Professor Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the realm of academia, the demand for accomplished professors is more pronounced than ever.

Educational standards continue to rise, and with each advance, the call for skillful minds who can educate, inspire, and guide our next generation of leaders grows louder.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A university hiring committee outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of academia,

You’ve found the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Professors are responsible for educating students at the college or university level in their area of expertise, designing and delivering lectures, and evaluating student performance.

They also conduct original research in their field and publish their findings in academic journals.

The duties and responsibilities of a professor include:

• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical literature, economic theory, and applied physics
• Evaluate and grade students’ class work, assignments, and papers
• Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or delegate this work to others
• Guide and mentor students on individual projects, research work or during thesis
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences
• Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities
• Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
• Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, and on career issues
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues
• Participate in campus and community events

 

Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable Professor to join our esteemed educational institution.

The Professor will be responsible for teaching students, conducting original research, publishing findings in academic journals, and contributing to the overall mission of the university.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of their field, a passion for education, and the ability to inspire students to reach their full potential.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach a variety of courses within your discipline
• Develop and implement innovative instructional methods
• Evaluate, monitor, mentor, and advise students in academic matters
• Conduct high-quality research in your field
• Publish research findings in reputable academic journals
• Participate in departmental and college activities
• Participate in curriculum development activities
• Serve on academic or administrative committees
• Contribute to the overall success and growth of the university

 

Qualifications

• A PhD in a related field
• Previous experience as a Professor or a similar role in education
• Proven record of research and publication
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid sabbatical leave
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professor
• Work Environment: Educational setting with frequent interaction with students, faculty, and staff. Some travel may be required for academic conferences or events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair or Dean.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and academic considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 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 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 Professor Do?

Professors are high-ranking academic professionals who typically work in colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions.

They often specialize in a particular field of study and are responsible for conducting advanced research, as well as teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Professors design and implement course syllabi, prepare lectures, and create exams, assignments, and other instructional materials.

They lead discussions, supervise laboratories, and guide students in their coursework, ensuring they understand the material and are able to apply it effectively.

In addition to classroom activities, professors are involved in cutting-edge research in their field.

They design research projects, secure funding, conduct experiments or fieldwork, analyze data, and publish their findings in academic journals.

Professors also provide academic advice to students, mentor them in their studies and future career paths, and may supervise students’ dissertations or theses.

They also often contribute to the wider academic community by attending conferences, giving presentations, and serving on editorial boards or as peer reviewers for academic journals.

Furthermore, professors typically participate in departmental or university-wide committees, contribute to curriculum development, and may hold administrative roles within their institution.

 

Professor Qualifications and Skills

A professor should possess a wide range of skills and qualifications to effectively impart knowledge and facilitate learning, including:

• An advanced degree, usually a PhD or equivalent, in the subject area they intend to teach.
• Proven experience in academic or research settings.
• Strong knowledge and expertise in their field of study to provide comprehensive and up-to-date instruction.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts and ideas to a diverse group of students.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with students, colleagues, and other professionals in their field of study.
• Ability to plan, organize, and conduct lectures, workshops, and seminars.
• Capability to develop and implement innovative teaching methods and instructional materials to enhance student learning.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to conduct and guide research.
• Ability to assess student performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying updated with the latest advancements in their field.
• Patience and empathy to understand and address students’ challenges and difficulties.
• Leadership skills to mentor and guide students in their academic journey.

 

Professor Experience Requirements

The path to becoming a professor typically begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in the field of interest.

This is followed by completing a master’s and then a doctorate, which can take between four to seven years.

Aspiring professors usually gain experience through teaching assistantships during their graduate studies.

This involves assisting a professor with grading and managing their class, and may also involve conducting lectures or classes.

After obtaining a doctorate, many individuals continue to gain experience through postdoctoral positions where they continue their research, publish academic papers and may also teach classes.

To become a tenured professor, one usually needs around five to seven years of experience in a tenure-track position, during which they are expected to contribute to their field by conducting research and publishing their work.

For higher positions such as department heads or deans, universities often look for professors with many years of experience in academia, a proven track record of leadership, and a significant contribution to their field of study through research and publications.

Some universities may also require professors to have professional experience in their field, especially for disciplines such as business or engineering where practical experience in the industry can greatly enhance teaching and research.

In summary, becoming a professor involves many years of study, research, and gaining practical teaching experience.

 

Professor Education and Training Requirements

Professors generally require a doctoral degree in their subject of expertise.

This typically involves four years of undergraduate study, followed by a master’s degree program which usually lasts two years, and then a Ph.D. program that can take five to seven years to complete.

While the specific requirements vary depending on the institution and field of study, all professors must have a substantial understanding and knowledge of their subject matter.

In-depth research experience in their field is also a significant component of the job, often required during the process of earning a doctoral degree.

Experience in teaching is another crucial requirement.

Often, those pursuing a career as a professor will gain teaching experience as graduate teaching assistants during their doctoral program.

Some universities may require potential professors to complete a postdoctoral research position after receiving their Ph.D. This allows individuals to gain further experience in research and publishing within their field.

It is also recommended that professors continue their professional development throughout their careers.

This can include attending academic conferences, contributing to peer-reviewed journals, and staying updated with advancements in their field.

Certain fields may require specific certifications or licenses, such as those in the medical or legal fields.

Additionally, professors who teach online courses may need to have experience or training in online instruction.

 

Professor Salary Expectations

A Professor earns an average salary of $79,540 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate based on factors such as the professor’s area of expertise, the institution they work for, their level of education, and their geographic location.

Notably, professors in scientific and technical disciplines may earn more than those in arts and humanities.

 

Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Professor need?

A Professor should ideally have a Doctoral degree in their field of expertise.

In addition to this, they should also have several years of experience as an Associate Professor.

Many institutions also require Professors to have published relevant research in their field.

 

What are the daily duties of a Professor?

On a typical day, a Professor might prepare and deliver lectures, meet with students during office hours, grade assignments and exams, conduct research in their field, write and publish academic papers, serve on various academic and administrative committees, and mentor graduate students.

 

What qualities make a good Professor?

A good Professor is knowledgeable in their field, passionate about teaching, and committed to their students’ success.

They should be able to present complex information in a way that students can understand, and create a learning environment that encourages critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

Good professors also value research and stay up-to-date on advancements in their field.

 

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

In a Professor’s resume, you should look for a Doctoral degree in the relevant field, teaching experience, any awards or recognitions received, published research papers, and any memberships in professional organizations.

You may also want to note their references and any feedback from former students or colleagues.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Professor?

The difficulty in hiring a Professor depends largely on the discipline and the institution’s prestige.

In some fields, there may be many highly qualified candidates, while in others, there may be a shortage.

It can also be more challenging to attract top candidates to less prestigious or remote institutions.

However, providing a competitive salary, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for research can help attract quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the multifaceted role of a professor.

Surprised?

Being a professor isn’t just about lecturing and grading papers.

It’s about sculpting minds and sparking curiosity, one lecture at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re well on your way.

But don’t stop here.

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every lecture, every discussion is part of a larger educational journey.

Let’s shape the future of education. Together.

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