I am a senior researcher in computer science, and I am applying for associate professorship positions. The evaluation of my last application was positive overall, except for the concern that I am not listed as the lead author often enough. According to the committee, they interpret the lead author as the last author, which typically signifies the senior supervisor role. In my 45+ publications, I first authored more than 60% of them.

In my role, I supervise multiple students and research staff, but most are not pursuing a PhD and aim to move to industry. Their work often involves small, independent contributions that I combine, significantly enhance, and then write up as full manuscripts where I typically list myself as the first author. This feels appropriate since I do most of the work and writing.

However, this pattern seems to conflict with the committee's expectations. Even if I wanted to credit another as the first author, it would be challenging to pick a single student when the paper is the result of combining several small efforts.

Given this, what is the best way to proceed with manuscripts I already wrote to align better with expectations regarding senior authorship? Should I rethink authorship strategies going forward?