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[uniprof]

I'm nearing the end of my first semester TT general sciences faculty position.  Graduated two years ago from grad school and have been in several adjunct prior to this position. 

When is too early to start looking for another teaching job? 

Lab space, that was made clear would be available, is not and seems that there are many challenges to securing adequate lab space in the future.  On the BS, MS and PhD levels the department seems content to misrepresent to students what the learning outcomes from the program are (in terms of actual in class time and research).  There seems to be a general lack of engagement amongst the faculty. 

Any advice in terms of when I could conceivably start looking for another position, would be greatly appreciated.  Is it best to stick it out for 2- 3 years?

[august_leo]

There are problems everywhere. I would wait at least 2 years.

I know one guy who interviewed at my Grad School (he was the second choice, we didn't have enough money for him so he did a post-doc). He re-applied the next year for a new search (same field) but didn't get an interview (even though he had been #2!) "because he didn't add anything to his CV from the year before."

I recommend staying until you have some changes on your CV (how much and what are discipline specific). But, I'm only in year 3 TT, so if other senior forumites disagree with me, listen to them.

[fedscholar]

Hi Uniprof:

I asked a similar question a few days back, though more in a hypothetical sense. I think it is at the bottom of the page. Great feedback, the jist of which, if I can paraphrase, is to focus on having strong record in achievement on the tenure dossier. I don't know exactly how that would affect your choice to apply elsewhere after one or three or so years. Seems like getting rolling on your research and putting your time into grant proposals would be job #1, and more fruitful than sending you job apps. If it were me, I think I would wait until later. Also, some of the challenges you describe might turn out to be more widespread than just at your current U.

I can also add that as a supervisor, I don't begrudge people leaving after a while if they do some good work, but running off after a year does not seem ideal in a professional position. You simply throw them back into reflying the position in tough financial times, and they might not remember you kindly. Best wishes!