A Compass to Academic Success: Charting an Educational Career Path at a Large Research University

There are multiple pathways to academic success at a large research university, and many of the requirements for promotion as a traditional basic science researcher also apply to career advancements with different primary goals, such as education or administration. Central to any academic career at a research-focused institution are three cardinal components: research, teaching, and service. However, the contributions these three components play in different academic careers may vary in proportion and significance. Based on the author’s own experience, this article looks at the similarities and differences between successful careers as an experimental scientist in the biomedical field and as an educational researcher and teacher, both at a major US university. Although the advice given has wider application, local conditions and institutional priorities also play significant roles when following an academic career path with an unusual trajectory.