Assistant Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the role of assistant professors has never been more crucial.

As knowledge evolves and educational landscapes shift, the demand for innovative, engaging, and dedicated educators continues to grow.

But what’s really expected from an assistant professor?

Whether you are:

An aspiring academic trying to understand the core of this role,
A recruitment committee defining the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of higher education,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive assistant professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on academic job boards or university websites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Contents show

Assistant Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Assistant Professors have a broad range of responsibilities, including research, teaching, and administrative duties.

They are often expected to contribute to their academic field by publishing original research and participating in academic conferences, in addition to teaching undergraduate or graduate students.

The duties and responsibilities of an Assistant Professor include:

Conducting and publishing high-quality research in their respective field
Preparing and delivering lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as research methods, field studies, and other subjects in their area of expertise
Developing course syllabi, planning lessons, and assigning homework, projects, and examinations
Meeting with students during office hours to address questions, assist with coursework, or advise on academic and career goals
Participating in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities
Serving on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues
Participating in professional organizations or conferences to stay abreast of developments in their field
Providing input into the development of academic policies and programs
Supervising graduate students’ teaching and research
Applying for research grants and managing research budgets

Assistant Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Assistant Professor to join our academic faculty.

The Assistant Professor will have the primary responsibilities of teaching, research, and service to the University.

The ideal candidate must be passionate about their field of expertise, have a strong interest in research and teaching, and be willing to maintain the high standards of our University.

Responsibilities

Teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in the field of expertise
Engage in scholarly research activities leading to publications in refereed journals
Participate in academic advising and mentoring of students
Assist in the development of curriculum and educational materials
Participate in departmental and university service
Maintain regular office hours to assist students and improve student retention
Participate in departmental, university, and academic community service
Contribute to the intellectual and academic community of the university

Qualifications

Ph.D. in the relevant field from an accredited institution
Experience in teaching at the college/university level
A record of scholarly research and publications
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and students

Benefits

Health insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities
Tuition waiver for self and dependents

Additional Information

Job Title: Assistant Professor
Work Environment: University/College campus. Some travel may be required for conferences or research.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair or Dean.
Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience, academic preparation, and current market factors.
Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
Employment Type: Full-time, Tenure-track
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in 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 teaching philosophy and research interests, and the contact information for three professional references to [email address or application portal].

What Does an Assistant Professor Do?

Assistant Professors typically work in universities and colleges.

They are part of the faculty and are involved in teaching, research, and service to their educational community.

Their main role is to teach students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

They prepare and deliver lectures, create and grade assignments and exams, and advise and mentor students.

They also hold office hours where they give individual attention to students who need help with coursework or have questions about the class.

Assistant Professors often conduct research in their field of expertise, publishing findings in scholarly journals, books, and conference proceedings.

This contributes to the body of knowledge in their field and may aid in obtaining funding for the university.

They also serve on various committees within their department and the university.

This can include curriculum development committees, hiring committees, and academic review boards.

In some cases, Assistant Professors may also have administrative responsibilities such as coordinating departmental activities and events, managing budgets, and overseeing student organizations.

The ultimate goal of an Assistant Professor is to contribute to the academic growth of their students and their institution while also advancing knowledge in their field.

Assistant Professor Qualifications and Skills

An Assistant Professor should possess a blend of academic knowledge, teaching abilities, and interpersonal skills, such as:

Strong knowledge in their specific academic field, keeping up-to-date with the latest research and advancements
Experience in teaching at the collegiate level, developing and delivering lectures and coursework that engage and educate students
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts and ideas to students
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, faculty, and staff
Ability to design and implement engaging and effective curriculum
Excellent organizational and time management skills to balance teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities
Proficiency in research methodology and a track record of academic publications
Ability to mentor and guide students in their academic and professional growth
Skills in academic advising and career guidance
Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment
PhD or equivalent degree in the relevant academic field

Assistant Professor Experience Requirements

Assistant Professors are typically required to have significant educational and practical experience in their area of expertise.

They should hold a Doctorate degree in their respective field, which usually involves several years of intense study and research.

