Higher education administration is a career pathway that benefits from many of the skills you, as a Ph.D., have already acquired. If you’re interested in having an impact on the processes in academia, yet a faculty position doesn’t align with your priorities, administration might be a career path to explore. Many in this field work to create departmental-, college-, or university-wide policies applying to faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral researchers. Their roles include deans, graduate program directors, and postdoc office directors. Staff members employed in institutional research offices, teaching and learning centers, and career services are also considered administrators. This is not a complete list; you can probably ask many Ph.D.s in similar positions at your institution for an informational interview to learn more.
Although many higher education administration roles are accessible via faculty pathways, others do not require a previous faculty position. One way to gain experience for such careers is through a postdoctoral training position that will allow you to learn the ins and outs of administrative processes. Although they still fall into the category of postdocs, these admin positions differ significantly from traditional chemistry postdoctoral research.
Why Choose an Administrative Postdoc?
The work encompassed in an administrative postdoctoral setting may include program management, research, presentations, or facilitation. Higher education administration focuses on the inner workings of an institution. Therefore, the work may relate to how faculty, staff, students, or even other postdocs participate in institutional life. Postdoctoral training always serves as a way for individuals to expand their skill sets. This specific type is no different; most placements require a doctoral degree and relevant experience. You are probably already qualified!