College Mathematics Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the role of a college mathematics professor holds a pivotal position.
As the world evolves and the importance of mathematics in various industries grows, the demand for proficient educators who can explicate, illustrate, and foster appreciation for mathematical concepts becomes increasingly significant.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a college mathematics professor?
Whether you are:
- An aspiring academic trying to comprehend the core of this role,
- A hiring committee delineating the ideal candidate,
- Or merely fascinated by the dynamic world of collegiate mathematics education,
You’ve landed in the right place.
Today, we introduce a customizable college mathematics professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or academic career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
College Mathematics Professor Duties and Responsibilities
College Mathematics Professors are responsible for teaching mathematics to students at the college level, conducting academic research in the field, and contributing to the overall academic community.
They have a wide range of duties and responsibilities which may vary depending on the specific institution and role.
- Prepare and deliver lectures on topics such as calculus, algebra, probability, statistics, and differential equations
- Develop and implement innovative instructional methods to engage students and facilitate their learning
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media
- Assess students’ progress by grading assignments, papers, exams, and other applicable methods
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, career issues, and on academic deficiencies and how to improve them
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records
- Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
- Conduct office hours to provide academic support and guidance to students
- Participate in faculty and college activities such as curriculum planning, committee membership, and academic conferencing
- Stay updated with latest developments in the field of mathematics and incorporate them into teaching and research
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues
College Mathematics Professor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable College Mathematics Professor to join our faculty.
The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching a range of mathematics courses, developing innovative teaching methods, and conducting research in their field of expertise.
College Mathematics Professor’s responsibilities include preparing course materials, grading assignments, advising students, and conducting high-quality research and publishing findings in academic journals.
Our ideal candidate has a strong background in mathematics, excellent communication skills, and a passion for teaching and mentoring students.
Responsibilities
- Teach a range of mathematics courses to undergraduate and graduate students
- Prepare and deliver lectures, tutorials, and practical classes
- Grade assignments and exams, providing constructive feedback to students
- Conduct high-quality research in the field of mathematics
- Publish research findings in reputable academic journals
- Advise and mentor students on academic and career matters
- Participate in departmental and university meetings, committees, and events
- Stay updated on current developments in mathematics and teaching methods
Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in Mathematics or a related field
- Proven teaching experience at the university level
- Strong record of research and publications in reputable academic journals
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong commitment to teaching and student advising
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Proficiency in using learning management systems and other educational technology
Benefits
- Competitive salary package
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development funds
- Tuition assistance for dependents
Additional Information
- Job Title: College Mathematics Professor
- Work Environment: University campus. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair of Mathematics.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and university considerations.
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
- 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 teaching philosophy, and a list of three references to [email address or application portal].
What Does a College Mathematics Professor Do?
A College Mathematics Professor typically works at universities or colleges, delivering lectures to undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in mathematics courses.
They prepare and present lectures on various mathematical concepts, ranging from basic algebra to complex calculus or abstract algebra.
They are responsible for creating a syllabus, preparing exams, and grading student work, including homework assignments, quizzes, and exams.
In addition to teaching, they also conduct scholarly research in their area of expertise, publishing their findings in academic journals.
They often present their research at conferences and other academic gatherings.
College Mathematics Professors also provide academic advising to students, guiding them on course selections and career paths.
They may also participate in departmental meetings and serve on various committees, contributing to the overall development and improvement of the institution’s mathematics program.
Moreover, they may mentor students on individual or group projects and oversee student research activities.
Continuous learning is also a part of their role, as they need to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field of mathematics.
They may also be required to apply for and manage research grants, and collaborate with other faculty members on interdisciplinary research projects.
College Mathematics Professor Qualifications and Skills
A proficient College Mathematics Professor should have the skills and qualifications that align with the requirements of the role, including:
- Strong foundation and knowledge in various areas of mathematics such as algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and statistics.
- Ability to develop and deliver lectures, create lesson plans, and instruct students in a comprehensive and understandable manner.
- Exceptional communication skills to explain complex mathematical concepts in an easy-to-understand language for students with different levels of comprehension.
- Strong interpersonal skills to connect with students, colleagues, and administrators, fostering a positive learning environment and community.
- Excellent problem-solving skills to address students’ queries and provide effective solutions.
- Ability to evaluate students’ progress, provide constructive feedback, and modify teaching methods based on students’ needs.
- Research skills for staying updated with latest advancements in mathematics and incorporating them into the curriculum.
- Patience and empathy to understand students’ difficulties and help them overcome learning challenges.
