Academic Faculty Member Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s knowledge-driven society, the focus on academic faculty members has never been more significant.

Education continues to evolve, and with each advancement, the demand for skilled individuals who can innovate, nurture, and uphold our academic standards heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an academic faculty member?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring academic trying to comprehend the essence of this role,
• A hiring committee sculpting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply captivated by the inner workings of academia,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable academic faculty member job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or institutional websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Academic Faculty Member Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Faculty Members are responsible for teaching students, conducting research in their field of expertise, and contributing to the overall mission and success of the educational institution they are affiliated with.

They have a vital role in shaping the educational experience of students, and their duties and responsibilities often extend beyond the classroom.

These include:

• Developing and delivering course material to students
• Updating curriculum periodically to ensure relevance and compliance with the latest educational standards
• Conducting research, writing papers and reports, and presenting findings at conferences
• Supervising student’s research work, such as theses or dissertations
• Maintaining regular office hours to help students with academic issues
• Participating in faculty meetings and serving on academic or administrative committees that review and recommend policies
• Contributing to the accreditation process of the institution by providing necessary documentation and evidence of quality teaching and research
• Engaging in continuous professional development to stay abreast of advancements in their field
• Evaluating student performance, providing feedback, and grading assignments and exams
• Consulting with colleagues to address teaching and research issues

 

Academic Faculty Member Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Academic Faculty Member to join our team.

This individual will be responsible for shaping and enriching our educational curriculum, engaging in research, mentoring students, and contributing to the wider academic community.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in their field of expertise, a passion for teaching, and the ability to contribute to curriculum development.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate and/or graduate students
• Develop curriculum and course materials
• Conduct research and publish findings in academic journals
• Supervise student research and academic projects
• Participate in faculty and college committee assignments
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records
• Contribute to the enrichment of the department’s academic reputation
• Participate in professional development and stay updated on current developments in the field
• Provide mentoring and career guidance to students

 

Qualifications

• PhD in the relevant field
• Proven teaching and research experience in higher education
• Strong record of published research
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in classroom management and curriculum development
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia
• Familiarity with online learning platforms and student management systems

 

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid sabbatical leave
• Tuition assistance for dependents

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Academic Faculty Member
• Work Environment: Classroom and office setting. Some travel may be required for conferences and professional development.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair or Dean of the faculty.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate’s experience, qualifications, and the institution’s budget.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of published works to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Academic Faculty Member Do?

Academic Faculty Members typically work for universities, colleges, or other higher education institutions.

They may work in various departments like Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, or Arts.

Their primary responsibility is teaching students at the undergraduate or graduate level.

They design course syllabi, deliver lectures, facilitate classroom discussions, and evaluate student performance through assignments, projects, and examinations.

Academic Faculty Members also engage in scholarly research within their field of expertise.

They conduct studies, write research papers, attend academic conferences, and aim to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their area.

They often serve on various committees within the institution and work towards curriculum development, departmental policies, student admission processes, and faculty hiring.

In addition, they also provide academic counseling to students, helping them choose courses and plan their academic path.

They may also supervise student research or internship projects.

Moreover, many Academic Faculty Members participate in community service, contributing to the broader social good and representing their institutions outside the academic environment.

 

Academic Faculty Member Qualifications and Skills

An Academic Faculty Member should possess a unique blend of academic expertise, teaching abilities, and interpersonal skills, including:

• An advanced degree in their field of expertise, often a Ph.D., demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the subject matter.
• Teaching experience with the ability to develop and deliver engaging, informative lectures and facilitate student learning in a classroom setting.
• Strong research skills to contribute to the field of study, including the ability to design studies, collect data, analyze results, and publish findings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts to students and engage in scholarly discourse with peers.
• Interpersonal skills to mentor and guide students, build relationships with colleagues, and collaborate on academic projects.
• Administrative skills for managing course requirements, grading assignments, overseeing student progress, and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to use and adapt to modern teaching tools and technology, including digital learning platforms and multimedia presentation software.
• Passion for lifelong learning and staying updated with the latest advancements and theories in their field of study.

 

Academic Faculty Member Experience Requirements

Academic faculty members typically need to have a minimum of a Master’s degree in their respective field, with many institutions preferring or requiring a Ph.D. The experience required often varies, however, the minimum requirement is generally three to five years of experience in teaching or research in the relevant field.

