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NextProf Nexus

Preparing the next generation of scientific and academic leaders

Applications are open!

Nexus FAQ

September 8-11, 2025 | Berkeley, CA

Michigan Engineering

Pursue a faculty position and build your network

NextProf Nexus – sponsored by program partners, the University of Michigan, UC Berkeley, and Georgia Tech – is part of a nationwide effort to strengthen and grow the next generation of academic leaders in engineering. This preeminent event is designed to give participants the opportunity to explore and prepare for a faculty position in academia.

Join a select cohort of engineering PhD students, recent doctoral graduates and top faculty and deans from around the country. Airfare and lodging costs associated with the program are covered for accepted applicants.

Apply here!

Applications due April 21, 2025, 5PM, EDT

Attendees will leave NextProf Nexus with a clear understanding of the academic job market and how to navigate the rigors of first faculty positions. They will:

The application for the 2025 NextProf Nexus workshop is open!

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Selection Criteria

An ideal NextProf candidate can express a passion for teaching and interest in making engineering academia a more welcoming and rewarding experience for all students and has a desire to positively influence institutional culture.

To be eligible for Nexus, you must be a senior-level PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher, or an early-career scientist or researcher in the field of Engineering. If you are a rising 1st- or 2nd-year PhD student or a Master’s student intending to apply for a PhD, we recommend you consider NextProf Pathfinder.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have an interest in a faculty career in engineering
  • Must be a 4th+ year PhD student, postdoc, or recent graduate by fall 2025
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Have a demonstrated a commitment to service, growth and excellence

Costs

Airfare and lodging costs associated with the program are covered for accepted applicants.

How to Apply

Applicants may either apply directly to the workshop or be nominated by a faculty member.

Application Materials

Current CV

  • PDF format
  • Save the file as “Last Name-First Name_2025Nexus_CV.pdf”

Statement of Interest

  • Save in PDF format
  • Use the file naming convention “Last Name-First Name_2025Nexus_Interest.pdf”
  • Statement should be no more than two single-spaced page in 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman)
  • Include your name and date at the top of the page

A statement of your interest in the NextProf program addressing the following:

  • What interests you about an academic career?
  • Describe your experiences in research, teaching, mentoring, and service that have shaped your future career plans.
  • What do you expect to gain by participating in the NextProf Workshop?

Letter of Recommendation

Applicants must obtain a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or supervisor. Please note: if you were nominated for NextProf Nexus by a faculty member, you do not need to complete this section or share the recommendation form link.

  • The candidate’s preparedness for a faculty position.
  • The candidate’s research and level of scholarship, teaching ability and commitment to service, growth and excellence.

Nominate a Candidate

When prompted on the Nomination form, please indicate “I would like to nominate an applicant.” Please notify your candidate and inform them that they will need to submit a separate application to the workshop.

You will also be required to submit a letter of recommendation assessing the candidate’s preparedness for a faculty position. In doing so, please address the candidate’s research and level of scholarship, teaching ability and commitment to workforce development, growth, and excellence.

Program and Deadlines

Travel details and workshop-associated costs will be arranged for accepted applicants. Specific programming details will be shared with attendees leading up to the event

Contact Us

NextProf Nexus 2025 will be hosted at the University of California, Berkeley. For more information and questions about the 2025 program, please consult the FAQ or contact [email protected].