Contents: 1 Making academic superheroes PART I SETTING OUT AS AN ACADEMIC SUPERHERO 2 Get qualified 3 Find a good adviser 4 Get mentors; get advice 5 Prepare a good CV PART II REFINING YOUR ACADEMIC SUPERHERO CREDENTIALS 6 Focus your powers 7 Make an early impact 8 Get informed and stay current 9 Get known and networked 10 Learn about local cultures and use 'the system' PART III APPLYING YOUR ACADEMIC SUPERPOWERS WHERE THEY ARE NEEDED 11 Cultivate high quality referee reports 12 Find the right job 13 Write a compelling job application 14 Perform well at job interviews 15 Manage job interview failure and success PART IV PERFORMING AS AN ACADEMIC SUPERHERO 16 Manage your career 17 Manage your time 18 Publish papers 19 Publish a book (or two) 20 Speak 21 Secure funding 22 Attract postgraduate students 23 Join or start a research team 24 Teach well 25 Think about university service and leadership positions 26 Find a voluntary role 27 Consider consulting 28 Get recognized PART V PRESERVING YOUR ACADEMIC SUPERPOWERS 29 Review your performance 30 Take sabbatical 31 Get refreshed 32 Sustain collegiality 33 Preserve your public reputation 34 Stay happy and healthy 35 Manage disruptions, interruptions and transitions successfully 36 Conclusion: acknowledging dual strands of success for your academic career References Index.