Watch the 60‑minute seminar session with Dr. Ken Huaijin Loh and Dr. Hualiang Pi (watch video here with NetID).
As part of the Academic Job Search Series, OCS hosted an interactive workshop on October 18, 2025, featuring K99‑awardees Ken Huaijin Loh (Comparative Medicine, Yale) and Hualiang Pi (Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale). Drawing on their recent experiences securing tenure‑track positions, the speakers demystified every stage of the academic interview—from initial screening calls to day‑long campus visits—offering practical strategies for PhD trainees and postdocs aiming to stand out in a competitive market.
During this session, the speakers explored:
- Interview formats & expectations: phone/Zoom screens, chalk talks, research seminars, and one‑on‑one meetings with deans and search committees
- Crafting an engaging research pitch: tailoring depth for mixed‑discipline audiences while showcasing independence and future funding potential
- Behavioral & situational questions: articulating mentorship philosophy, DEI contributions, lab‑management vision, and collaboration plans
- Common pitfalls & pro tips: time‑boxing answers, reading committee dynamics, and turning tough questions into dialogue about scientific rigor
Dr. Ken Huaijin Loh, Assistant Professor, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University
Dr. Hualiang Pi, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University
This event was co-hosted by Qi Yan and Junwei Zhang, McDougal Fellows at the Office of Career Strategy.
