Academic Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the importance of highly qualified professionals is indisputable.

As the field of education evolves, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can foster, enhance, and safeguard our academic institutions.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to decode the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the complexities of academia,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable academic job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Academic Duties and Responsibilities

Academics are responsible for conducting research, teaching students, publishing findings, and contributing to their field of expertise.

They often work at universities, colleges, or research institutions.

The daily duties and responsibilities of an academic include:

• Planning and delivering lectures to students
• Designing, preparing, and developing teaching materials
• Conducting research in their field of expertise
• Writing scholarly papers and books and publishing findings in academic journals
• Providing academic guidance and counselling to students
• Supervising students’ research activities
• Participating in departmental and faculty meetings, committees, and boards
• Performing administrative tasks related to their department
• Engaging in continuous professional development
• Reviewing and evaluating new and current curriculum to determine its effectiveness
• Contributing to collaborative initiatives such as research groups or teaching partnerships within the institution

 

Academic Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Academic to join our team.

The Academic’s responsibilities include conducting research, delivering lectures, supervising lab work, writing and grading exams and papers, and offering academic guidance to students.

The successful candidate will be passionate about their field, demonstrate a strong command of the subject matter, possess excellent communication skills, and have a commitment to student success.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality research in your field of knowledge and publish findings in reputable journals
• Deliver lectures, seminars, and tutorials on your area of expertise
• Write and mark exams, essays, and other assignments
• Supervise students’ lab work, field work, research projects, dissertations, and theses
• Offer academic guidance, support, and advice to students
• Attend and contribute to department meetings, administrative functions, and recruitment activities
• Stay current with developments in your field and update curriculum as needed
• Engage in continuous professional development

 

Qualifications

• PhD in the relevant field
• Proven experience as an Academic or in a similar role
• Strong command of the subject matter of your field
• Published research in reputable journals
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality teaching
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently when needed

 

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid sabbatical leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Generous vacation and sick leave

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Academic
• Work Environment: University or college setting. May require occasional travel for conferences or professional development events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair or Dean.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• 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 in 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 CV, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and a list of references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Academic Do?

Academics, often known as professors or lecturers, are educators and researchers employed by universities or colleges.

Their primary role involves teaching students in a specific field of expertise, from entry-level courses to specialized upper-level classes.

They facilitate lectures, assign homework, lead discussions, and administer and grade examinations.

In addition to teaching, academics conduct research in their field of expertise.

This involves designing studies or experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and writing research papers or articles for publication in academic journals.

Many academics also contribute to their institution’s operations through administrative tasks such as serving on committees, developing curricula, supervising graduate students, and participating in faculty training.

They are also often involved in community service and public outreach programs related to their field of study, offering their expert knowledge to the wider community.

Academics must continually stay updated with the latest developments in their field and often attend conferences, seminars, and workshops.

Their role is to impart knowledge to students, contribute to their academic field through research, and support the operation and development of their institution.

 

Academic Qualifications and Skills

An individual pursuing an academic role should possess a range of qualifications and skills, including:

• Extensive knowledge in their respective field of study to provide in-depth guidance and expertise.
• Strong research skills for developing and expanding knowledge within their academic field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting research findings, publishing papers, and teaching students.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with students, fellow academics, and professionals in their field.
• Ability to critically analyze and synthesize complex information to drive innovative thought and discussion.
• Organizational and time-management skills for balancing teaching, research, administrative duties, and service to the academic community.
• Leadership skills to guide students or junior academics towards academic and career development.
• Ability to secure funding for research through grant writing and other means.
• Continual learner, staying updated on advancements and trends in their field of study.
• Commitment to ethical guidelines in all research and professional activities.

 

Academic Experience Requirements

Academic roles typically require a significant amount of formal education and research experience.

Entry-level academic roles such as Assistant Professors often require a PhD in the relevant field of study.

This implies several years of study, including an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree, and a doctoral degree, all of which provide substantial research and teaching experience.

Most academics start gaining their practical experience in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or internships during their graduate or doctoral studies.

They may also participate in publishing research papers in academic journals, presenting at conferences, and contributing to academic community engagement.

