Rumor Mill is now ready for 2017–2018

We’ve finally got the Rumor Mill turned over for the new season: Postdoc and Term and Faculty and Staff. The archives from previous years remain available.

Thanks to the couple of folks who nudged me about this and a huge thanks to Anže Slosar (Brookhaven National Laboratory) for stepping up, getting this done, and helping maintain this community resource.

I’d like to take this opportunity to promote the new Position Status feature of the recently revamped AAS Job Register 3.0. The value of this field (e.g., Accepting Applications, Shortlist Notified, Position Filled)  is visible in the last column of the job listing and under the deadlines in the individual job posts. Recruiters and Search Committees: as you proceed through the selection process, please take a moment to update the status of any open position so that applicants can know which jobs they are still being considered for. One of the most common complaints I hear from job applicants is the lack of communication about the status of positions for which they have applied. Want to put the Rumor Mill out of business? Encourage everyone to update the Position Status on the Job Register!

Also, I’d like to remind everyone about the AAS Policy on Postdoc positions:

The AAS Council has passed (1988) and reaffirmed (2003) a resolution stating that no postdoctoral position should require a candidate response prior to February 15 of each year. This policy applies to postdoctoral positions whose recruitment cycles follow the normal academic search timeline (offers in early spring to begin summer or fall of the same year). The text of this resolution is available on the Council Resolution webpage. Employers should take this policy into account in their recruitment process.

These innovations were brought to you by the AAS Staff and the volunteers on the AAS Committee on Employment. Want to help get even more improvements implemented to make the job market less stressful? Get in touch with the current chair and volunteer! Or at least become a AAS Member—I think a strong professional society is an important key to ensuring our community is always getting better.

3 comments… add one
  • Matthieu Bethermin Sep 26, 2017 @ 5:07

    There always have been an ambiguity about this AAS resolution about foreign positions. In Europe, I heard people says (and I think they are totally right) that AAS recommandations apply only in the US. Indeed the full thing is based on the schedule of US named fellowship. Is someone aware of discussions about it at IAU level to attempt a coordination at world level? (which might be very tricky indeed)

  • Mark Sep 26, 2017 @ 8:26

    FYI, submission of an edit was *really* slow today (like over a minute from hitting the submit button until page updated). So, be patient!

    • Kelle Sep 26, 2017 @ 9:54

      Yes, thanks Mark! I was just about to add a comment. We’re aware of the issue and will look into it ASAP. The wiki database likely needs some maintenance. If anyone wants to help out, please get in touch.

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