Mathematics

Temporal dynamics of faculty hiring in mathematics

C. Fitzgerald, Y. Huang, et al.

This research by Cody FitzGerald, Yitong Huang, Katelyn Plaisier Leisman, and Chad M. Topaz dives into the evolving landscape of faculty hiring in mathematics over the last seven decades, uncovering disparities in Ph.D. graduation versus faculty placement and highlighting that women may be at a disadvantage in hiring probabilities. Discover the implications on academic hiring trends today!

00:00

Playback language: English

Index

Abstract

This paper investigates the temporal dynamics of faculty hiring in mathematics, analyzing over 120,000 records from 150 institutions over seven decades. It reveals a growing disparity between the number of mathematics Ph.D.s awarded and faculty positions filled, and a decline in the probability of Ph.D. graduates obtaining faculty positions, even at top institutions. The study finds a strong correlation between Ph.D. institution prestige and the probability of obtaining a faculty position, as well as evidence suggesting that women face lower hiring probabilities than men. A small group of elite departments consistently dominated the hiring network, though one department significantly increased its centrality over time.

Publisher

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

Published On

May 17, 2023

Authors

Cody FitzGerald, Yitong Huang, Katelyn Plaisier Leisman, Chad M. Topaz