Featured Post from University of Delaware

University of Delaware ranked No. 1 among nation’s research universities for partner-hiring practices

Aug 1, 2024

2 min

Angelia L. SeyfferthLaShanda KorleyJuan PerillaCarlos MoffatJessica WarrenRodrigo Vargas
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New research found that the University of Delaware offers the strongest support of couples working in higher education at research universities. The Dual Careers Project’s Partner Hire Scorecard examined policies at 146 R1 academic institutions, with creation of tenure-track positions for academic partner hires as a key variable, and put UD at the top of the list.


The research that led to the scorecard, conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, lauded UD's eight-year-old dual-career program, which supports working couples in finding faculty and staff positions at the University or in the surrounding area.


“We are proud of the efforts in our colleges and departments to provide a welcoming environment that fosters not only faculty research and teaching but also wellbeing and work-life balance,” UD Provost Laura Carlson said. “Our dual-career program provides an incredible opportunity to grow our faculty by offering full support to partner hires, recognizing and fully valuing their careers and contributions.”


According to the Dual Careers Project, more than a third of academic researchers are in relationships with other academics. Consequently, many partners decide early on in their careers that working at the same institution is a non-negotiable for them.


The other variables in the study, each weighted differently, include:


• A clear partner-hire process, including web presence;

• No restrictions based on immigration status, legally documented marriage or relocation to the area;

• Access to start-up funding for partner-hire positions;

• Includes non-faculty positions within and outside of the university for nonacademic partners;

• A dual-career office and staff to help handle dual-career needs for current and potential employees.


UD ExpertFile faculty who have a partner at the University and would be happy to tell their story include:


• Angelia Seyfferth and Rodrigo Vargas

• Carlos Moffat and Jessica Warren 

• LaShanda Korley 

• Dana Veron 

• April Kloxin


The development of UD’s dual-career program began after UD’s ADVANCE team identified a study on dual-career faculty hiring that found that candidates identifying as women were more likely to have academic partners and were disproportionately affected by issues related to partner job placement, said Heather Doty, co-director of the UD ADVANCE Institute. The study also found that partner hiring can help universities recruit talented candidates from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds.


“UD has a history of supporting dual-career couples, but we needed a more formal program to realize the many benefits to UD, including increasing diversity and retention among faculty and staff,” said Matt Kinservik, professor of English and previous vice provost of faculty affairs, who led the working group.


The University received a $3.3 million NSF ADVANCE Institutional Transformation grant in 2014, which created the UD ADVANCE Institute and formalized UD’s dual-career program.

Connect with:
Angelia L. Seyfferth

Angelia L. Seyfferth

Professor, Soil Biogeochemistry and Plant-Soil Interactions

Prof. Seyfferth focuses on soil biogeochemical processes that dictate contaminant and nutrient cycling and uptake by plants.

Chemical SciencesSoil ScienceSoil Biogeochemical ProcessesPlant ScienceEcosystems
LaShanda Korley

LaShanda Korley

Distinguished Professor of Engineering

Prof. Korley's research is focused on the plastics value chain, from synthetic design and manufacturing processes to life cycle management.

Bio-Inspired SystemsSustainable MaterialsPolymer Recycling and Upcycling StrategiesNew Fiber and Composite Manufacturing Strategies
Juan Perilla

Juan Perilla

Assistant Professor

Juan Perilla develops physical and chemical based methodologies for the understanding of biological process related to life and disease

Computational PhysicsComputational ChemistryData ScienceMachine LearningMolecular Virology
Carlos Moffat

Carlos Moffat

Associate Professor, School of Marine Science and Policy

Prof. Moffat specializes in the dynamics of the coastal ocean in Antarctica, and how this region responds and contributes to climate change.

ocean circulationPolar OceanographyIce-Ocean Interactions
Jessica Warren

Jessica Warren

Professor, Earth Science

Dr. Warren's research focuses on plate tectonics and mantle dynamics.

Plate TectonicsRheologyMantle GeochemistryPeridotites
Rodrigo Vargas

Rodrigo Vargas

Professor, Ecosystem Ecology and Environmental Change

Prof. Vargas’ work focuses on global environmental change, nature-based solutions, and environmental data science.

Climate ChangeEnvironmental Data ScienceBlue CarbonNature-based SolutionsSoil-Water-Plant-Atmosphere

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