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[frog111]

This thread might fit better under the AFTDJ heading, but more admin and deans might see it here.

In the given economic circumstances, is leaving a federal research position for an assistant dean job at a public university (California)  a dicey proposition?  I think I have a good chance at the position, I was asked if I was interested by individuals who presumably will be involved in the hiring process.  My current funding is secure, and the work here is interesting, but I'd like to move on to a new challenege, and I have always wanted to get back to academia after grad school.

My concern is the financial picture for California schools is not good, and could impact the position negatively.

Would welcome any thoughts

[simplesimon]

I do not think it is a dicey proposition.  Please review your “My Messages” for my full private reply.

[larryc]

Have you been TT faculty at a university in the past, or would this be your first position in academia?

[frog111]

Have you been TT faculty at a university in the past, or would this be your first position in academia?

This would be my first position within academia.  I have a PhD in a STEM field.  I would say I understand the research side of academia pretty well, as in many regards I am just like a research professor.  I do recognize the administrative side and group dynamics would be very different.

[larryc]

Have you been TT faculty at a university in the past, or would this be your first position in academia?

This would be my first position within academia.  I have a PhD in a STEM field.  I would say I understand the research side of academia pretty well, as in many regards I am just like a research professor.  I do recognize the administrative side and group dynamics would be very different.

Some of the deans here can correct me if I am wrong, but I believe being a dean is entirely administrative. Also, faculty will be initially very suspicious of a dean who has never been on the TT. I am not saying not to take it, but it will be a huge change from what you have done.

[ucprof]

I know someone who left federal research for an administrative post in the UC system.  I don't know which system you are looking at but the UC system has an amazing amount of bureaucracy that is UC-specific and takes perhaps a decade to figure out.  IMO the best person for a dean level job in the UC is someone who has been internal and knows the ropes.  Other public schools in CA may be different I can not comment on the rest.

[southerntransplant]

Have you been TT faculty at a university in the past, or would this be your first position in academia?

This would be my first position within academia.  I have a PhD in a STEM field.  I would say I understand the research side of academia pretty well, as in many regards I am just like a research professor.  I do recognize the administrative side and group dynamics would be very different.

I have posted elsewhere that I came into academia from an decade-plus career at a federal lab, and boy were my eyes opened. In most respects the prior experience was useful, but in other ways it severely screwed me up.

No matter what you do, be prepared to have your head turned around.

[frog111]

Thanks for the feedback.  I know it would be a significant change, and am prepared for that.  I also believe I can address similar concerns in an interview, if I get that far.

This would not be in the UC system, it would be administrative, but dealing with research.  I have been doing my homework, doing informational interviews with deans and college presidents that I know, and believe I have a good perspective on making a transition.  This particular position is one of the very few that I believe I could be a good fit, and contribute significantly to the university.

The application goes out tomorrow, and then it is time to wait and see what happens.