Professor of Neuroscience Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia and scientific research, the significance of a Professor of Neuroscience has never been more emphasized.

As our understanding of the brain and nervous system evolves, the demand for skilled educators and researchers in this field grows stronger.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker eager to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of neuroscience,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable job description template for a Professor of Neuroscience, designed for easy posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Professor of Neuroscience Duties and Responsibilities

Professors of Neuroscience are responsible for teaching and guiding students in the field of neuroscience, conducting and publishing original research, and contributing to the academic community.

They usually work within a university setting and their role involves a combination of teaching, research, and administrative activities.

Here are some key duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in neuroscience
• Design, prepare and deliver high-quality lectures, seminars, and labs to students
• Advise students on academic and career matters
• Guide and mentor graduate students, supervise their research activities, and help them prepare their theses
• Conduct innovative and high-impact research in the field of neuroscience
• Write research papers and publish findings in reputable scientific journals
• Apply for and manage research grants
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in the field of neuroscience
• Participate in academic conferences, workshops, and seminars
• Perform administrative duties such as serving on academic and administrative committees
• Contribute to the development and improvement of the university’s neuroscience curriculum

 

Professor of Neuroscience Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for an accomplished Professor of Neuroscience to join our faculty team.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for conducting high-quality research, delivering lectures, supervising students’ research, and contributing to the advancement of the neuroscience field.

The successful candidate should have a strong track record of published research, a passion for teaching and mentoring, and the ability to foster a collaborative learning environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver lectures on various neuroscience topics
• Conduct and publish original research in neuroscience
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students
• Contribute to the design and improvement of neuroscience curriculum
• Participate in departmental meetings and committees
• Apply for research grants and manage research funds
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in the field of neuroscience
• Participate in professional organizations and conferences

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience or related field
• Extensive experience in teaching and research in neuroscience
• Strong track record of published research
• Experience securing research funding
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong mentoring and leadership skills
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in academia

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid sabbatical leave
• Tuition benefits for family members
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professor of Neuroscience
• Work Environment: University setting. Some travel may be required for conferences and professional development.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Neuroscience Department.
• 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 in 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 teaching philosophy, and a list of references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professor of Neuroscience Do?

A Professor of Neuroscience primarily works at universities, colleges, or other higher education institutions.

Their role is multifaceted and includes not only teaching and educating students, but also conducting scientific research and contributing to the field of neuroscience.

Professors of Neuroscience are responsible for designing and delivering lectures on various aspects of neuroscience, such as cognitive processes, neural development, molecular neuroscience, neuroanatomy, and more.

They prepare course materials, create and grade exams, and mentor students in their academic pursuits.

They also supervise students’ research work at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

This involves guiding students in formulating research hypotheses, designing and implementing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results.

In addition to their teaching responsibilities, Professors of Neuroscience conduct their own research.

They study the structure and function of the nervous system and brain, aiming to understand how neural processes relate to behavior and cognition.

They may specialize in a variety of sub-disciplines, such as neurobiology, neuropsychology, neuropharmacology, or neuroimaging.

Professors of Neuroscience often publish their research findings in scientific journals and present their work at academic conferences.

They also frequently apply for research funding from various sources, such as government agencies, foundations, and institutions.

Lastly, they often serve on academic committees and participate in departmental meetings, contributing to the governance and administration of their institutions.

 

Professor of Neuroscience Qualifications and Skills

A Professor of Neuroscience requires a specialized set of skills and qualifications in order to effectively teach and conduct research in this complex field.

These include:

• A PhD in Neuroscience or a related field to possess the necessary expertise in the discipline.
• Teaching experience or skills to effectively educate a diverse group of students, explaining complex concepts in an understandable manner.
• Research skills that include designing experiments, analyzing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact with students, faculty, and other professionals in the field. This includes the ability to present research findings in both academic settings and to the public.
• Writing skills for the preparation and publication of scientific papers and grant proposals.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail for managing coursework, research projects, and administrative tasks.
• Problem-solving skills to tackle complex scientific questions and issues that arise during research.
• Continuous learning and adaptability to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field of neuroscience.

 

Professor of Neuroscience Experience Requirements

Candidates for a Professor of Neuroscience role typically need to have a substantial amount of experience in the field, often acquired during a combination of education, research, and teaching.

