Gerontology Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving field of gerontology, the focus on gerontology professors has never been sharper.

As our global population ages, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can educate, research, and innovate within the realm of aging and elderly care continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a gerontology professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of gerontology,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable gerontology professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Gerontology Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Gerontology Professors focus on instructing students about the aging process, its impacts on society, and methods to address the unique health and social needs of older adults.

They are experts in the study of aging and longevity, and they balance their time between teaching, research, and administrative duties.

Their responsibilities include:

• Designing and delivering lectures on a range of gerontological topics including aging processes, age-related diseases, long-term care, social policy related to aging, and elderly rights
• Supervising and mentoring students on their course projects, dissertations and theses
• Carrying out research in gerontology, publishing findings in academic journals, and presenting at professional conferences
• Updating course content and teaching materials to reflect advances in gerontology
• Reviewing and grading students’ class work, assignments, and papers
• Contributing to departmental goals, objectives, and curriculum development
• Providing academic counseling and guidance to students
• Applying for and managing research grants and funding
• Participating in faculty and university meetings and serving on committees

 

Gerontology Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Gerontology Professor to join our faculty.

The Gerontology Professor will be responsible for teaching and mentoring students in the field of gerontology, conducting original research, and contributing to the development of our curriculum.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in gerontology or related field, a commitment to student success, and demonstrated experience in academic research.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach gerontology courses at undergraduate and graduate levels
• Prepare and deliver lectures, seminars, and practical demonstrations
• Guide and mentor students, supervise student research, and provide academic counseling
• Conduct original research in gerontology and publish findings in scholarly journals
• Participate in curriculum development, program planning, and accreditation efforts
• Contribute to departmental and institutional service such as committee work
• Stay updated with current knowledge in gerontology and related fields
• Participate in professional development opportunities

 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Gerontology or related field
• Proven experience as a professor or lecturer in gerontology
• Strong record of academic research and publication
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong commitment to teaching and student success
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Gerontology Professor
• Work Environment: University setting. Some evenings or weekends may be required for office hours or special events.
• 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 $120,000 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 a Gerontology Professor Do?

A Gerontology Professor is an academic and research professional who specializes in the study of aging and the elderly.

They typically work in universities, colleges, or research institutions.

They are responsible for developing and teaching courses related to gerontology, which could include subjects like the biological process of aging, psychological aspects of aging, social issues related to the elderly, and healthcare management for aging populations.

Gerontology Professors conduct and supervise research on various topics related to aging.

This may involve studying the physical and mental changes that occur with age, exploring the impact of an aging population on society, or evaluating the effectiveness of different healthcare strategies for the elderly.

They publish their findings in academic journals, present at conferences, and often contribute to the development of public policy around issues related to aging.

Gerontology Professors also mentor students, guiding them through their academic journey, supervising their research projects, and helping them prepare for their future careers in the field of gerontology.

Finally, they may also engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with colleagues from other fields such as biology, psychology, social work, nursing, and public health, to further the understanding of aging and improve the quality of life for older adults.

 

Gerontology Professor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Gerontology Professor should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the job role, such as:

• In-depth knowledge of gerontology and an ability to teach students about the biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging.
• Strong research skills to contribute to the field of gerontology through research and scholarly publications.
• Excellent communication skills to present complex concepts in a clear and accessible way to students of different academic levels.
• Empathy and understanding to discuss sensitive topics like aging, mortality, and social issues affecting older adults.
• Ability to develop and revise curriculum to ensure that it is up-to-date, reflects the latest research in gerontology, and meets the needs of students and the community.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and staying updated with the latest advancements and trends in gerontology.
• Experience in grant writing and fundraising to support research initiatives in the field of gerontology.
• Problem-solving skills to address challenges in teaching and research.
• Mentorship abilities to guide students in their academic and career paths, as well as supervise their research projects.

 

Gerontology Professor Experience Requirements

To become a Gerontology Professor, one should typically start with a Bachelor’s degree in Gerontology, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.

This prepares the individual for entry-level positions in the gerontology field and is a prerequisite for advanced study.

