Finishing a doctoral dissertation is one of the most demanding milestones in academia—but transitioning from student researcher to junior faculty member requires an entirely different set of professional skills.

To help emerging scholars prepare for this leap, the Office of Outreach and Engagement (O&E), in partnership with the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, is hosting the Building Future Faculty (BFF) Program. Applications are now open for the Spring 2027 cohort.

Demystifying the Academic Job Market

Over its 20-year history, the annual spring workshop has prepared hundreds of doctoral candidates and postdocs from institutions across the country to navigate the academic job market and succeed on the tenure track.

The Building Future Faculty Program is an intensive professional development experience designed for doctoral students preparing for careers in higher education. Through targeted workshops, structured mentoring and guided discussions with department heads and tenured faculty, participants gain a clear understanding of what it takes to thrive on the tenure track—from the job search to setting up a research agenda and balancing teaching, service and faculty life.

Coordinated under the leadership of Dr. Melvin (Jai) Jackson, assistant vice provost for outreach and engagement, the program supports the university’s broader commitment to fostering faculty excellence and building sustainable pipelines for emerging academic leaders.

Who Should Apply

The program is open to doctoral candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Current doctoral candidates who are at least in year three of their doctoral program.
• Enrolled at an accredited college or university within the contiguous United States.
• Preparing to enter the academic job market within one to two years and committed to pursuing a faculty career.

How to Apply

Interested doctoral candidates can review eligibility details and complete the application online at oe.ncsu.edu/building-future-faculty-program. The application period closes October 15.

For questions regarding eligibility or the application process, contact Dr. Melvin (Jai) Jackson at [email protected].