An updated and expanded characterization of the biological sciences academic job market

This study surveyed 449 biological sciences faculty applicants across three hiring cycles (Fall 2019 to May 2022) in North America to identify factors associated with receiving job offers. Results show that submitting more applications, targeting more senior positions, and identifying as women or transgender positively correlated with receiving offers. Conversely, older applicant age, residence outside the US, first-generation status, and holding multiple postdoctoral positions negatively correlated with offers. This represents the first analysis examining PEER (persons historically excluded due to ethnicity or race) status in this context, providing empirical baseline data to help demystify faculty recruitment dynamics in the biological sciences. Notably, beyond certain thresholds, metrics such as number of publications, fellowships, career transition awards, and years of experience did not significantly separate applicants who received offers from those who did not.