Associate Professor Job Description

What is the job description of an Associate Professor? What are the duties and responsibilities of an Associate Professor? What does an Associate Professor do?

Job description of an Associate Professor

Associate Professors are experts in their field who rank just below full Professors. Associate professors serve as teachers at institutions of higher education such as colleges and universities. They typically teach classes pertinent to the specific field in which they have an advanced academic degree.

The duties of the associate professor range from developing lesson plans and curricula to lecturing various class sizes of students. Many associate professors also become advisors to students majoring in the professor's specialty field. Conducting research may become a major component of the professor's responsibilities as well.

This Associate Professor job description example includes the list of most important Associate Professor duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Associate Professor profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Associate Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Associate Professor job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Developing and delivering course material, curricula, and syllabi.
  • Assisting with the training and recruitment of new lecturers, teaching assistants, and Professors.
  • Conducting research, publishing papers, and attending conferences.
  • Organizing guest seminars and faculty events where students can interact with established industry professionals.
  • Traveling to other higher education settings to gain experience and expand networks.
  • Writing proposals to secure research funding.
  • Attending academic events and networking with other researchers and field experts.
  • Supervising, advising, and mentoring teaching assistants and graduate students.
  • Participating in faculty and departmental meetings.
  • Shortlisting, interviewing, and selecting students for graduate programs.

Associate Professor Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Associate Professor job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A Master’s or Ph.D. in the relevant discipline.
  • Extensive experience teaching in an academic setting.
  • Proven academic prowess.
  • Dedication to excellence in your field.
  • A professional attitude and great work ethic.
  • Excellent research, teaching, and presentation skills.
  • Willingness to engage with a range of professionals and students.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Associate Professor starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Associate Professor job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of an Associate Professor may also reference it in preparation for the interview.