Assistant Professor Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

There are several factors to consider when preparing a job description for an assistant professor role. First, a clear and concise job description will help your job post stand out and will help you attract suitable candidates for your open position. This guide will walk you through the key elements of drafting an effective job description for an assistant professor.

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Assistant Professor Duties And Responsibilities

Assistant professors are academic professionals who typically teach courses, conduct research, and mentor students in universities or colleges. In addition to preparing and delivering lectures and lessons, their duties and responsibilities also include assessing student performance through exams, assignments, and other forms of testing.

The primary duties of an assistant professor include the following:

  • Teaching: Delivering lectures and lessons, preparing course materials, and evaluating students’ performance through exams, assignments, and other assessments
  • Research: Conducting original research in their area of expertise, publishing academic articles and books, and presenting their findings at conferences
  • Mentoring: Advising students and serving as role models to assist in directing their professional and academic development
  • Service: Participating in departmental and institutional activities, serving on committees, and helping in recruitment and mentor new faculty members
  • Professional Development: Expanding professional development, going to conferences and workshops, and collaborating with peers to advance their research and teaching objectives
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Assistant Professor Job Description Examples:

What Does An Assistant Professor Do?

An assistant professor is a faculty member at a college or university who primarily teaches undergraduate or graduate students and conducts research in their discipline. Additionally, an assistant professor often participates in institutional and departmental service projects. They are typically in the early stages of their academic careers, working towards gaining experience and eventually becoming a full professor.

Assistant Professor Skills And Qualifications

Assistant professors typically have advanced degrees such as a PhD or Master’s. In addition, they must have extensive knowledge of their subject specialism, strong research skills, and a commitment to teaching and mentoring students. As well as preparing and conducting lectures, assistant professors are often required to present their research, publish papers and participate in department meetings and committees. Therefore, they should also have strong communication and organisational skills.

An assistant professor typically requires the following skills and qualifications:

  • An advanced degree, usually a PhD, in their field of expertise
  • The ability to teach and mentor students effectively
  • The ability to inspire and engage students in their subject matter
  • The ability to adapt to changing academic and technological environments
  • Strong research skills and a track record of publication

Assistant Professor Experience Requirements

An assistant professor typically requires teaching and research experience and a significant body of published material in their area of expertise. They might have also finished their post-doctoral work or had prior teaching experience at college or university. The ability to work collaboratively and cross disciplinary boundaries, as well as a dedication to continue education and volunteer work, are all desirable qualities for the position of an assistant professor.

Assistant Professor Education And Training Requirements

Assistant professors typically require a PhD or master’s degree in their field of expertise. In addition to formal education, assistant professors may participate in continuing education and professional development courses to stay current in their field and enhance their teaching skills. Along with the development of teacher’s skills, further studies to advance the knowledge of technological integration, diversity, equity, and inclusion may be necessary or highly valued. In addition to advanced degrees, candidates for the position of assistant professor often require further accreditation in the form of examinations such as the National Eligibility Test (NET) or the State Eligibility Test (SET).

Assistant Professor Salary Expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Assistant Professor is ₹29,919 per month in India. However, this can vary depending on various factors such as experience, location, etc. 

Assistant Professor Job Description FAQs

What Are The Essential Things To Look For In An Assistant Professor Candidate?

When evaluating an Assistant Professor candidate, the essential things to look for include a PhD in their field, a strong research and publication record, and experience teaching at the college or university. As well as relevant education and training, candidates should demonstrate excellent communication and people skills, adaptability and willingness to learn.

What Is The Difference Between A Professor And An Assistant Professor?

A professor is a senior, full-time tenured faculty member at a university or college, whereas an assistant professor is a junior, untenured faculty member working towards a tenured position. Professors have a more established reputation in their field, while assistant professors are still building their expertise and experience. In essence, a professor is a more experienced academician with a more comprehensive record of teaching and research. In contrast, an assistant professor is still relatively new to the field.

How Many Years Of Education And Training Are Required To Become An Assistant Professor?

To become an assistant professor, a PhD degree in the relevant field and several years of post-doctoral research and experience are required. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, it can take about 5 to 7 years of further education and training to become an assistant professor. The exact time frame may vary depending on the field and the institution.

In addition to advanced degrees, candidates for assistant professor positions may also be required to pass the National Eligibility Test (NET) or the State Eligibility Test (SET) and demonstrate a strong research and publication record, and teaching experience.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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