Tenured Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the role of tenured professors has never been more crucial.

As education evolves, so does the demand for experienced and knowledgeable minds who can shape, inspire, and safeguard the intellectual foundations of our future.

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

Whether you are:

• An aspiring academic seeking to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring committee defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of academia,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Tenured Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Tenured Professors are experienced educators with a profound understanding of their field of study.

They are responsible for teaching and mentoring students, conducting original research, publishing findings in academic journals, and contributing to the growth and success of their institution.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and teach courses within their area of expertise
• Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments and handouts
• Keep abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences
• Conduct research to advance knowledge in their field
• Publish research findings in scholarly journals, books, and/or online platforms
• Mentor and advise students on academic and career issues
• Participate in departmental and university committees, and provide service to the community
• Evaluate and grade students’ class work, assignments, and papers
• Apply for and manage research funding and grants
• Contribute to the planning and revision of curriculum
• Participate in faculty recruitment and tenure review processes

 

Tenured Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Tenured Professor to join our academic team.

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct original research, publish findings in academic journals, teach courses in their area of expertise, mentor students, and contribute to the overall advancement of the institution.

Our ideal candidate is a seasoned academic with a strong track record of research and teaching excellence.

They should be passionate about their field of study, eager to inspire students, and committed to the highest standards of academic integrity.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality research in your field of expertise
• Publish scholarly papers and books
• Teach courses in your area of expertise
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students
• Engage in departmental and university service activities
• Participate in curriculum development and improvement
• Attend academic conferences and network with other scholars
• Contribute to the intellectual community of the university

 

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in the relevant field of study
• Proven experience as a professor in a similar role
• Strong record of published research
• Experience in applying for and securing research funding
• Excellent teaching and mentoring abilities
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work well in a collegial and collaborative environment

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Generous vacation and sabbatical policies
• Support for professional development and research
• Tuition remission for family members

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Tenured Professor
• Work Environment: University campus. Some travel may be required for academic conferences and research.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair.
• Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• 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 list of publications, a teaching statement, and a research statement to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Tenured Professor Do?

Tenured Professors are highly accomplished academics who have been granted a permanent post at a university or college.

This position is typically achieved after a rigorous evaluation process that considers the individual’s teaching, research, and service to the institution.

They deliver lectures, conduct seminars, and mentor students in their respective fields of expertise.

They provide meaningful learning experiences, assess student performance and provide constructive feedback to foster student success.

They conduct advanced research and contribute to their field by publishing scholarly articles and books.

They are often responsible for securing funding for these research projects, and they are expected to present their findings at academic conferences and other public forums.

Additionally, tenured professors serve on academic and administrative committees and contribute to the strategic planning and policy-making processes of their institutions.

They also play a key role in recruiting new faculty members and may be involved in community outreach programs.

Their roles often extend beyond the classroom and laboratory, offering academic and career guidance to students, mentoring junior faculty members, and contributing to the development and evolution of the curriculum.

In summary, a Tenured Professor contributes to the intellectual life and growth of a university or college through teaching, research, and service.

 

Tenured Professor Qualifications and Skills

A tenured professor should have the skills and qualifications that align with the responsibilities of the role, such as:

• An advanced degree, typically a Ph.D., in the professor’s area of expertise to provide thorough and competent instruction and guidance.
• Extensive experience in academia to understand the dynamics and demands of teaching, research, and service in a university setting.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively deliver lectures, engage in discussions, and communicate complex ideas clearly to students.
• Strong research skills, including the ability to secure grants and conduct and publish original research in reputable journals, books, or conferences.
• Supervisory skills for mentoring graduate students and overseeing their research projects.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate with colleagues, participate in academic committees, and contribute to the university community.
• Organizational skills to manage teaching schedules, grade assignments, meet research deadlines, and balance various professional responsibilities.
• Adaptability and continuous learning to stay updated with the latest research and teaching methods in their field of expertise.

 

Tenured Professor Experience Requirements

To become a tenured professor, one typically requires significant educational and professional experience.

This often begins with obtaining a doctoral degree in the relevant field.

