Research Statements

What is a Research Statement? 

A Research Statement – also known as a Statement of Research Interests — is both reflective and future-focused, commonly required in academic job applications. Its purpose is to present a clear and compelling picture of yourself as a researcher. You will need to feature aspects of your past research, highlight key accomplishments, and convey your future research agenda, including why it is important to your field. Aim to establish your scholarly identity, your capacity for future research, and the impact of your work. It is common for a research statement to be 2-4 pages long. 

Be aware — a research statement is not the same as a research plan.
(A research plan provides detailed information that spans 3-5 years, identifying how you would accomplish the future research outlined and including details like necessary lab space and equipment, software, travel budget for fieldwork, research assistants, etc.) 

Preparation 

As you prepare to write your statement think about your previous and future research experiences and envision your alignment within a new academic community. Begin by asking yourself some questions about your research before you start writing your statement. 

  • What are your core research questions, and what sparked your interest in them? 
  • Why is your research important – to you, to your field, and society? 
  • What methods do you use and what is important to share about your approach? 
  • Where has innovation been evident in your research? 
  • What impact has your research had, and what future directions and opportunities do you anticipate pursuing? 

Pro Tips for Preparing and Tailoring your Statement 

  1. Create a foundational document that you can adapt, when needed, to each institution to which you apply.  
  2. Research institutional and departmental priorities and tailor your statement by aligning your work to any goals that are evident.  
  3. Identify potential collaborations/collaborators by reviewing faculty research.  

Pro Tips for Addressing Application Requirements 

  1. Pay attention to what the application requires and any instructions about content to include.  
  2. Follow any guidelines on content and page length, if provided.  
  3. When applying for a specific position, research the department’s and institution’s priorities. If you are applying to a combined teaching and research position, consider highlighting how your expertise and experience align with their goals. 

Content to Include 

The hiring committee typically looks to identify a future colleague who aligns well with the department and university culture. Your Research Statement is a chance to show how your work contributes to the employer’s priorities and what unique perspectives or topics you would bring. Consider incorporating some of the following content: 

About Your Research Interests 

  • Explain what draws you to your research topic(s). 
  • Share why your research matters – within and beyond your field.  
  • Highlight the reasons that you are the right person to do this work and how your approach is effective. 
  • Show your research foundation, outcomes, and where that has led you. 
  • Mention any funding you have acquired through research grants. 

Pro Tips for Content and Purpose  

  1. Focus on the future — employers are hiring you for your potential your bring to their institution.  
  2. Create a strong impression of what makes your research unique. 
  3. Use evidence-based examples to show your accomplishments. 
  4. While research can be a team effort, focus on what you are doing in your research and/or relied upon to accomplish within the team. (The employer is hiring you and not your team!) 

Pro Tips for Featuring Your Future Research Potential 

  1. Show how your past and current research informs your future direction. 
  2. Outline your research goals for the next 1-3 years, including potential projects, why those matter, potential funding, and output. 
  3. Identify opportunities for collaboration – within the department and possibly beyond if valued. 
  4. Consistently emphasize the impact of your future research on the department, within your field, and also the wider academic community. 

Pro Tips for Writing with Clarity 

  1. Know the content expectations of your field and write your statement accordingly. 
  2. Your statement should be understood by everyone in your field, including people outside of your subdiscipline. (Many hiring committees are comprised of individuals from a range of disciplines and subfields.) 
  3. Avoid using acronyms, especially those specific to your current lab or institution, as they may not be familiar to members of the selection committee at the hiring institution.  
  4. Give yourself time to formulate your ideas and plans, and to write multiple drafts before submitting your application. 

Pro Tips for Obtaining Feedback 

  1. Ask others with experience in your academic discipline to read your statement and provide feedback. 
  2. Invite individuals who do not know you well to read your statement and share what they learned about you. 
  3. Ask several people to proofread your writing.