Bridge to the Faculty Program

Betul Bilgin of the chemical engineering department teaching a class

Bridge to the Faculty is a UIC-wide program that provides postdoctoral experience for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. Bridge to the Faculty scholars hold a postdoctoral researcher appointment for two years, after which the goal is a direct transition to a tenure-track junior faculty position.

Each year, academic departments from across UIC’s colleges and schools can request funding from the university to provide a Bridge to the Faculty position. The university selects departments for this funding based on their need and their initiative to advance diversity within their faculty ranks.

Each incoming class of Bridge to the Faculty scholars forms a cohort, and together they engage in workshops and meetings that prepare them to succeed in establishing a research program, teaching, pursuing external funding, and creating high-quality mentor relationships.

At UIC Engineering, both the computer science department and the electrical and computer engineering department recently have received Bridge to the Faculty funding. When Bridge to the Faculty positions are available, they are posted on the open positions webpage under the “Faculty and Staff” menu on the website of the participating academic department.