"Faculty First-Look 2026"

The Faculty First Look program is designed to help diversify academia by appealing to all interested persons including individuals committed to inclusion, belonging, and equity. NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture Education & Human Development invites individuals completing their PhD, EdD, or other relevant terminal degree to apply to participate in Faculty First-Look (FFL). Faculty First-Look provides a glimpse into what it takes to prepare for future faculty careers, particularly in disciplines and fields represented within the Steinhardt School. All interested persons including individuals that are underrepresented in this field are particularly encouraged to apply.

NYU Steinhardt uniquely integrates education, communication, health, and the arts, with eleven departments, seventeen research centers and institutes, 300 full-time faculty, and close to six thousand students.

Faculty First-Look participants will have the opportunity to engage with NYU Steinhardt Deans, Faculty, and Postdocs to:

• Learn best practices to prepare for the faculty recruitment, application, interview and selection process;
• Learn how to write compelling application cover letters, research and teaching statements, and CVs;
• Learn best practices for delivering an effective Job Talk or Presentation;
• Learn best practices for cultivating job prospects, with how to negotiate job offers, and how to decide what position is right for you;
• Learn best practices for how to use digital/social media platforms to increase scholarly visibility as you enter the job market;
• Learn about NYU’s Postdoctoral Programs; and
• Receive access to continuous faculty development opportunities. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to formally and informally network with, and present their scholarly work to NYU faculty, postdocs, and graduate students working in their fields of study, meet prospective faculty mentors and receive 1:1 consultation about their career plans.

Eligibility:

Eligible participants include doctoral/terminal degree candidates working in fields represented among Steinhardt’s faculty, departments and research centers. All interested persons including individuals that are underrepresented in this field are particularly encouraged to apply.

Additionally, applicants

• Should be making progress towards, but not planning to complete the dissertation or other terminal degree equivalent by June 1, 2026.
• Should be able to devote a total of four full days (in a virtual format) the week of April 13, 2026.

Interested candidates must submit the following (as individual documents) by January 5, 2026:

1. Personal Statement to include career aspirations, your contribution to diversity and inclusion in the Academy, anticipated dissertation completion date, and why participating in NYU Steinhardt’s Faculty First-Look will help you achieve your goal (maximum 750-word count (the word count must be included at end of the personal statement), double-spaced);
2. Dissertation Abstract, (maximum 250-word count (the word count must be included at end of abstract), single-spaced);
3. Curriculum Vitae;
4. Letter of Recommendation from dissertation advisor, verifying anticipated dissertation date.

If you have any questions, please contact steinhardt.equity@nyu.edu.