Asian Studies Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the global era, the focus on Asian Studies professors has never been stronger.
As our world becomes more interconnected, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can navigate, interpret, and educate about the diverse cultures, histories, and languages of Asia is growing.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Asian Studies professor?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager defining the ideal candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the discipline of Asian Studies,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Asian Studies professor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or academic career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Asian Studies Professor Duties and Responsibilities
Asian Studies Professors focus on teaching and researching the history, culture, languages, and affairs of Asian countries.
They are responsible for creating an engaging learning environment for students and contributing to the academic community with their research.
The duties and responsibilities of an Asian Studies Professor include:
- Designing and implementing comprehensive curriculum and course materials related to Asian studies
- Delivering lectures, leading seminars and workshops, and facilitating discussion in the classroom
- Assigning and grading papers, exams, and other assignments
- Conducting research in various areas of Asian studies and publishing findings in academic journals and books
- Providing mentoring and academic counseling to students
- Participating in faculty meetings, committee work, and other administrative duties within the department
- Assisting in student recruitment and retention efforts
- Keeping up-to-date with current developments and trends in Asian studies
- Organizing and participating in academic conferences, seminars, and workshops
- Applying for research grants and managing project budgets
Asian Studies Professor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Asian Studies Professor to join our faculty.
As an Asian Studies Professor, you will be responsible for teaching courses in Asian culture, history, language, and literature.
You should be a thought-leader in the field, with a deep understanding of the historical, cultural, and societal complexities of various Asian regions.
The ability to inspire students and to maintain a strong publication record is also paramount.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver course material on Asian studies
- Conduct research in various fields of Asian studies
- Publish scholarly papers and books
- Mentor students and supervise their research
- Attend academic conferences and contribute to the academic community
- Perform administrative tasks as needed
- Apply for research grants and manage them
- Participate in faculty meetings and committees
Qualifications
- PhD degree in Asian Studies or related field
- Proven experience as a professor in Asian Studies
- A strong publication record in the field
- Experience in research and grant writing
- Excellent command of at least one Asian language
- Proficiency in utilizing technology to enhance teaching and research
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Asian Studies Professor
- Work Environment: University campus. Some travel may be required for academic conferences or research.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Department.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and academic considerations.
- Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
- 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 university. 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 publications to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Asian Studies Professor Do?
An Asian Studies Professor is an academic professional specializing in the study of history, culture, politics, economics, and society of Asian regions.
This could include countries like China, Japan, India, Korea, and Southeast Asian nations.
They are typically employed by universities and colleges, where they conduct lectures, workshops, and seminars on various aspects of Asian Studies.
This might include courses on Asian history, Asian philosophy, Asian languages, and more.
Their primary responsibility is to educate students and stimulate their interest and understanding of Asian cultures and societies.
They create course outlines, assign readings, conduct exams, and grade student work.
In addition to teaching, Asian Studies Professors engage in scholarly research.
They may specialize in a particular area within Asian Studies, such as ancient Chinese literature or contemporary Japanese politics, and produce research papers and publications in these fields.
They also contribute to the academic community by attending conferences, presenting their research, and participating in scholarly debates.
As part of their role, they may also be involved in the supervision of graduate students, providing guidance on thesis work and research projects.
Lastly, they often serve on various academic and administrative committees within their institution, contributing to the development of academic programs and policies.
Asian Studies Professor Qualifications and Skills
An Asian Studies Professor should possess a range of qualifications and skills that align with this unique role, such as:
- Advanced knowledge in various disciplines of Asian Studies, including language, history, culture, religion, literature, and politics.
- PhD or equivalent terminal degree in Asian Studies or a related field.
- Experience teaching Asian Studies at the college or university level.
- Excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts and ideas to students in a clear and engaging manner.
- Strong research skills to continually update knowledge in the field and contribute to academic scholarship in Asian Studies.
- Interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, colleagues, and the academic community, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Organizational skills and attention to detail for course planning, grading, and adherence to academic protocols.
- Multilingual capability, particularly in one or more Asian languages, to support in-depth understanding of course material and research.
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness to facilitate discussions on diverse perspectives and experiences.
Asian Studies Professor Experience Requirements
The path to becoming an Asian Studies Professor typically begins with obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies or a related field.