Mid-level academic roles, like Associate Professors, usually require several years of experience as an Assistant Professor, a track record of successful grant applications, a strong publication record, and demonstrated excellence in teaching and service.

Senior academic roles, such as Full Professors or Department Chairs, often require a substantial career in academia, with a robust portfolio of research, a strong publication record in high-impact journals, a successful track record of securing research funding, experience in academic leadership roles, and a demonstrated commitment to teaching and mentoring.

Additionally, some academic roles may require specific certifications or qualifications, depending on the field of study and the nature of the role.

 

Academic Education and Training Requirements

Academics typically hold a doctoral degree in their chosen field of study, such as English, biology, physics, or history.

This is often preceded by a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a related field.

The doctoral program usually involves a combination of coursework and original research, leading to the completion of a dissertation.

The duration of the program varies but generally takes between four to seven years.

For certain positions, such as those in the humanities or social sciences, academics may also need postdoctoral research experience.

This allows them to further specialize in their field, conduct independent research, and gain teaching experience.

Teaching at the university level usually requires a pedagogical training or teaching certificate, as well as experience in teaching undergraduate or graduate-level courses.

This can be obtained through a teaching assistantship or other instructional roles during their doctoral studies.

For those in the research field, academics may need to secure research funding and have a history of published research in peer-reviewed academic journals.

Certain academic disciplines may also require familiarity with specific tools, methodologies, software, or languages.

Lastly, academics should demonstrate a commitment to continuing education to keep abreast of new developments in their discipline.

Participation in academic conferences, workshops, and seminars is often encouraged.

 

Academic Salary Expectations

The average salary for an academic professional varies significantly depending on the field of study, rank, and institution.

For instance, university professors can expect an average salary of $76,000 (USD) per year.

This can substantially increase to an average of $114,000 (USD) for full professors.

However, adjunct faculty or lecturers may earn significantly less.

The salary may also vary depending on factors such as years of experience, the prestige of the institution, and geographic location.

 

Academic Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Academic need?

Academics should have excellent research and analytical skills to undertake in-depth studies in their respective fields.

They should be equipped with good written and verbal communication skills to present their findings and teach students.

It’s also crucial for academics to have critical thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of their areas of expertise.

Organizational and time management skills are also essential due to the multifaceted nature of their roles.

 

Do Academics need a degree?

Yes, academics typically need an advanced degree in their field of expertise.

Most academic positions, especially those in higher education institutions, require a PhD or a similar level of education.

However, some entry-level positions or teaching roles in community colleges may accept candidates with a Master’s degree.

 

What should you look for in an Academic’s resume?

An academic’s resume should highlight their educational background, research experience, publications, and teaching experience.

Additionally, the resume should provide information about any grants or awards received, academic memberships, and presentations given at conferences.

Look for evidence of continuous learning and professional development.

 

What qualities make a good Academic?

A good academic is passionate about their field and committed to advancing knowledge through research.

They are detail-oriented and have a high level of intellectual curiosity.

Good academics are also excellent communicators, able to convey complex ideas to both their peers and students.

They are often self-motivated and have a high degree of integrity and ethical standards.

 

Is it difficult to hire Academics?

Hiring academics can be challenging because it requires finding candidates with advanced degrees and significant experience in their field of study.

Also, due to the nature of academic work, it can be time-consuming to thoroughly review research work and publications.

However, the process can be made more manageable by clearly outlining the job expectations and focusing on candidates who display a strong commitment to research, teaching, and service.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the core of what being an academic truly involves.

Surprised?

It’s not just about teaching or researching.

It’s about shaping minds, broadening horizons, and building the bedrock of knowledge for future generations.

With our comprehensive academic job description template and real-world instances, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to crafting detailed job listings or refining your CV to perfection.

Always remember:

Every lecture, research paper, or discussion contributes to the grand canvas of academia.

Let’s mold the future, together.

Reasons to Become an Academic (Experience Intellectual Freedom)

How to Become an Academic (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being an Academic (Students’ Struggles Shared)

Courage Under Fire: A Closer Look at the World’s Most Perilous Jobs

You Won’t Believe the Stress Levels in These Jobs!

Earnings Unleashed: The Definitive Guide to the Highest Paying Jobs of 2025!

Robot Run: The Jobs AI is Gearing Up to Grab