Math Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the prominence of math professors has never been greater.

As education evolves and standards rise, the demand for skilled individuals who can decipher, impart, and safeguard our mathematical understanding grows stronger.

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

Whether you are:

• An aspiring educator trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring committee member outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of mathematical education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable math professor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or university career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Math Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Math Professors are responsible for teaching mathematics subjects at the college or university level.

They prepare course materials, conduct lectures, assign homework, and evaluate student performance.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Prepare and deliver lectures on a range of mathematics subjects, such as calculus, algebra, geometry, and statistics
• Create course syllabi and materials, including textbooks, online materials, and homework assignments
• Evaluate student performance through grading homework, quizzes, tests, and exams
• Provide feedback to students and offer additional academic support as needed
• Conduct and publish scholarly research in the field of mathematics
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings, and serve on committees as required by the institution
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in the field of mathematics and incorporate them into the curriculum
• Mentor students on their academic careers, and provide guidance on research projects and theses
• Contribute to the development of the department’s curriculum and participate in accreditation processes
• Engage in departmental service and outreach activities, such as tutoring centers and math clubs

 

Math Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Math Professor to join our academic team.

The Math Professor will be responsible for developing curriculum, teaching students, grading assignments, conducting research, and publishing findings in academic journals.

Our ideal candidate is a passionate educator with a strong foundation in different areas of Mathematics such as Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, and Statistics, and is committed to helping students achieve their full potential.

Ultimately, the role of the Math Professor is to cultivate a learning environment that encourages critical thinking, inspires creativity, and prepares students for real-world problem-solving.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver lectures on a range of mathematical topics.
• Conduct research in a specific field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
• Engage students in thoughtful discussions to develop their understanding of mathematical concepts.
• Assess students’ progress by grading assignments, quizzes, and examinations.
• Advise and mentor students on academic and career paths.
• Participate in departmental meetings, professional development, and curriculum review.
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
• Contribute to the university’s community through committee participation.

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Mathematics or related field.
• Proven experience as a professor or lecturer in Mathematics.
• Strong record of research and publication.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to engage students and foster a stimulating classroom discussion.

 

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance for employees and their families

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Math Professor
• Work Environment: University campus setting. Some travel may be required for academic conferences or seminars.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Mathematics Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and academic considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 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 institution. 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 Math Professor Do?

Math Professors typically work in universities, colleges, or other higher education institutions.

They can also work as private tutors or consultants.

Their primary role is to teach various mathematical concepts to students.

This may include topics from algebra, calculus, statistics, geometry, trigonometry, to more advanced subjects such as number theory, linear algebra, differential equations, and mathematical modeling.

Besides teaching, Math Professors are also responsible for preparing course materials, creating and grading assignments and tests, and guiding students on academic research projects.

They also conduct their own research, often specializing in a specific area of mathematics.

This research contributes to the broader mathematical community and might be published in scholarly journals or presented at academic conferences.

Math Professors also participate in departmental meetings, serve on academic committees, and might have administrative responsibilities within their institution.

They may also provide students with career guidance and mentorship, especially at the graduate level.

In their role, they have to continuously update their knowledge to keep up with new developments and breakthroughs in the field of mathematics.

 

Math Professor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Math Professor should possess a range of qualifications and skills that reflect the demands of the job, such as:

• Strong background in Mathematics, evident through a Masters or Doctorate degree in Mathematics or related field.
• Experience in teaching Mathematics at a higher education level, with an understanding of different teaching methodologies to cater to varied learning styles.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex mathematical concepts in an easily understandable manner.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to develop and implement innovative solutions to mathematical problems.
• Strong organizational skills to manage coursework, grading, and to prepare for lectures and seminars effectively.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, faculty, and staff and to work collaboratively on academic committees.
• Research skills to stay updated on developments in the field of Mathematics and incorporate relevant information into the curriculum.
• Patience and empathy to support students who may struggle with mathematical concepts and provide constructive feedback.

 

Math Professor Experience Requirements

To become a Math Professor, a significant amount of academic and teaching experience is typically required.

