application - What is a better point in an academic career to move to the U.S.: as an assistant professor or after tenure?

I am starting my second academic year as an assistant professor at a university in Europe. I'd like to move back to the US at some point in the near future. If I stay at my current university for 2 or 3 more years, it's likely that I will be offered tenure. Based on the openings I see in the US in my field, there are more assistant professor positions than associate professor positions.

• Will it be better for my career prospects to apply now for assistant professor jobs in the US? If so, should I expect a reduced tenure clock?


• Or should I wait a few more years and with tenure under my belt, apply for associate professor jobs?