Area of specialization

Summary:

How much does area of specialization matter for certain job postings?

Area of specialization

Anony (guest) 02 Sep 2009 16:30

I have noticed (and I doubt I'm the only one) that there are many neuroscience job postings nowadays. Some of these postings are quite specific about the area of specialization — e.g., "looking for a cognitive neuroscientist who uses fMRI to study the neural substrates of memory" — whereas others are less specific — e.g., "looking for someone who does cognitive neuroscience".

My question concerns the "less specific" postings. Do you think it would be okay to apply for the job if you work in the general research area but you don't do neuroscience work? For example, a cognitive psychologist applying for a cognitive neuroscience position? Are search committees likely to give any consideration to such applications?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Re: Area of specialization

S.K. (guest) 03 Sep 2009 01:14

I would say that it is probably a waste of your time to submit an application for a position that is outside the area of specialization. From serving on job search committees what I have found generally is that many departments actually have something specific in mind but make their postings less specific because they want to leave open the opportunity for some rock star to apply for the job. I was on a developmental committee that did not specify what area they wanted but really we wanted a cognitive person so any social person was automatically excluded. So if they say neuroscience - they definitely want that.

Re: Area of specialization

C.K. (guest) 03 Sep 2009 15:16

S.K. is right; however, I would still apply if you're in the general area—you may be that rock start they're looking for! Although some search committees may have an idea of what specific area they want covered, others may have a less specific job posting because they are still figuring that out or different people on the search committee want different research areas covered and an agreement wasn't reached yet. If you think you would be a good fit for the department, I would still apply. Don't take yourself out of the game too soon.