📧 Getting Offer Details
Background: This email was compiled using this Twitter thread from Dr. Joe Cirio, which was honestly invaluable, as well the input from other folks in the thread. One thing to keep in mind is that some of this information can be gathered from speaking to an HR representative or website.
Hello there! Thank you for your patience as I deliberate over your offer. First, I want to say that I am truly humbled and honored. I very much welcome the chance to work with your faculty and in your department and university.
After speaking with my committee, mentors, and advisors, I have a few questions that I am hoping you might be able to help me with as I compile information and compare different aspects of what my future could look like. So, forgive me for this, but I have a list of questions, which are bulleted below for your convenience. I realize these can require some extensive research, so please let me know whether answering them is feasible.
Does your university have a faculty union?
If so, what does it do for faculty?
What have they negotiated for in the past?
Also, to help me plan around the cost of living and budgeting for living in the city, is there a chance I could see a sample paycheck stub to see what kind of taxes I’d be paying and what my monthly take-home would be?
Relatedly, are moving expenses covered?
If so, are they reimbursed or through pay reduction?
With the research start-up funds, are those to be used over a set period of time (i.e., one to three years?)
In addition to the start-up funds you mentioned, is there assistance for procuring technology (i.e., desktop computer, software) that will allow me to successfully meet the tenure requirements?
Also, with long-term planning, with the salary you mentioned, can I ask what that might look like in 10 years?
Are pay raises built-in or based on merit and reviews?
If so, how are they structured (for example, what percent is each raise?).
Also, if you can share, what does salary look like after promotion?
Is there a salary cap?
If so, when would I hit it and how much will that be?
Also, how much are faculty required to put in for retirement?
How much will the university put in?
Again, I realize these are quite extensive, and I would gladly chat via Zoom or phone to talk about this all more. I look forward to your response.