Professor Job Description Template (Free, 2026)

Job Title: [Assistant / Associate / Full] Professor of [Discipline] – [Tenure-Track / Non-Tenure-Track / Visiting] Department: Department of [Discipline Name] Location: [University Name], [City, State] Reports To: Department Chair / Dean Employment Type: Full-Time, [9-Month / 12-Month] Academic Appointment Start Date: [Fall/Spring] [Year] About [University Name] [University Name] is a [R1 / R2 / teaching-focused / liberal arts / community college] institution serving [X] students across [X] colleges and schools. The [Department Name] is home to [X] tenured/tenure-track faculty and [X] graduate students and has a strong commitment to [research excellence / teaching excellence / interdisciplinary scholarship / community engagement – specify]. We are located in [City, State] and offer [describe campus community and geographic context]. About the Role The Department of [Discipline] invites applications for a tenure-track / [type of] position at the [rank] level. The successful candidate will maintain an active research program in [specialization areas sought], teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute to departmental and university service. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work addresses [specific areas, e.g., computational approaches, community-engaged scholarship, equity-focused research]. Key Responsibilities Teaching (approximately [X]% of effort): • Teach [X] courses per semester ([2-2 / 3-3 / 4-4 load]) at undergraduate and/or graduate levels • Develop new courses in [specialization areas] and contribute to existing departmental curriculum • Advise undergraduate and graduate students on academic and career matters • Supervise [master's theses / doctoral dissertations / senior capstones] as appropriate to rank Research and Scholarship (approximately [X]% of effort): • Develop and sustain an active research program resulting in peer-reviewed publications in high-quality disciplinary journals • Pursue extramural grant funding through [NSF / NIH / NEH / private foundations / specify] to support research program • Present work at national and international disciplinary conferences • Mentor graduate and undergraduate research assistants; contribute to a productive lab or research group Service (approximately [X]% of effort): • Participate in departmental, college, and university committees and governance activities • Contribute to professional associations, journal reviewing, and field-wide service • Engage with community and industry partners relevant to the discipline Required Qualifications • Ph.D. [or terminal degree, e.g., MFA, JD, MD] in [Discipline] or a closely related field, completed by the start date • Demonstrated record of or strong potential for research/scholarly publication appropriate to career stage • Evidence of effective teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level • Specialization in [areas sought – be specific] Nice to Have • Postdoctoral research experience or equivalent scholarly experience • Record of or potential for external grant funding • Experience with [specific methodologies, interdisciplinary areas, or community-engaged research] • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and service What We Offer • Salary: $70,000 – $140,000/year (9-month base, 2026 benchmark; varies by rank, discipline, and institution type) • Competitive startup package including [lab space / computing resources / research funds – specify] for STEM disciplines • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits • State retirement system / TIAA-CREF with employer contribution • Paid parental leave and family-friendly policies • Moving allowance • Summer research funding opportunities • Intellectually vibrant, collegial departmental community Application Materials Required • Cover letter describing research program and teaching philosophy • Curriculum vitae • Research statement (3 pages max) • Teaching statement and evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., course evaluations) • [X] writing samples or publications • Contact information for [X] references (letters requested at a later stage or at submission) Application Deadline: [Date] or open until filled Salary Range: $70,000 – $140,000/year (US, 2026 benchmark; 9-month base) [University Name] is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity. We particularly welcome applications from members of groups underrepresented in academia.