Insights Blog

Preparing for a Career as a Principal Investigator: Five Key Insights from SCN’s Careers in Academia Webinar

Preparing for a Career as a Principal Investigator: Five Key Insights from SCN’s Careers in Academia Webinar

Preparing for a Career as a Principal Investigator: Five Key Insights from SCN’s Careers in Academia Webinar

Insights from the Network

Decorative shape

"The transition from postdoc to PI can feel disorienting, even when you expect it, but it’s a necessary step toward independence as a principal investigator. As a new PI, you move from contributing to someone else’s research vision to shaping and leading your own.”

– Dr. Ian Tobias,
University of Guelph

April 2026

By Ellie Arnold, PhD, Training Specialist, Stem Cell Network

Thinking about launching an academic career as a principal investigator? In December 2025, Stem Cell Network (SCN) hosted a candid and practical webinar, Preparing for a Career as a Principal Investigator, bringing together experienced faculty members to demystify the academic job search and the transition to independence. Featuring insights from Dr. Marian Hettiaratchi (University of Oregon), Dr. Michael Kallos (University of Calgary), and Dr. Ian Tobias (University of Guelph), the session explored how trainees can position themselves for faculty roles, navigate hiring processes, and prepare for the realities of running an independent research program. Drawing on their experience across the academic career spectrum, from serving on hiring committees to launching new labs and mentoring trainees, the speakers shared honest advice on timing, applications, interviews, and the often-overlooked challenges of becoming a PI. Across the discussion, one message came through clearly: there is no single “right” path to becoming a PI, and comparison to others can be more distracting than helpful.

Five Top Tips for Aspiring Principal Investigators

1. Start with self-assessment

Take time to reflect on your strengths, values, and career priorities before applying for faculty positions. Tools like an Individual Development Plan (IDP) can help clarify what type of institution, role, and research-teaching balance will best support your goals. Faculty positions vary widely across universities and departments, so understanding what your goals are and where you might fit is a critical first step.

2. Treat the academic job search as a long-term project

The faculty hiring timeline is lengthy, with applications often submitted in the fall for positions that start one to two years later. Successful candidates plan by building core application materials early and tracking deadlines carefully. Rather than rewriting everything from scratch, develop strong template documents and tailor key sections, especially your cover letter and research statement, to each position. At the same time, remember that career planning doesn’t happen in isolation – and that personal goals, geography, and family considerations should be part of the decision-making process, not postponed indefinitely.

“There’s never really perfect timing. Often people feel like they might not be ready when they actually really are. And I would say, don’t make your personal life wait for the perfect job position.” – Dr. Marian Hettiaratchi (University of Oregon)

3. Tailor your application to show genuine fit

From a hiring committee’s perspective, generic applications are easy to spot. Strong applications demonstrate real interest in the department by referencing potential collaborators, aligning with existing research strengths, and identifying courses you could teach. Even if you apply broadly, taking the time to personalize each application signals that you understand the unique value of the institution where you’re submitting your application.

“We want to see your personality because we’re hiring the person, not just the papers or the grants. We want to know the real you, because this is someone we’re going to work with for a long time.” – Dr. Michael Kallos (University of Calgary)

4. Remember that hiring committees look beyond publication counts

While productivity matters, committees are not simply tallying papers or grants. They are assessing long-term potential, research vision, and readiness to lead an independent lab. Candidates with fewer publications due to large or long-term projects should clearly explain their contributions and trajectory. Transparency and context can strengthen your application more than metrics alone.

5. Prepare early for the realities of running a lab

Transitioning from postdoc to PI is a major shift in identity and responsibility. New PIs must balance research leadership with people management, budgeting, teaching, and strategic planning. Early decisions, such as defining a focused research vision, making thoughtful first hires, and understanding your startup package, can shape long-term success. Building a support network of mentors and peers is essential as you navigate this transition. Landing a faculty position is often framed as the finish line, but it’s really the beginning of a very different (and exciting!) journey.

“The transition from postdoc to PI can feel disorienting, even when you expect it, but it’s a necessary step toward independence as a principal investigator. As a new PI, you move from contributing to someone else’s research vision to shaping and leading your own.” – Dr. Ian Tobias (University of Guelph)

We want to hear from you: What topics related to career development and planning would you like to see covered in future workshops or panels? Email trainingSCN@stemcellnetwork.ca.