Negotiating A Start-up

Negotiating your start-up package can be stressful especially if you are crafting ones for different universities with varying resources and capabilities. I remember being completely lost on how to get started and what to include or not include. Thank God that I had amazing mentors who walked me through the process, but even with their guidance there were important things that I missed. First, every school structures the start-up funding differently. Some may provide a lump sum of money that can be used for hiring personnel, purchasing equipment, travel, educational outreach activities, and anything else that enables you to do your job. Others may categorize the funding so that you get a certain amount for equipment and a different amount for hiring staff. Some universities give you a certain number of years for student support that is separate from the actual funding they provide. I think it is a good idea to ask current faculty members (especially the most recent hires) about how their start-up was structured. But you should know that within the same department the start-up structure and amount can vary from person to person. So in my opinion…..ask for any and every thing that will help you be successful. If they want you……they will find a way to make it work. Because when you write grants you will have to show that your lab or institution has the resources to complete the project and if you can’t it will have a negative impact on your review. Remember every thing is negotiable.

1. Make a list of every thing you will need

And when I say every thing I mean E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G lol. In my process I created an Excel sheet and categorized items using tabs. I had a tab for lab equipment along with quotes from vendors….and do not just think about large equipment, you also need to budget for materials and supplies (i.e., acetone, ethanol, acids, grinding papers, etc.). I had a tab for the actual set-up for the lab: types of outlets, clean/dry air, fume hood, chilled water supply line, number of sinks, and the exact placement of these items within the lab. I also included a budget for using “user” facilities based on current rates (account for inflation for each year after that). If I could not find them online, I reached out to the director/admin to get more information. Other things to include: travel (especially if you need to use facilities outside of your home institution), a clear plan for assisting with job placement for a spouse, support for purchasing a home ( I did not do this but I have friends who did), funding for outreach activities, money to attend non-technical workshops/conferences, computing time, etc.

2. Make sure they provide the location (i.e., building, room number, size, blue print) of your lab in the offer letter

This does not specifically apply to everyone because not every institution provides private lab space but if they do, you want the actual location of the lab included in the offer letter. Also ask to see the space on your second visit. I also made sure they provided the blue print of the lab with all of my requirements. If you are using a shared space, you want to make sure they provide where that space will be located and how much of it will be designated for your group. Also include in the offer letter that the space should be professionally cleaned before your arrival.

3. Make sure relocation is separate from your start-up and that the amount is included in the offer letter. Make sure to over budget in this area….moving is expensive

4. If you are given a lump sum, make sure you understand the rules….are there any restrictions to how you spend the money

5. Negotiate your salary. Pay close attention to the cost of living. A 150K in Gainesville does not go as far in San Francisco.

6. Ask for a signing bonus

7. Ask for post-doc support for two years….you will thank me later

8. Ask for money to visit program officers in DC

9. Make sure the start-up is good for five years….it takes awhile to get started

There are so many things that can be included in a start-up and it is all based on the individual and their specific needs. But no matter what your field of study is, this is the only time you can ask for anything that you want…..so ask! This is not the time to be modest!

Checkout my YouTube Channel to get more tips on negotiating and crafting start-ups: DrProfessorMom. DrProfessorMom can also be found on Apple Podcasts.

From Aeriel, With Love