Associate Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the significance of associate professors has never been more pronounced.

Education evolves continuously, and with each stride, the demand for erudite minds who can educate, inspire, and enhance our academic landscape escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an associate professor?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring academic seeking to understand the core of this position,
• A hiring committee outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate fabric of academic careers,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable associate professor job description template, tailored for effortless posting on job boards or university career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Associate Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Associate Professors perform a wide variety of tasks in the field of academia, not only teaching students but also conducting research, publishing scholarly articles, and participating in departmental and university service.

They are responsible for fostering academic growth in their students and furthering their own professional development.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and teaching courses within their area of expertise
• Designing comprehensive and engaging lesson plans, lectures, and class discussions
• Conducting advanced research in their field and publishing their findings in scholarly journals
• Mentoring and advising students on their academic and career paths
• Participating in departmental meetings and contributing to curriculum development
• Keeping up-to-date with current developments in their field of expertise
• Assessing student coursework and providing constructive feedback
• Serving on academic and administrative committees that review and recommend policies
• Applying for research funding and managing research budgets
• Presenting research findings at conferences and seminars

 

Associate Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and intellectually curious Associate Professor to join our academic team.

The Associate Professor will be responsible for conducting, publishing, and presenting high-quality research, teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, supervising student projects, and contributing to the administration of our department.

The successful candidate must have a proven track record of independent research, a substantial publication record, and the ability to secure grant funding.

Ultimately, an outstanding Associate Professor should demonstrate exceptional teaching abilities, research skills, and a significant contribution to their field of expertise.

 

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing innovative teaching methods.
• Conducting high-quality research and publishing the results.
• Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students’ research activities.
• Contributing to departmental administrative duties.
• Participating in training and professional development sessions.
• Assisting in the development of learning materials, preparing schemes of work, and maintaining records to monitor student progress, achievement, and attendance.
• Participating in departmental and faculty seminars aimed at sharing research outcomes and building interdisciplinary collaboration within and outside the department.

 

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. degree in the relevant field.
• Significant experience as a Professor or a similar role in an educational institution.
• A record of published research and academic writing.
• Experience in securing research funding would be advantageous.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• A commitment to both teaching and research.
• Ability to provide academic leadership and foster a collegial environment.
• Membership in professional associations in the relevant field.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Work-life balance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Associate Professor
• Work Environment: University Campus. Occasional travel may be required for conferences and research.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair or Dean.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: [based on university’s pay structure]
• 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, cover letter, teaching philosophy, and samples of published research to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Associate Professor Do?

An Associate Professor typically works in universities or higher learning institutions, although they may also work in research institutions.

They design and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on a range of topics within their area of expertise.

Associate Professors also develop and manage their department’s curriculum standards, and implement educational policies to ensure the success of their students.

Their job involves preparing and grading exams, providing guidance to students, and mentoring them in their academic journey.

They also serve on academic and administrative committees that review and recommend policies, make budget decisions, or advise on hiring and promotions within their department.

In addition to teaching, Associate Professors conduct research in their area of expertise, and often publish their findings in scholarly journals.

They are responsible for keeping up-to-date in their field and contributing to its advancement.

Finally, they may often be called upon to provide public service, such as serving on committees, contributing to community outreach programs, and collaborating with industry.

 

Associate Professor Qualifications and Skills

An Associate Professor should have a diverse set of skills and qualifications, including:

• Advanced knowledge of their specific field of study, with the ability to conceptualize, design and implement high-quality research.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills to effectively deliver lectures, facilitate student discussions, and articulate complex concepts in an understandable way.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple classes, prepare lesson plans, and meet academic deadlines.
• Experience in applying different teaching methodologies and techniques to engage a diverse student body and cater to various learning styles.
• Ability to critically evaluate and revise curriculum and course content to ensure relevance and adherence to the latest developments in the field.
• Interpersonal skills to foster a positive learning environment, mentor students, and collaborate effectively with faculty colleagues.
• Experience in academic publishing and presenting research findings at conferences or in academic journals.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying updated with the latest academic research and teaching methodologies.

 

Associate Professor Experience Requirements

Typically, an Associate Professor should have a minimum of 5 to 7 years of academic experience.

