Primary versus secondary faculty

[TTSBT]

Hello, all!

I will be applying to MSTPs starting this summer. In trying to make an apply list, I'm using location and research options as the two major deciding factors for my choice of programs. I have begun looking into the immunology research options at different schools. On Duke's immunology site (my first stop), they separate primary, secondary, and adjunct faculty. Could someone please shed some light on how I should use these categories in my search for potential labs? Do graduate students tend to be better off in one type of faculty member's lab over the other (in terms of training, funding, etc.)? Will you please share your experiences?

Also, in terms of immunology research, any must-have programs that you would suggest for my list?

EDIT: So, I think I might be simply confused in general and this might be the most relevant question... What distinguishes primary from secondary faculty?

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[tortuga87]

http://provost.uncc.edu/epa/handbook/appendices/Primary_vs_Sec.htm

 

[Neuronix]

These things tend to be institution specific and so someone who has specific experience at Duke can correct me or expand more.

All secondary faculty means is that they have a primary appointment in another department. The only question you should have is--is that person allowed to mentor you through the Immunology department or must you work for a primary faculty member?

There are a lot of considerations in choosing a faculty mentor, which we discuss in other threads.

Adjunct faculty means all sorts of things. It may mean that they don't do much research. It may mean that they're primary faculty at another institution. It may mean that they're doing research there and are non-tenure track. You may or may not (usually not) be able to work with such a faculty member depending on whether they have a stable employment arrangement, if they are a majority research faculty, and if they have serious funding.

 

[TTSBT]

Thank you both for helping to clear my confusion. I really appreciate the quick and insightful responses.