I applied through university. The process took 8 weeks. I interviewed at Emory University (Atlanta, GA) in Jan 2011
Interview
Seminar, meetings with a dozen people
classical academic process. Meet chairs, deans, faculty, try to impress all of them.
Atypical job search for most professionals. They try to assess your future potential as a scientist and if you place nicely with others. Emory is an elite university and acts like it. They have very high expectations. Many faculty are anxious about the funding climate, but it is that way everywhere.