This often includes experience gained through doctoral research, post-doctoral fellowships, or roles such as Research Assistant or Lecturer.

In some cases, universities may also require candidates to have several years of experience as an Assistant Professor before considering them for an Associate Professor role.

This allows candidates to gain comprehensive knowledge and experience of academic administration, curriculum development, student mentoring, and education research.

Candidates with more than 10 years of experience in academia often have a strong track record of published research, experience in securing research funding, and contributions to academic policy and administration.

They may have also gained supervisory experience, guiding PhD students or managing research teams.

Additionally, teaching experience is essential for this role, with many institutions requiring evidence of effective classroom teaching, course development, and curriculum design.

Lastly, continual professional development is often expected in these roles, with experience in presenting at academic conferences, participating in professional associations, and staying current with developments in their field of expertise.

 

Associate Professor Education and Training Requirements

To become an Associate Professor, a candidate typically needs to have a doctoral degree in their chosen field of study.

This process includes completing a bachelor’s degree, often a master’s degree, and then a doctorate, which can take anywhere from 5-7 years.

The candidate must also have substantial experience in teaching or research roles, often as an Assistant Professor or similar role, for several years.

The exact length of experience required can vary between institutions but is usually around 5-7 years.

Some fields may also require post-doctoral research or fellowships, which allow for further specialization and expertise in a specific area of the discipline.

Additional certifications or licensure might be necessary depending on the field of study.

For example, a Professor in Clinical Psychology may need to be a licensed psychologist.

As with most academic careers, an Associate Professor is expected to have a record of ongoing research and publication.

Having a robust list of published work in reputable journals is often an essential requirement.

Finally, many institutions look for candidates who demonstrate potential for leadership and service to the academic community.

This can be demonstrated through roles in academic committees, contribution to curriculum development, and engagement in other service activities.

 

Associate Professor Salary Expectations

An Associate Professor typically earns an average salary of $87,122 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ substantially depending on factors such as academic field, years of teaching and research experience, location, and the type of institution.

Furthermore, salary could also be influenced by the individual’s publication record and reputation in the field.

 

Associate Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Associate Professor need?

Associate Professors typically need a Ph.D. or other terminal degree in their field of study.

Often, they must have several years of experience as an Assistant Professor or in another academic role.

Some universities may require a strong publication record, demonstrated expertise in the field, and a history of successful grant applications.

 

What are the duties of an Associate Professor?

Associate Professors perform a mix of teaching, research, and service to the university community.

They teach undergraduate and graduate courses, advise students, and serve on academic committees.

They are also expected to publish scholarly articles, present at professional conferences, and often secure grant funding for their research.

 

What should you look for in an Associate Professor’s resume?

An Associate Professor’s resume should highlight relevant teaching experience, including student evaluations if available.

It should show a strong and consistent record of academic research, as evidenced by publications in respected journals.

It’s also important to look for evidence of service to the university community or professional organizations, and any significant awards or grants received.

 

What qualities make a good Associate Professor?

A good Associate Professor is passionate about their field of study and communicates that enthusiasm to their students.

They should be organized and prepared, able to explain complex topics clearly, and receptive to student questions and needs.

Beyond teaching, they need to be diligent and resourceful researchers, capable of contributing original insights to their discipline.

They should also be willing to serve and collaborate with their academic community.

 

What is the difference between an Associate Professor and a Full Professor?

The main difference lies in tenure and seniority.

An Associate Professor often has tenure, meaning they have a permanent post, while a Full Professor is the highest rank that can be achieved in academia.

Becoming a Full Professor typically requires a significant and sustained record of excellence in research, teaching, and service.

The expectations for both roles are similar, but the bar for achievement is set higher for Full Professors.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the nuts and bolts of what it truly means to be an associate professor.

Guess what?

It’s not solely about lecturing in classrooms.

It’s about shaping minds, inspiring young scholars, and contributing to academia, one lecture at a time.

With our handy associate professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next big step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precise job listings or refining your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every lecture, every paper published, every student mentored is part of a greater academic picture.

Let’s shape the future of academia. Together.

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