I applied through university. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ) in Sept 2021
Interview
It was a discussion on research interests, teaching style, teaching philosophy, research funding, past written records. The PI went through my past research work, discussed publications. It was a very open minded positive discussion. I asked about the PI's advising style. I requested that I also speak with other grad students in the PI's lab. He readily agreed. This was a green signal.