This is followed by a Master’s degree and then a Ph.D. in Asian Studies.
Throughout this educational journey, students gain significant experience in Asian history, culture, language, and literature.
Research plays a critical role in the journey to becoming an Asian Studies Professor.
As such, prospective professors should have a strong background in conducting research, ideally with a focus on an aspect of Asian Studies.
This research often takes place during their postgraduate studies.
Teaching experience is also highly valued.
This can come in the form of teaching assistantships during their postgraduate studies, or teaching positions at high schools or community colleges.
Some universities may also require their professors to have postdoctoral teaching or research experience.
As part of their career advancement, Asian Studies Professors may also need to publish original research in academic journals, present at conferences, and maintain active membership in professional organizations.
Those with more than 5 years of experience in a professorial role may take on additional responsibilities like departmental administration or mentoring junior faculty members.
Asian Studies Professor Education and Training Requirements
An Asian Studies Professor typically holds a Ph.D. in Asian Studies or a closely related field such as Asian history, culture, or language.
The coursework for this degree includes deep study into one or more Asian cultures, civilizations, and languages.
Some areas of specialization include Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or South Asian studies, among others.
Along with extensive knowledge about Asian cultures, an Asian Studies Professor also needs to have a strong background in research and teaching at the college or university level.
Prior to obtaining a position as a professor, many aspiring Asian Studies Professors gain teaching experience as a teaching assistant during their doctoral studies.
Furthermore, Asian Studies Professors are often expected to have proficient language skills in at least one Asian language, depending on their area of specialization.
There are also fellowships, grants, and study abroad programs that prospective professors can pursue to gain additional research experience and cultural immersion in Asia.
While not always required, having published research in peer-reviewed academic journals can strengthen a candidate’s position for a role as an Asian Studies Professor.
Continuing education and staying informed about advancements and new research in the field of Asian Studies is vital for maintaining relevancy in teaching and research.
Lastly, excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary for teaching and presenting academic research.
Asian Studies Professor Salary Expectations
An Asian Studies Professor earns an average salary of $76,918 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings can vary widely based on factors such as tenure, university prestige, geographical location, and the professor’s level of expertise and academic achievement.
Asian Studies Professor Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Asian Studies Professor need?
An Asian Studies Professor should have excellent communication and presentation skills for lecturing and engaging with students.
They need strong research skills to stay updated on the latest developments in their field of expertise.
Proficiency in one or more Asian languages may also be required depending on the scope of the course.
They should also have the ability to develop and adjust curriculum plans according to the students’ needs and the latest trends in Asian studies.
Does an Asian Studies Professor need a degree?
Yes, an Asian Studies Professor generally needs a Ph.D. in Asian Studies or a related field.
This role requires deep knowledge of the culture, history, politics, and social issues of various Asian regions.
Some universities may also require teaching experience at the college level.
What should you look for in an Asian Studies Professor’s resume?
Look for a robust academic background in Asian studies, ideally a Ph.D., along with evidence of scholarly research and publications in the field.
Teaching experience, especially at the university level, is a major plus.
Proficiency in one or more Asian languages can also be beneficial.
Additionally, look for evidence of strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
What qualities make a good Asian Studies Professor?
A good Asian Studies Professor is passionate about their subject matter, committed to scholarly research, and stays updated with the latest developments in Asian studies.
They should be approachable and supportive, fostering a positive learning environment.
Good professors also have strong communication and presentation skills, facilitating clear and engaging lectures.
They should also be open to feedback and flexible in their teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles.
What are the main duties of an Asian Studies Professor?
An Asian Studies Professor’s main duties include preparing and delivering lectures, creating and grading assignments and exams, advising students, and conducting research in their field.
They may also be expected to publish scholarly articles, serve on academic committees, and participate in departmental meetings and university events.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve unfolded the intricate tapestry of what being an Asian Studies professor truly entails.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about lecturing on Asia’s history and culture.
It’s about weaving narratives of the past into the present, one lecture at a time.
With our definitive Asian Studies professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this academic journey.
But why limit yourself?
Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards crafting pinpoint-accurate listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every lecture is a thread in the grand tapestry of Asian Studies.
Let’s weave this narrative. Together.
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