Moving on, a Master’s degree in Gerontology or a related field is commonly required.

It usually includes a significant amount of practical experience through internships, fieldwork or research projects.

This provides the individual with a deeper understanding of the subject and helps them develop their teaching skills.

Most institutions require Gerontology Professors to have a Ph.D. in Gerontology, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.

This requires several years of study, usually including original research.

During this period, students typically gain teaching experience as graduate teaching assistants.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience may have enhanced their knowledge and skills by conducting their own courses, conducting research in their field, and publishing their findings in academic journals.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have significant experience in curriculum development, teaching a variety of gerontology courses, advising students, and serving on academic committees.

These individuals are usually prepared for senior roles within their department, such as department head or dean.

In summary, the pathway to becoming a Gerontology Professor usually involves many years of study and a substantial amount of practical teaching and research experience.

 

Gerontology Professor Education and Training Requirements

To become a Gerontology Professor, candidates typically need a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Gerontology or a related field such as social work, nursing, psychology or sociology with a focus on gerontology.

Before pursuing a Ph.D., they need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field followed by a master’s degree.

The focus of these degrees can be gerontology or a related field where gerontology can be emphasized through coursework and research.

During their doctoral program, candidates may focus on areas such as the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging, depending on their interests and career goals.

This program will involve conducting in-depth research in a specific area of gerontology, which will culminate in a dissertation.

Once they have earned a Ph.D., aspiring gerontology professors typically undertake postdoctoral work that involves further research, and often teaching experience.

This is a critical step in building a strong academic and research profile that will help them secure a faculty position.

In addition to their educational qualifications, gerontology professors need to keep up to date with the latest research and developments in their field.

This can be achieved through continuous learning, attending academic conferences, and publishing research in reputed journals.

Teaching skills are also crucial for a gerontology professor.

This can be acquired through teaching assistantships during their doctoral or postdoctoral studies, or by attending courses on pedagogy and teaching methodologies.

While not a requirement, professional certifications such as the Certified Gerontologist (CG) credential can enhance a professor’s qualifications and demonstrate commitment to their field.

 

Gerontology Professor Salary Expectations

A Gerontology Professor typically earns an average salary of $92,410 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, academic qualifications, geographical location, and the institution where they are employed.

 

Gerontology Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Gerontology Professor need?

To become a Gerontology Professor, one must have a doctorate degree in gerontology, or a related field, such as social work, psychology, or sociology with a focus on aging.

In addition, teaching experience in higher education and a record of research and publications in the field of gerontology is highly desirable.

 

What are the daily duties of a Gerontology Professor?

A Gerontology Professor typically spends their day teaching classes, preparing lesson plans, and grading student work.

They also conduct research in the field of gerontology, which can involve designing and implementing studies, analyzing data, and writing research papers.

They often participate in department meetings, serve on academic committees, mentor students, and may be required to write grants for research funding.

 

What skills does a Gerontology Professor need?

A Gerontology Professor should possess excellent communication and instructional skills to effectively teach students.

They should have a deep understanding of aging and the issues related to it, as well as strong research skills to contribute to the field.

Interpersonal skills, patience, and empathy are also important for interacting with students and conducting research involving older adults.

 

What qualities make a good Gerontology Professor?

A good Gerontology Professor is passionate about the field of aging, and is able to inspire this passion in their students.

They should be patient, approachable, and able to effectively communicate complex concepts.

Additionally, they should be dedicated to their research and to contributing new insights to the field of gerontology.

 

What should you look for in a Gerontology Professor’s resume?

Look for a Ph.D. in gerontology or a related field with a focus on aging, as well as evidence of teaching experience at the college level.

Research experience, particularly with published results in reputable journals, is also crucial.

The resume should demonstrate a continued interest in the field of gerontology, evidenced by ongoing research, participation in professional organizations, or other related activities.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the essential aspects of being a gerontology professor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about lecturing on aging and the elderly.

It’s about shaping the future of gerontological studies, one lesson at a time.

With our detailed gerontology professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to pursue your dream career.

But why pause here?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise job listings or honing your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson you impart contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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