College Mathematics Professor Experience Requirements
Potential College Mathematics Professors generally need to earn a doctoral degree in mathematics or a closely related field.
This often involves several years of studying and research, which provides an extensive understanding of various math principles and theories.
Before or during their doctoral studies, many individuals gain teaching experience as teaching assistants in undergraduate courses.
This experience is valuable as it introduces them to the teaching environment and helps develop essential teaching skills.
After earning their doctoral degree, some individuals may choose to complete a postdoctoral fellowship.
This allows them to further specialize in a particular area of mathematics and gain additional research experience.
Candidates with more than 5 years of experience teaching and researching in a postsecondary environment are typically very well-prepared for a College Mathematics Professor role.
Those with more than 10 years of experience, especially those who have held senior or leadership roles in academic departments, may be eligible for higher-level positions such as Department Chair or Dean.
Such roles often require extensive experience in administration, curriculum development, and faculty management.
In all cases, a strong record of published research in respected mathematics journals is often a key requirement for College Mathematics Professor roles.
College Mathematics Professor Education and Training Requirements
A College Mathematics Professor typically holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Mathematics or a related field.
This advanced study involves specialized coursework in various areas of mathematics, such as algebra, calculus, statistics, and geometry.
Before obtaining a Ph.D., aspiring Mathematics Professors usually earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Mathematics or a related field.
Undergraduate and graduate studies prepare students with a foundational understanding of mathematical concepts, principles, and theories.
The path to becoming a College Mathematics Professor also often involves teaching experience.
Many Ph.D. programs offer students opportunities to teach undergraduate classes or assist in research, providing valuable experience for a future career in academia.
Postdoctoral research or work experience can be advantageous.
These opportunities allow individuals to gain more in-depth knowledge, engage in independent research, and publish their findings, all of which are crucial for securing a position as a professor.
Additionally, a College Mathematics Professor is expected to continue their education and training throughout their career.
This continuous learning may involve attending conferences, participating in workshops, and staying updated with the latest advancements in the field of mathematics.
Certifications are not typically required, but they can indicate a commitment to professional development and can be beneficial for those interested in particular areas of mathematics.
The ability to communicate complex mathematical concepts effectively to students is a critical skill for a College Mathematics Professor, often developed through teaching experience.
College Mathematics Professor Salary Expectations
A College Mathematics Professor earns an average salary of $88,476 (USD) per year.
The actual income can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, the prestige of the institution, geographical location, and level of education.
College Mathematics Professor Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does a College Mathematics Professor need?
A College Mathematics Professor typically needs a Ph.D. in Mathematics or a related field.
Some institutions may accept a master’s degree for some positions, but a doctoral degree is the standard expectation.
Additionally, prior teaching or research experience is often highly valued.
What are the daily duties of a College Mathematics Professor?
A College Mathematics Professor will typically divide their time between teaching, research, and administrative duties.
They prepare and deliver lectures, create and grade assessments, guide student research projects, and hold office hours for student consultations.
They also conduct original research, publish findings in academic journals, and stay updated on developments in their field.
Administrative duties might include attending departmental meetings, curriculum development, and serving on college committees.
What qualities make a good College Mathematics Professor?
A good College Mathematics Professor should have a deep understanding of mathematics and the ability to convey complex mathematical theories and principles clearly.
They should have strong interpersonal skills to interact with students, colleagues, and administrators effectively.
Patience, creativity, and a passion for learning and teaching are also important.
They should also be able to motivate and inspire students and have excellent problem-solving skills.
What should you look for in a College Mathematics Professor resume?
Look for advanced degrees in Mathematics or a closely related field.
Check their publication history to assess their research abilities and contributions to the field.
Note any teaching experience, especially at the college level.
Any awards, grants, or fellowships they’ve earned can also indicate a high level of competence and recognition in their field.
Is it difficult to hire a College Mathematics Professor?
Hiring a College Mathematics Professor can be challenging as it requires finding a candidate with a specific set of skills, including high-level knowledge of mathematics, research skills, and teaching ability.
As these positions are often highly competitive, institutions need to offer attractive compensation packages and opportunities for research and professional development.
Conclusion
And there we have it.
Today, we’ve delved into the fascinating world of being a college mathematics professor.
Surprising, isn’t it?
It’s not just about solving equations.
It’s about shaping the minds of future mathematicians and scientists, one theorem at a time.
With our handy college mathematics professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step in your career.
But why stop there?
Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool for fine-tuning your job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every mathematical concept taught is a step towards a brighter future.
Let’s shape that future. Together.
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