At a minimum, potential Math Professors need to have completed a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mathematics or a closely related field, with a Ph.D. highly preferred.

Entry-level candidates, typically those who have recently completed their doctoral studies, may have 1 to 2 years of teaching experience, often acquired through being a Teaching Assistant or Lecturer during their doctoral program.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have additional teaching and research experience at the post-doctoral level.

This can include experience in curriculum development, student assessment, grant writing, and the publication of original research in peer-reviewed journals.

Those with more than 5 years of experience likely have a track record of successful teaching at the university level, extensive research publications, and may have some administrative experience.

They are often ready for tenure-track positions and may also be considered for roles like Department Chair or other leadership positions within the academic institution.

Experience in mentoring students, supervising doctoral dissertations, and serving on academic committees is also highly valued in this role.

 

Math Professor Education and Training Requirements

To become a Math Professor, individuals typically need a doctoral degree in mathematics or a closely related field.

The process to earn a Ph.D. typically includes completion of a dissertation based on original research.

Before achieving this level of education, individuals must complete a bachelor’s degree, usually in mathematics or a related field, followed by a master’s degree.

Math professors are expected to have a strong foundation in various areas of mathematics, including calculus, algebra, geometry, statistics, and more.

While teaching at the post-secondary level, many professors are expected to continue their research, publishing findings in academic journals, and staying up-to-date with the latest mathematical theories and advancements.

For those aspiring to teach in certain specialized areas of mathematics, additional certifications or training may be beneficial or required.

Teaching experience is also highly valuable.

This can often be gained during the doctoral program, where students may have the opportunity to teach undergraduate courses under the supervision of experienced professors.

Furthermore, they should possess strong communication skills to effectively teach complex mathematical concepts to students.

 

Math Professor Salary Expectations

A Math Professor earns an average salary of $89,849 (USD) per year.

However, this figure may fluctuate based on factors such as the level of experience, the prestige of the institution, geographical location, and the professor’s educational background.

 

Math Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Math Professor need?

A Math Professor typically needs a PhD in Mathematics or a related field.

Prior experience in teaching at a university level is also highly regarded.

Some institutions may require Math Professors to have published research articles or made significant contributions to the field of mathematics.

 

What are the daily duties of a Math Professor?

A Math Professor’s daily duties include preparing and delivering lectures, creating and grading exams, advising students on academic matters, conducting research in their area of specialization, and publishing their findings in academic journals.

They also participate in faculty meetings, curriculum development, and might serve on various committees within the institution.

 

What qualities make a good Math Professor?

A good Math Professor is passionate about mathematics and has a deep knowledge of the subject.

They have excellent communication skills, enabling them to explain complex mathematical concepts in a way that students can understand.

They are patient, approachable, and willing to provide additional help to students who struggle with the material.

Good Math Professors also stay updated with current advancements in the field of mathematics and incorporate them into their teaching methods.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Math Professor?

Hiring a Math Professor can be challenging as it requires finding a candidate who not only has a strong academic and research background in mathematics, but also possesses the necessary teaching skills and a commitment to student success.

The hiring process can be lengthy, often involving multiple rounds of interviews and a demonstration of teaching abilities.

 

What should you look for in a Math Professor’s CV?

When reviewing a Math Professor’s CV, look for a strong educational background in mathematics, including a PhD.

Check for any published research and contributions to the field of mathematics.

Prior teaching experience at the university level is also crucial.

Additionally, any awards, grants, or fellowships can indicate a candidate’s expertise and recognition in the field.

Lastly, look for any additional skills such as proficiency in certain mathematical software or programming languages.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate world of what it means to be a math professor.

Surprise!

It’s not just about solving equations.

It’s about sculpting the future of academia, one mathematical concept at a time.

With our comprehensive math professor job description template and real-life examples, you’re well-prepared to take the next step.

But why halt your momentum?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon to producing meticulously-detailed listings or refining your resume to absolute excellence.

Keep in mind:

Every mathematical concept taught is a building block for the future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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