During the course of their study, aspiring professors usually gain teaching experience as teaching assistants, which is a crucial stepping stone in their career.

Post their doctoral studies, individuals are generally expected to undertake postdoctoral research, which can last for several years.

This research work provides valuable experience and is often viewed as a necessary prerequisite to becoming a tenured professor.

After their postdoctoral research, individuals often begin their academic career in tenure-track positions such as Assistant Professor or Associate Professor.

During this period, they are expected to demonstrate excellence in teaching, research, and service to their institution.

This tenure-track period can last anywhere from five to seven years.

Upon successful completion of their tenure-track period, the individual can apply for a tenured position.

The decision to grant tenure is typically based on the individual’s contributions to their field of study, their teaching abilities, and their service to the institution.

In total, it can take up to fifteen years or more of experience in education and academia to become a tenured professor.

This includes the time spent earning a doctoral degree, conducting postdoctoral research, and working in a tenure-track position.

 

Tenured Professor Education and Training Requirements

To become a Tenured Professor, an individual typically requires a doctoral degree in their respective field of study.

This doctoral degree is often obtained after the successful completion of a bachelor’s and master’s degree.

During their doctoral program, prospective Tenured Professors engage in deep research, contribute to academic journals, and present findings at academic conferences.

They are also often required to teach undergraduate and graduate courses under the supervision of experienced professors.

After obtaining their doctoral degree, individuals often work as an assistant professor or associate professor.

This work experience, which typically lasts for 6-7 years, allows the individual to gain practical experience, establish a reputation within their field, and contribute significantly to research.

Tenure is then granted through a review by the academic institution, which evaluates the professor’s research, teaching capabilities, and service to the university.

In addition to these academic qualifications and work experience, Tenured Professors are often required to have strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills.

They are also often expected to demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and research within their field.

Some universities also value Professors who have experience with or certification in online teaching, given the rise of digital learning platforms.

 

Tenured Professor Salary Expectations

A Tenured Professor can expect an average salary of $102,402 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can significantly vary based on the professor’s field of expertise, years of experience, research accomplishments, and the location and prestige of the university.

 

Tenured Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Tenured Professor need?

Tenured Professors typically hold a Ph.D. in their respective field of study.

Prior to earning tenure, they usually have several years of experience as an Assistant or Associate Professor.

They also need a record of significant contribution to their field, through research and published work, as well as evidence of effective teaching and service to the academic community.

 

What is the difference between a Tenured Professor and an Adjunct Professor?

Tenured Professors are considered full-time faculty members and have a permanent appointment at a university.

They enjoy academic freedom and job security.

In contrast, Adjunct Professors are part-time faculty members who are hired on a contract basis, often semester by semester.

They do not have the same level of job security or benefits as tenured professors.

 

What are the daily duties of a Tenured Professor?

A Tenured Professor’s duties include teaching classes, advising students, conducting original research, and publishing findings in academic journals.

They also serve on university committees, participate in curriculum development, and may have administrative responsibilities.

They are expected to contribute to the intellectual life of the university and to their academic discipline.

 

What qualities make a good Tenured Professor?

Good Tenured Professors are deeply knowledgeable in their field of study and are able to communicate complex ideas clearly to students.

They are dedicated to their students’ learning and success, and able to mentor and guide them effectively.

They are also productive scholars, making significant contributions to their academic field.

Furthermore, they are engaged in service to their university and academic community.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Tenured Professor?

Hiring a Tenured Professor can be a rigorous and lengthy process, often taking up to a year.

It involves a national or even international search, a thorough review of the candidates’ research and teaching record, and a series of interviews and presentations.

The final decision is usually made by a committee of faculty members and administrators.

The competitive nature of academia and the permanence of the tenure commitment can make this a challenging task.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a tenured professor.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about lecturing and grading papers.

It’s about shaping the future, one student at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive tenured professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make a move.

But why stop here?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting detailed job listings or honing your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every lecture, every paper graded, every student mentored is a piece of a larger puzzle.

Let’s shape the future of academia. Together.

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