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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.05.20.726576

Becoming Biomedical Faculty: An Analysis of Credentials among Successful Academic Career Aspirants

Hijara, C. M.·Jones, R. F.·Wood, C. V.·Remich, R.·Skelley, A. E.·Campbell, P. B.·O'Neill, D. P.·McGee, R.
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Abstract

Understanding what is requisite for attaining a biomedical faculty career is crucial for guiding trainees preparing for these roles. For nearly two decades, we have collected accounts of biomedical training and career transitions from a large cohort through annual in-depth interviews and tracking of competencies and achievements. This paper elucidates the common and varied credentials of 40 who entered research-intensive faculty careers (RIFCs). Participants completed PhDs and postdocs in a range of research-intensive institutional settings. Developing research independence and a niche were essential to RIFC attainment, and mentors played a crucial role in this development. Counter to common assumptions, high-prestige publications and grants were not in and of themselves necessary for RIFC attainment. Our findings can aid RIFC aspirants and mentors who guide them.

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Hijara, C. M., Jones, R. F., Wood, C. V., Remich, R., Skelley, A. E., Campbell, P. B., O'Neill, D. P., McGee, R.. 2026-05-21. Becoming Biomedical Faculty: An Analysis of Credentials among Successful Academic Career Aspirants. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.20.726576

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