Professor of Herpetology Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of scientific discovery, the focus on Herpetology professors has become increasingly significant.

As our understanding of biological sciences advances, the call for knowledgeable individuals who can unravel, broaden, and protect our knowledge of reptiles and amphibians magnifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Professor of Herpetology?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring academic seeking to understand the crux of this role,
• A hiring committee drafting the perfect job specification,
• Or simply captivated by the fascinating world of herpetology,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Professor of Herpetology job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or academic career portals.

Let’s dive right into it.

Professor of Herpetology Duties and Responsibilities

Professors of Herpetology are primarily responsible for teaching and researching the biology of reptiles and amphibians, and often have administrative responsibilities in their academic departments.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Teaching herpetology and related biological sciences courses to undergraduate and graduate students
• Preparing course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
• Conducting research on reptiles and amphibians and publishing the results in scholarly journals
• Supervising students’ laboratory and field work
• Advising students on academic and vocational curricula, career issues, and conducting research
• Serving on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues
• Participating in campus and community events
• Keeping abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences
• Writing grant proposals to procure external research funding

 

Professor of Herpetology Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and engaging Professor of Herpetology to join our faculty.

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting high-quality research in the field of herpetology, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and supervising student research.

The ideal candidate will be an expert in herpetology, with a proven track record of published research and successful teaching in this specialized field.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research in the field of herpetology, contributing to the scientific understanding of reptiles and amphibians
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in herpetology and related subjects
• Supervise student research, providing guidance and feedback
• Publish scholarly articles in respected journals
• Participate in departmental and university committees
• Apply for research grants and manage research budgets
• Mentor students and junior faculty members
• Engage in ongoing professional development in the field of herpetology

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Herpetology or related field
• Proven experience in teaching and research in the field of herpetology
• Strong publication record in respected scientific journals
• Experience with grant applications and research budget management
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in academia

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professor of Herpetology
• Work Environment: Campus setting, with regular field work for research. Some travel may be required for conferences and research expeditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Department of Biological Sciences.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and academic considerations.
• 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 CV, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of publications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professor of Herpetology Do?

A Professor of Herpetology primarily works in universities and research institutions.

They specialize in the study of amphibians and reptiles, including their behaviors, genetics, physiology, taxonomy, and ecology.

Their key responsibilities include conducting extensive research in their field of specialization, which involves studying various species of amphibians and reptiles.

They may study the animals in their natural habitat, or in a laboratory setting, and analyze the collected data to contribute to the scientific community.

They teach herpetology and related biology courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

This typically involves preparing lesson plans, delivering lectures, setting and marking assignments and exams, and advising students on their academic progression.

Besides, they often publish their research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present them at academic and industry conferences.

They also might be asked to review papers from their peers and offer constructive criticism.

Professors of Herpetology may also engage in public outreach programs, providing expert advice to the government, conservation groups, and the general public on issues related to amphibians and reptiles.

They may additionally be responsible for applying for research grants, overseeing the work of laboratory assistants and graduate students, and managing budgets related to their research projects.

They may also serve on various departmental and university committees.

 

Professor of Herpetology Qualifications and Skills

A Professor of Herpetology should have a comprehensive set of skills and qualifications that align with the intricacies of the profession, including:

• Deep knowledge of Herpetology, Zoology, and related fields to effectively teach students about amphibians and reptiles, their behavior, classification, and ecology.
• Experience in conducting and directing field-based and laboratory research on amphibians and reptiles, utilizing scientific research skills.
• Highly developed communication skills for lecturing, discussing, and explaining complex scientific concepts to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Ability to publish original research in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating skills in scientific writing and contributing to the broader scientific community.
• Strong organizational skills for managing and designing course curriculum, scheduling classes, and conducting examinations.
• Interpersonal skills to mentor students and collaborate with colleagues on research projects, as well as connect with the wider community for outreach and education.
• Problem-solving skills to address student queries, resolve academic issues, and manage research challenges.
• A Ph.D. in Herpetology, Zoology, or a related field is typically required, along with a strong track record of teaching and research.

 

Professor of Herpetology Experience Requirements

Candidates for a Professor of Herpetology role generally have a PhD in Herpetology or a related field such as Biology or Zoology.