Before attaining the role of an Assistant Professor, individuals often spend a few years in postdoctoral positions where they conduct research, publish scholarly articles, and gain teaching experience.

This period is crucial as it offers them an opportunity to build a solid academic foundation and become familiar with the responsibilities of a faculty member.

Apart from this, many universities prefer candidates who have a minimum of 2 to 3 years of teaching experience at the university level.

This can be achieved through roles such as Teaching Assistant or Adjunct Faculty.

Candidates for Assistant Professor roles should also have a strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.

This demonstrates their ability to contribute to their field and stay current with the latest research and developments.

Finally, those with more than 5 years of experience in the academic field may have some administrative experience and could be ready to take on roles with additional responsibilities, such as departmental committee involvement or program coordination.

Assistant Professor Education and Training Requirements

Assistant Professors generally need a doctoral degree in the subject area they plan to teach.

However, in some colleges and universities, a Master’s degree may suffice, especially in community or technical colleges or for certain applied sciences.

They are required to have a deep understanding of their subject matter and to stay current in their field through continuous learning and research.

This involves reading scholarly articles, attending conferences, and often, conducting their own original research.

In addition to subject matter expertise, they should have prior experience in teaching or instruction.

This may be gained through teaching assistantships during their graduate studies or through postdoctoral fellowships.

Some institutions may require Assistant Professors to have published their original research in respected academic journals.

Having published work demonstrates the ability to conduct significant research and contributes to the knowledge base of the field.

While not always required, professional certifications related to their field of study can enhance an Assistant Professor’s credentials.

It not only emphasizes their expertise but also their commitment to staying updated in their field.

Some universities may also require Assistant Professors to have completed a certain amount of pedagogical training or have a certification in higher education teaching.

This helps to ensure they have the skills necessary to effectively communicate and impart knowledge to students.

Finally, it is crucial for Assistant Professors to have excellent communication skills, as they need to present complex ideas in a way that students can understand and learn.

Assistant Professor Salary Expectations

An Assistant Professor typically earns an average salary of $70,246 (USD) per year.

The actual income can fluctuate depending on factors such as field of study, research publication record, years of teaching experience, and the location of the institution.

Assistant Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Assistant Professor need?

Typically, an Assistant Professor should hold a Ph.D. or an equivalent degree in their field of study.

They should also have a track record of academic achievement, including scholarly publications.

Depending on the institution and the discipline, they may also require teaching experience and skills in grant writing.

What are the daily duties of an Assistant Professor?

An Assistant Professor’s daily tasks can vary widely depending on the institution and discipline.

However, they typically include teaching classes, preparing lectures, grading student work, conducting original research, writing and publishing scholarly articles, advising students, and participating in departmental and university meetings.

They may also serve on academic committees and contribute to the development of academic programs.

What qualities make a good Assistant Professor?

A good Assistant Professor is passionate about their field of study and can effectively communicate complex concepts to students.

They should be able to engage students in the learning process, adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of individual students, and provide constructive feedback.

They also need to be excellent researchers, able to design and conduct studies, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions.

What should you look for in an Assistant Professor resume?

An Assistant Professor’s resume should demonstrate a strong academic background, including a doctoral degree in the relevant field, and a track record of scholarly publications.

It should also showcase any teaching experience, including the courses they have taught and any teaching awards or recognitions they have received.

Any leadership roles, experience with grant writing, or involvement in academic committees can also be advantageous.

Is it difficult to hire an Assistant Professor?

Hiring an Assistant Professor can be challenging as it requires finding a candidate with the right mix of teaching skills, research experience, and academic achievement.

It often involves a rigorous selection process, including interviews, teaching demonstrations, and reviews of the candidate’s scholarly work.

It can also be competitive, particularly for top-tier universities or in high-demand disciplines.

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the intricacies of being an assistant professor.

Guess what?

It’s not just about lecturing.

It’s about shaping minds and cultivating the future, one lesson at a time.

With our handy assistant professor job description template and concrete examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why stop there?

Go deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating finely tuned listings or refining your CV to perfection.

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