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[JD]

I have always included a brief description of my research interests as part of my CV, but in a recent job posting the search committee specifically requested a research statement. I am in the humanities and I have never seen this request before. Does this mean that they are expecting a full-page research statement detailing all of my past, present, and future research plans?

[BlueSky05]

In the statement, focus on your present work underway and concrete plans for the future. I would not write about past plans. Write about the evolution/continuum of your work over time, but focus largely on the present and immediate future, and on the significance of the work. Be sure to mention particular topics (if any) that are stated in the position announcement. One page sounds appropriate, I would not write more than that. Use some headings in the statement to make it reader-friendly. If at all possible, have someone proofread your statement. If you have particular questions about the application guidelines, you can always check with the department secretary or search committee chair. Good luck!

[ABD Candidate]

You can also go online and do a search using "research philosophy" as a guide. For those folks who have posted their philosophy somewhere, they will likely pop up, and will give you some ideas. Be sure to use your own words and ideas. Keep it to one page, single spaced, decent margins.

Blue sky offered good suggestions: Talk about the current research. Can you indicate how many pubs you may be able to submit from that (be realistic), and what kind of game plan  you envision in the next 1-5 years? Don't forget to include where you would likely seek grant funding (if that is a requirement for the position you are applying for).

Good luck.