Preparing the Job Talk.

The events in Level 2 are open to all doctoral and postdoctoral engineering students and fellows.

View the Level 2 calendar and timeline [PDF].

Level 2 participants who are interested in continuing to Level 3 should review the application process and complete the requirements below to qualify: 

  • Complete the virtual and self-paced TA Training on Canvas. For access, email us at engineering@rice.edu. 
  • Attend Workshop: Academic Networking
  • Attend Workshop: Hiring Priorities and Cover Letter 

Level 3: Application 

Rice Engineering PhD and postdocs who are applying for tenure track faculty positions during the fall semester can apply to be Level 3 fellows.

Space is limited and application is required.

Level 3 includes one-on-one consultations with the School of Engineering Communications faculty and workshops focused on job applications (fall) and preparing for faculty positions (spring). 

View the Level 3 calendar and timeline [PDF].