This usually involves several years of study beyond a Bachelor’s degree, including a significant amount of original research.

During their PhD studies, candidates would gain substantial experience working with reptiles and amphibians, conducting research, and writing scholarly papers.

Many also gain teaching experience as Teaching Assistants.

Postdoctoral research experience in Herpetology is highly desirable and is often a requirement for professor roles.

This provides an opportunity for further research in the field, as well as experience writing grant proposals and managing research projects.

Candidates with more than 5 years of postdoctoral experience often have a substantial publication record, and may have some experience supervising students or staff.

They may be ready for a senior professor role or a leadership position within a research team.

Beyond research and teaching, experience in conservation, public education, or policy development related to herpetology can be valuable.

This could be gained through work with government agencies, NGOs, or museums, for example.

 

Professor of Herpetology Education and Training Requirements

A Professor of Herpetology typically requires a doctoral degree in herpetology, biology, or a closely related field.

The process generally begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field, followed by a master’s degree, with an emphasis on herpetology.

This would include extensive study and research into reptiles and amphibians.

While studying for these degrees, prospective professors should take advantage of opportunities to gain teaching experience, as well as conducting independent or guided research in the field of herpetology.

After achieving their master’s degree, they should pursue a Ph.D. in herpetology or a related field, which will typically involve several years of intensive research in their area of interest.

This research often results in a dissertation, which contributes new knowledge to the field of herpetology.

In addition to their degrees, a Professor of Herpetology should have a number of published research papers in recognized academic journals.

This not only demonstrates their expertise, but also their ability to contribute to the ongoing development of the field.

Experience in the field, such as working in zoos, wildlife reserves, or research institutions may also be advantageous.

This can provide practical, hands-on experience with the animals they will be teaching about.

Ultimately, a career as a Professor of Herpetology requires a deep love of learning, a passion for reptiles and amphibians, and a commitment to sharing that knowledge with others.

 

Professor of Herpetology Salary Expectations

A Professor of Herpetology can expect to earn an average salary of $83,977 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can significantly vary based on factors such as the level of academic experience, location of the institution, and the funding available for research in this field.

 

Professor of Herpetology Job Description FAQs

What is the educational requirement for a Professor of Herpetology?

To become a Professor of Herpetology, one must typically hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in herpetology or a related field like biology, zoology, or ecology.

Experience in field research, laboratory work, and a record of academic publications can also be beneficial.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Professor of Herpetology?

A typical day for a Professor of Herpetology may involve delivering lectures and seminars, conducting and supervising student lab work, and working on their own research projects.

They may also attend meetings, advise students, and work on grant proposals.

A significant part of their time is usually dedicated to studying various reptiles and amphibians.

 

What skills are important for a Professor of Herpetology?

A Professor of Herpetology should possess excellent observational and research skills, as they often study reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats.

Analytical skills are crucial for interpreting research data.

As educators, they should also have strong communication skills to effectively deliver lectures and interact with students.

A passion for lifelong learning and staying updated with the latest research is also important.

 

How do you evaluate a Professor of Herpetology’s qualifications?

A Professor of Herpetology’s qualifications can be evaluated by looking at their education, the quality and relevance of their published research, and their teaching experience.

Field experience, knowledge of herpetology-specific software and equipment, and contributions to the herpetology community, such as participation in professional organizations, are also indicators of their qualifications.

 

What qualities make a good Professor of Herpetology?

A good Professor of Herpetology should have a deep passion for reptiles and amphibians and the patience to study them in detail.

They should be highly knowledgeable, approachable, and able to inspire and guide students.

They should also possess the determination to conduct field studies, often in challenging environments, and the creativity to design and conduct innovative research.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the fascinating world of a Herpetology Professor.

And you know what?

It’s not just about studying reptiles and amphibians.

It’s about unraveling the mysteries of evolution, one scale or amphibious trait at a time.

With our comprehensive professor of herpetology job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the leap.

But why limit yourself?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards meticulously crafted job listings or refining your curriculum vitae to perfection.

Remember:

Every scale, every amphibian leap, is part of the grander ecological picture.

Let’s uncover these mysteries. Together.