Promotion

My boss has decided to nominate me for a promotion. My current title is Research Associate (not Postdoctoral Fellow) and we are going to pursue the title of Assistant Scientist. Scientist! I like the sound of that! Big Ten University has research ranks - Assistant Scientist, Associate Scientist, and Senior Scientist. No tenure, of course, and as far as I can tell no associated increase in salary. But I'll have a bit more autonomy at the administrative level in these ranks. I'll be able to apply for grants as PI without the sponsored research people giving me any trouble. I'll no longer be referred to as a "postdoctoral student" (I HATE THAT).

I got the memo about the process yesterday. It's surprisingly scary - it seems similar to applying for tenure (though much, much less involved), without the getting tenure part, of course. I have to turn in a dossier, which includes six outside letters of recommendation. I have to give a seminar. People have to vote about whether or not I get it.

I'm not really very nervous though. The criteria are as follows: 1) completed the terminal degree in his or her discipline, 2) at least one year of successful postdoctoral research experience, 3) be fully capable of original, independent research work. I think I can handle that! To get promoted to Associate Scientist, you have to have begun building a "national reputation." The vagueness of this makes me laugh.

Anyway, I'm kind of excited about this. I was also excited about catching an ovenbird the other day, having never actually seen one before: