Finding the right Assistant Professor is difficult. You need someone who can teach, research, and serve your institution. Many job descriptions are too vague or do not highlight the specific skills you need. This makes it difficult to attract and choose the best candidates.
This article provides clear and concise examples of Assistant Professor job descriptions. They cover a variety of disciplines and institutions. Use them to create job ads that attract top talent. The examples also help you define the skills and experience you want in a new hire. Make the right choice with this guide.
Understanding the Role of an Assistant Professor Job
Assistant Professors play a vital role in higher education institutions. They balance teaching, research, and service to the university community.
Core Responsibilities
Teaching:
- Assistant Professors instruct undergraduate and/or graduate students in their subject area.
- They design courses, create syllabi, deliver lectures, and assess student learning through exams, papers, and other assignments.
- They also mentor students, providing guidance on academic and career goals.
Research:
- Assistant Professors conduct original research in their field. This involves formulating research questions, designing studies, collecting and analysing data, and interpreting findings.
- They share their research through publications in academic journals and presentations at conferences.
- Many seek external grant funding to support their research projects.
Service:
- Assistant Professors contribute to the running of their academic department and the wider university.
- They serve on committees that oversee curriculum, hiring, and other administrative matters.
- They may advise student clubs or organisations, and they often participate in university-wide initiatives.
Variations by Department
The specific responsibilities of an Assistant Professor can vary depending on their academic discipline:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Professors in these fields often supervise laboratory work, involving students in hands-on experiments and research projects.
- Social Sciences: Professors may conduct fieldwork or surveys, collecting data from real-world settings to inform their research.
- Humanities: Professors often focus on close analysis of texts, historical events, or cultural phenomena.
Career Path
Assistant Professor is typically the entry-level position for those seeking a career in academia. Professors progress through a series of ranks:
- Assistant Professor: New to the role, focus on building a strong record in teaching, research, and service.
- Associate Professor: Achieved through promotion, based on demonstrated excellence in all three areas.
- Full Professor: The highest rank, attained after continued success and significant contributions to the field.
The timeline for promotion varies between institutions and individuals. It usually takes several years to advance from one rank to the next.
Knowing the skills required for this role is important. Let’s look at those next.
Assistant Professor Job Role: Essential Qualifications and Skills
Assistant professors are the backbone of higher education institutions. They teach, research, and serve their departments and communities. Finding the right candidate is vital to maintaining academic excellence.
Education
- Ph.D. in the relevant field: The most important requirement for an assistant professor is a doctoral degree in their field of expertise. This shows they have a deep understanding of their subject and the skills to conduct independent research.
- Postdoctoral experience: In many fields, especially those that are research-intensive, institutions prefer candidates who have completed one or more postdoctoral positions. This experience demonstrates a commitment to research and often leads to additional publications.
Experience
- Teaching experience: While a Ph.D. provides a strong foundation in the subject matter, teaching experience is crucial for success in the classroom. Look for candidates who have been teaching assistants, led lab sections, or held teaching fellowships. Some institutions may even require prior experience as an instructor or adjunct professor.
- Research publications: Publications in peer-reviewed journals are the primary way academics share their research findings. The number and quality of publications are important indicators of a candidate’s research productivity and impact. Look for publications in top journals in the field, and consider the relevance of the research to the institution’s focus.
- Conference presentations: Presenting at conferences is another way for academics to share their research and network with colleagues. Look for candidates who have presented at national or international conferences in their field. This demonstrates engagement in the academic community and the ability to communicate research findings effectively.
Soft Skills
- Communication: Assistant professors must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and oral formats. They need to deliver engaging lectures, write clear and concise research papers, and interact effectively with students and colleagues.
- Collaboration: Research often involves collaboration with other academics. Assistant professors must be able to work well with others, share ideas, and contribute to a team effort. They may also need to collaborate with colleagues on departmental initiatives or committees.
- Organisation and time management: Assistant professors have many responsibilities, including teaching, research, service, and (sometimes) administrative tasks. They need to be organised and efficient in managing their time to meet deadlines and fulfil their obligations.
Now that we know what to look for, let’s see how to write a job description that attracts the best candidates.
Writing an Effective Assistant Professor Job Description
A clear and concise job description attracts the right candidates. It provides essential information and sets expectations. This section helps recruiters write effective job descriptions for Assistant Professor positions.
Job Title: Clarity and accuracy (e.g., “Assistant Professor of [Field]”)
The job title must be specific. It should include the field of study. For example, “Assistant Professor of Computer Science” or “Assistant Professor of History.” This clarity helps candidates understand if the job fits their expertise.
Department/Institution Overview:
The overview section sells the department and institution. Highlight the department’s research strengths, unique programs, and resources. Describe the institution’s culture. Is it collaborative? Innovative? Supportive? This attracts candidates who share similar values.
Example:
“The Department of Biology at XYZ University is a leader in environmental research. We offer state-of-the-art labs and field stations. Our faculty values collaboration and mentorship. XYZ University promotes a diverse and inclusive environment.”
Summary of Responsibilities: Concise list using action verbs
Use action verbs to describe the main duties. Keep the list concise and focused. This helps candidates quickly understand the job’s core requirements.
Example:
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses
- Develop and maintain an active research program
- Advise and mentor students
- Contribute to department and university service
- Qualifications: Detailed list of must-haves and nice-to-haves
Clearly state the minimum and preferred qualifications
Example:
Must-haves:
- Ph.D. in [Field]
- Demonstrated teaching ability
- Evidence of research potential
Nice-to-haves:
- Postdoctoral experience
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Grant writing experience
Application Instructions: Clear and specific guidelines (CV, cover letter, references, etc.)
Provide detailed instructions on how to apply. Specify the required documents (CV, cover letter, references, etc.). Mention any deadlines or specific formatting requirements. This makes the application process easy for candidates.
Example:
“To apply, please submit your CV, cover letter, research statement, teaching statement, and three letters of reference. Applications should be submitted online through our university portal by [Deadline].”
Equity and Inclusion Statement:
Show your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Encourage applications from underrepresented groups. Use inclusive language throughout the job description. This creates a welcoming environment for all candidates.
Example:
“XYZ University is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community of scholars.”
By following these guidelines, recruiters can write effective Assistant Professor job descriptions. This attracts qualified and diverse candidates who align with the department and institution’s values and goals.
To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at some real-world examples of assistant professor job descriptions.
Assistant Professor Job Descriptions
Assistant professor positions vary across disciplines and institutions. Each job description reflects the unique responsibilities and qualifications required for the role. This section provides examples from different fields and types of institutions.
Humanities: Assistant Professor of English Literature
Institution: Research University
Job Description:
The Department of English at a large research university seeks an assistant professor in English literature. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses. They will focus on American literature and cultural studies. The candidate will also conduct research and publish scholarly articles.
Responsibilities:
- Teach four courses per academic year.
- Advise undergraduate and graduate students.
- Develop new courses and curricula.
- Participate in departmental meetings and committees.
- Conduct research and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in English literature or a related field.
- Strong record of research and publication.
- Experience teaching at the college level.
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion in teaching.
- Ability to work collaboratively with faculty and staff.
STEM: Assistant Professor of Biology
Institution: Research University
Job Description:
The Department of Biology at a major research university invites applications for an assistant professor position. The selected candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in biology. They will also establish an active research program in molecular biology.
Responsibilities:
- Teach introductory and advanced courses in biology.
- Supervise undergraduate and graduate research projects.
- Secure external funding for research.
- Publish research findings in reputable journals.
- Participate in departmental and university service activities.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in biology or a related field.
- Evidence of research productivity and potential for external funding.
- Experience in teaching and mentoring students.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Business: Assistant Professor of Marketing
Institution: Liberal Arts College
Job Description:
The Business Department at a liberal arts college seeks an assistant professor of marketing. The candidate will teach courses in marketing and business strategy. They will also engage in research that connects theory to practise.
Responsibilities:
- Teach three courses per semester.
- Advise students on academic and career matters.
- Conduct research and publish in academic and professional journals.
- Participate in curriculum development and assessment.
- Engage with the local business community.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in marketing, business administration, or a related field.
- Experience in teaching at the college level.
- A record of research and publication in marketing.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to student-centred teaching.
Community College: Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Institution: Community College
Job Description:
The Mathematics Department at a community college seeks an assistant professor of mathematics. The successful candidate will teach a range of mathematics courses. They will focus on helping students succeed in their studies.
Responsibilities:
- Teach five courses per academic year.
- Develop and implement innovative teaching strategies.
- Provide academic support and tutoring for students.
- Participate in departmental meetings and community outreach.
- Engage in professional development activities.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in mathematics or a related field.
- Experience teaching mathematics at the college level.
- Commitment to student success and diversity.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with faculty and staff.
Social Sciences: Assistant Professor of Sociology
Institution: Research University
Job Description:
The Department of Sociology at a research university is looking for an assistant professor. The candidate will teach courses in sociology and conduct research in social theory and quantitative methods.
Responsibilities:
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in sociology.
- Supervise student research and theses.
- Conduct original research and publish findings.
- Serve on departmental and university committees.
- Engage with community partners for research projects.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in sociology or a related field.
- Strong record of research and publication.
- Experience teaching at the college level.
- Ability to mentor diverse student populations.
- Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.
Education: Assistant Professor of Education
Institution: Liberal Arts College
Job Description:
The Education Department at a liberal arts college seeks an assistant professor of education. The candidate will teach courses in teacher education and educational psychology. They will also conduct research related to educational practices.
Responsibilities:
- Teach four courses each academic year.
- Advise students in the teacher education program.
- Conduct research and publish in educational journals.
- Collaborate with local schools for field experiences.
- Participate in departmental and college-wide committees.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in education or a related field.
- Experience in K-12 teaching and teacher preparation.
- Record of research and publication in education.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Commitment to equity and inclusion in education.
Beyond the job description, there are other things you can do to get the best people to apply. Let’s talk about those.
Attracting Top Assistant Professors: Tips for Recruiters
The competition for top assistant professor talent is fierce. Institutions must use effective recruitment strategies to stand out. This guide provides actionable tips for recruiters to attract the best candidates.
1) Building a Strong Employer Brand
Your employer brand is your reputation as an employer. It’s what potential candidates think of when they hear your institution’s name. A strong employer brand attracts top talent. It also helps you retain your current employees.
To build a strong employer brand:
- Highlight your unique selling points: What makes your department and university special? Is it your research opportunities, supportive environment, or something else?
- Create a positive online presence: Your website and social media channels should showcase your institution’s best qualities.
- Get involved in the community: Sponsor events, partner with local organisations, and give back to the community.
2) Networking
Networking is a powerful tool for recruiters. It allows you to connect with potential candidates who may not be actively looking for a job.
To network effectively:
- Attend academic conferences: This is a great way to meet potential candidates and learn about the latest research.
- Partner with professional organisations: These organisations can help you connect with potential candidates in your field.
- Utilise alumni networks: Your alumni can be a valuable source of referrals.
3) Streamlining the Application Process
The application process can be a major barrier for potential candidates. If it’s too long or complicated, they may simply give up.
To streamline the application process:
- Make it easy to apply online: Your website should have a clear and concise application form.
- Accept a variety of application materials: Don’t require candidates to submit a full CV and cover letter. A resume and brief statement of interest may be sufficient.
- Respond to applicants promptly: Let candidates know you’ve received their application and keep them updated on the status of their application.
4) Interviewing
The interview is your chance to get to know the candidate and assess their fit for your department.
To conduct effective interviews:
- Ask thoughtful questions: Don’t just ask about the candidate’s qualifications. Ask about their research interests, teaching philosophy, and career goals.
- Use iScalePro: This assessment tool can help you objectively evaluate candidates’ skills and abilities.
- Get feedback from others: Ask your colleagues to interview the candidate and share their feedback.
Conclusion
Assistant Professors are the backbone of higher education. They shape the minds of future generations. These educators balance teaching, research, and service. Their work is essential for student success and the growth of knowledge.
But finding the right candidate isn’t easy. That’s where iScalePro comes in. Our tool helps recruiters assess candidates’ teaching skills and research potential. With iScalePro, you can make informed hiring decisions and build a strong faculty team.
