Assistant Professor

An assistant professor is an academic rank typically found in universities and colleges, primarily in the United States and Canada. This position is generally considered an entry-level faculty role, just below the rank of associate professor and above the status of an instructor. Assistant professors are often on the tenure track, which means they are in a probationary period that precedes a potential promotion to a tenured position.

Assistant professors are expected to balance a variety of responsibilities, including teaching, conducting research, and providing service to their academic institution. The specifics can vary depending on the institution, but common duties include:

• Teaching: Assistant professors typically teach undergraduate and sometimes graduate courses. They are expected to develop course materials, deliver lectures, grade assignments, and mentor students.
• Research: Conducting original research is a significant component of the role. Assistant professors are often required to publish their findings in peer-reviewed academic journals and present at conferences.
• Service: They participate in departmental and university committees, advise students, and contribute to the academic community through various service activities.

The tenure track is a critical aspect of the assistant professor role. During this period, which usually lasts about six to seven years, the faculty member's performance in teaching, research, and service is rigorously evaluated. Successful tenure review can lead to promotion to the rank of associate professor, often accompanied by a lifetime appointment (tenure).

• Associate Professor: This is the next rank above assistant professor. It generally indicates a higher level of experience, achievement, and often, tenure. Associate professors have demonstrated significant contributions to their field through research and teaching.
• Full Professor: This is the highest academic rank, usually attained after serving as an associate professor. It signifies a substantial and sustained contribution to the academic community.
• Instructor: An instructor is often a non-tenure-track position, focusing primarily on teaching rather than research.

The title and role of assistant professor can vary significantly worldwide:

• In the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries, the equivalent position is often referred to as a "lecturer" or "senior lecturer."
• In Germany, the equivalent rank might be "junior professor" or "wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter."
• In India, the term "assistant professor" is used similarly to the U.S., but the path to tenure and associated responsibilities can differ.

Many renowned academics have begun their careers as assistant professors. For example, Howard Krein, an assistant professor of otolaryngology at Thomas Jefferson University, is known for both his medical expertise and his connection to U.S. President Joe Biden.

Related Topics

• Professor Emeritus
• Academic Ranks in the United States
• Tenure
• Higher Education

Academic Ranks

Common Academic Ranks

Assistant Professor