Entry-level faculty members may have accumulated teaching experience as graduate teaching assistants during their doctoral studies.

They are generally expected to have published their research in scholarly journals or presented their findings at academic conferences.

Mid-level academic faculty members, such as associate professors, often have 5 to 10 years of experience.

They have a track record of effective teaching, have published significant research, and have experience in academic service, such as serving on university committees.

Senior faculty members, such as full professors, typically have more than 10 years of experience.

They have a distinguished record of teaching and research, including multiple publications in top-tier academic journals.

They also have substantial experience in academic leadership roles, such as serving as department chair or dean.

In addition to these basic qualifications, academic faculty members are expected to engage in continuous professional development to keep their teaching skills and disciplinary knowledge up to date.

Specialized certifications or training in pedagogical techniques may also be required or preferred.

 

Academic Faculty Member Education and Training Requirements

Academic Faculty Members often require a PhD in their chosen field of expertise.

This includes several years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree and often a master’s degree.

Faculty members generally specialize in a particular academic discipline or field, such as biology, mathematics, literature, history, or education, and they are expected to continuously deepen their knowledge and stay updated with the latest findings in their field.

In addition to their PhD, many institutions prefer or require faculty members to have postdoctoral research experience.

This experience demonstrates a faculty member’s ability to conduct independent research, which is a crucial part of most academic roles.

Some colleges or universities may accept candidates with a master’s degree for certain positions, particularly in community colleges or vocational programs.

In these cases, practical work experience in the field could be highly beneficial.

Faculty members who are engaged in teaching are often required to have some form of teaching experience.

This can be gained through teaching assistantships during PhD studies or through adjunct teaching positions.

While not always mandatory, obtaining professional certifications or credentials relevant to their field can demonstrate a faculty member’s commitment to their discipline and can enhance their teaching and research profile.

Continuing education is also important for academic faculty members, as it allows them to keep up with developments in their field and to acquire new skills that can benefit their students and their institutions.

Many faculty members also engage in scholarly writing and research, publishing their findings in academic journals and presenting at conferences.

 

Academic Faculty Member Salary Expectations

An Academic Faculty Member earns an average salary of $79,540 (USD) per year.

The compensation can vary greatly depending on the discipline, level of education, experience, and the institution’s location and prestige.

 

Academic Faculty Member Job Description FAQs

What are the essential qualifications for an Academic Faculty Member?

Academic Faculty Members generally require a doctoral degree in their field of expertise, though some institutions may hire faculty with a master’s degree in certain disciplines.

They also need a strong research background, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and previous teaching experience at the tertiary level.

 

What does a day in the life of an Academic Faculty Member look like?

An Academic Faculty Member’s day includes a mix of teaching, research, and administrative duties.

This could involve preparing lectures, delivering classes, advising students, grading assignments, conducting research, writing grants or papers, serving on committees, and attending faculty meetings.

The balance between these tasks can vary significantly based on the institution, the time of the academic year, and the individual faculty member’s role and interests.

 

What are the key skills needed in an Academic Faculty Member?

Academic Faculty Members need excellent communication skills to deliver lectures, present research, and interact with students and colleagues.

They also require strong critical thinking abilities to develop research ideas and solve complex problems.

Organizational skills are also crucial to juggle teaching, research, and administrative duties.

A passion for their subject area, a commitment to student success, and an ability to stay up-to-date with developments in their field are also essential.

 

How does one advance in a career as an Academic Faculty Member?

Advancement in academia often involves progressing from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and finally to Full Professor, each requiring a strong record of teaching, research, and service to the academic community.

Some faculty may also choose to pursue administrative roles such as Department Chair, Dean, Provost, or University President.

 

What is the difference between an Academic Faculty Member and an Adjunct Faculty Member?

Academic Faculty Members are typically full-time employees of an institution, often with tenure or on a tenure track.

They are expected to fulfill teaching, research, and service responsibilities.

On the other hand, Adjunct Faculty Members are often part-time employees who are primarily focused on teaching, with fewer expectations for research and service, and typically without tenure or the possibility of tenure.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the nuanced role of an academic faculty member.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about lecturing students.

It’s about shaping young minds and influencing the future of education, one lesson at a time.

With our trusted academic faculty member job description template and real-world examples, you’re perfectly poised to make your next career move.

But why halt your momentum?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to absolute excellence.

Always remember:

Every lesson imparted is a step towards a more educated world.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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