A PhD in Neuroscience or a related field is typically required.

During their doctoral studies, candidates will have gained relevant experience in neuroscience research, laboratory work, and often teaching as well.

Following the completion of their PhD, many aspiring Professors of Neuroscience undertake postdoctoral research positions.

These roles provide further opportunities to gain deep experience in specific areas of neuroscience research and to publish their findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

The length of these positions can vary, but typically lasts 2 to 5 years.

Many universities and colleges also require Professors of Neuroscience to have a few years of teaching experience at the university level, often gained in roles such as Teaching Assistant, Lecturer or Associate Professor.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in research and teaching, a significant publication record, and experience in securing research funding are often highly competitive for Professor of Neuroscience roles.

Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration, grant writing, and mentoring students is also highly desirable.

Leadership roles in scientific organizations or editorial roles in neuroscience journals can provide additional valuable experience.

 

Professor of Neuroscience Education and Training Requirements

A Professor of Neuroscience typically requires a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in neuroscience or a related discipline.

This follows the completion of a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a biological science, psychology, or a related field.

The pathway to become a professor typically begins with undergraduate study in a relevant field.

This is followed by a master’s degree, although some Ph.D. programs accept students directly after their bachelor’s degree.

The doctoral program involves several years of research and study, culminating in a dissertation based on original research.

After earning a Ph.D., many aspiring professors of neuroscience complete postdoctoral research positions.

These positions, which can last several years, provide advanced training in neuroscience and allow individuals to continue to specialize their knowledge.

While not required, some professors may also have a medical degree (M.D.) if they conduct research in clinical settings or teach medical students.

Aside from formal education, a Professor of Neuroscience needs a record of published research in reputable scientific journals.

This is essential for securing a tenure-track position at a university.

Teaching experience is also crucial for this role, often gained through teaching assistantships during the doctoral program or during postdoctoral research positions.

Lastly, obtaining certification from a recognized body, like the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing or similar, can further demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field, although this is not typically required for professor roles.

Continual learning and staying updated with the latest research developments in the field of neuroscience is a must for this role.

 

Professor of Neuroscience Salary Expectations

A Professor of Neuroscience can expect to earn an average salary of $96,317 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary depending on experience, the prestige of the institution they work at, and the geographical location.

 

Professor of Neuroscience Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are needed for a Professor of Neuroscience?

A Professor of Neuroscience typically requires a Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a related field.

Postdoctoral research experience is often necessary, as is a strong track record of research and publication in reputable scientific journals.

Professors must also demonstrate a commitment to teaching and mentoring students.

 

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

A typical day for a Professor of Neuroscience could involve a mix of teaching, research, and service.

They may start the day by lecturing in a neuroscience course, then spend the afternoon conducting research in the lab.

They may also have meetings with graduate students to discuss their research projects, review manuscripts for journals, or serve on university committees.

 

What skills are needed for a Professor of Neuroscience?

A Professor of Neuroscience must have strong research skills, including the ability to design and conduct neuroscience experiments, analyze data, and interpret the results.

They should also have excellent written and verbal communication skills for teaching, presenting research findings, and writing scientific articles.

Additionally, they should have good mentoring and leadership abilities, as they often supervise graduate students and postdocs.

 

What makes a good Professor of Neuroscience?

A good Professor of Neuroscience is passionate about neuroscience, is committed to advancing the field through research and education, and can inspire students to pursue their own research interests.

They should also be able to explain complex neurological concepts in a clear and accessible way, be organized and detail-oriented in their research, and have a strong sense of professional ethics.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Professor of Neuroscience?

Hiring a Professor of Neuroscience can be challenging due to the high level of expertise required.

Successful candidates typically have a strong record of research and publication, and may have specific areas of expertise that align with the department’s needs.

Additionally, the candidate should be a skilled teacher who can effectively communicate complex concepts to students.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the profound complexities of being a Professor of Neuroscience.

Interesting, isn’t it?

It’s not just about teaching and research.

It’s about unlocking the mysteries of the brain and shaping the future of neurological science, one study at a time.

With our reliable Professor of Neuroscience job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped for your journey ahead.

But why pause here?

Go beyond the surface with our job description generator. It’s your best tool for crafting precise listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every breakthrough in neuroscience is a piece of the larger puzzle.

Let’s unravel these mysteries. Together.