Sample Letter: Solicitation of Applicants during Search

[Date]

[Addressee]

Dear Dr. [Department Chair, Program Director or other source]

I am writing to ask your help in identifying candidates for a position as ______[rank(s)] in the [faculty line(s)] in the [Division of ______,] Department of ______at Stanford University School of Medicine. We are particularly interested in candidates who have ______[required education, training, other background or experience].

[Include criteria for the appropriate faculty line(s) and delete others:]

  • The predominant criterion for appointment in the University Tenure Line is a major commitment to research and teaching.
  • The major criteria for appointment for faculty in the Medical Center Line shall be excellence in the overall mix of clinical care, clinical teaching, scholarly activity that advances clinical medicine, and institutional service appropriate to the programmatic need the individual is expected to fulfill.
  • The major criterion for appointment for faculty in the Non-tenure Line (Research) is evidence of high-level performance as a researcher for whose special knowledge a programmatic need exists.
  • The major criterion for appointment for faculty in the Non-tenure Line (Teaching) is evidence of high-level performance as a teacher for whose special knowledge and pedagogical skills a programmatic need exists.

[If search is for a single rank and line, for example Assistant Professor in the MCL, alsoinclude the criteria for appointment to that position from Chapter 2 of the School of Medicine Faculty Handbook.]

[OR if search is for multiple ranks or lines,also include:]Faculty rank will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

We expect the successful candidate to ______[include programs to develop or administer, expected teaching duties, scholarly/research expectations, involvement with other departments or Schools, other duties or responsibilities].

[Optional paragraph can include something like:] The activities of the Division/Department are diverse and include ______, offering unique opportunities for the successful candidate to ______.

[EEO language, required:]Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford also welcomes applications from others who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

I would appreciate your forwarding this announcement to individuals whom you feel would be particularly suited for this position.

Interested candidates should send a copy of their curriculum vitae, a brief letter outlining their interests and the names of three references to:

[Name, address of Search Committee Chair or administrative contact]

Revised 9/19/17