Faculty positions are extremely competitive in ecology (and most other fields). It is not uncommon for 200+ people to apply for one opening. Most of these applicants are qualified, so if you want a faculty position you must establish a truly exceptional record. Here are some goals to reach if you would like to be competitive for a position in a top-100 department. For a top-10 department, the objectives are much higher. It’s best to start planning to meet these objectives when you start your graduate career, if not earlier.
As a PhD student:
—3–6 first-authored papers
—At least one should be in a high-profile journal (e.g., Science, Nature, Ecology, or Ecology Letters)
—Junior-authored papers (optional)
—No number of junior-authored papers can replace a single first-authored paper
—“Walks-on-water” letter from PhD advisor
—Plus: very strong or walks-on-water letter from postdoc advisor
—Plus: very strong or walks-on-water letter from a third faculty member, usually a committee member
—Fellowships/independent funding (optional)
—Teaching experience (for teaching universities)
As a Postdoc:
—At least 1.5 first-authored papers per year
—Junior-authored papers (optional)
—No number of junior-authored papers can replace a single first-authored paper
—Walks-on-water or very strong letter from postdoc advisor
—Fellowships/independent funding (optional)
—High-quality research statement for job applications
—Exceptional job talk