ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assistant Professor Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProfessor JobsAssistant Professor JobsAssistant Professor Jobs in Rhode Island

Assistant Professor information

See Rhode Island salary details

$41.6K

$78.4K

$132.2K

How much do assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor in Rhode Island is $78,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,800.00 and $89,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor, you typically need a doctoral degree in your field, a strong publication record, and experience in teaching or research. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), academic databases, and research tools is often required, along with any relevant certifications for teaching or research ethics. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help you engage students, collaborate with colleagues, and manage academic responsibilities. These skills are crucial for fostering student success, advancing research, and contributing meaningfully to the academic community.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor vs Lecturer?

AspectAssistant ProfessorLecturer
Required CredentialsDoctorate or equivalent in fieldBachelor's or Master's, sometimes doctorate
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research, teachingPrimarily teaching, less research
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, collegesUniversities, colleges, vocational schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Assistant Professors typically hold a doctorate and engage in both teaching and research at universities. Lecturers usually focus on teaching, often with less emphasis on research, and may have different credential requirements. While both roles are found in academic settings, Assistant Professors often have more responsibilities related to research and academic advancement.

What are some common challenges Assistant Professors face during their early years, and how can they address them?

Assistant Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including teaching, research, and service commitments. Balancing the demands of developing a strong research portfolio with effective teaching and departmental service can be challenging, especially when working toward tenure. Building a supportive network of mentors, setting clear priorities, and managing time efficiently are critical strategies for success. Many institutions also offer professional development programs and peer collaboration opportunities to help early-career faculty navigate these challenges.

Where do professors find jobs?

Professors typically find jobs through academic job boards, university websites, professional associations, and networking at conferences. They often submit applications, CVs, and cover letters to institutions seeking faculty members, and may also use recruitment agencies specializing in higher education positions.

What is an entry level assistant professor?

An entry-level assistant professor is a faculty member who has recently obtained a doctoral degree and is beginning their academic career at a university or college. They typically focus on teaching, research, and service, and may have limited experience in higher education. This position often requires developing a research agenda and publishing scholarly work to advance to higher academic ranks.

What Does an Assistant Professor Do?

An assistant professor is an entry-level university teaching position below that of associate professor and full professor. You can find work as an assistant professor in any department at a college or university. Assistant professorships fall into either tenure-track and non-tenure track positions. Regardless of whether you are tenure or non-tenure track, your duties are similar. You conduct research, teach classes, advise students on their studies, and perform numerous administrative functions, such as attending faculty meetings and professional conferences or events.

What is the lowest rank of a professor?

The lowest academic rank of a professor is typically Assistant Professor. This is an entry-level faculty position that often requires a doctoral degree and involves teaching, research, and service responsibilities. Advancement usually progresses from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and then to Full Professor.

What qualifications do you need to be an assistant professor?

To become an assistant professor, candidates typically need a doctoral degree in their field, such as a Ph.D. or equivalent, along with research experience and teaching skills. A strong publication record and relevant academic credentials are also important for eligibility.

What is an Assistant Professor?

An Assistant Professor is an entry-level faculty position at a college or university, typically responsible for teaching, conducting research, and participating in academic service. This role is usually tenure-track, meaning the professor may eventually qualify for tenure after a probationary period. Assistant Professors often mentor students, publish scholarly work, and contribute to their department's academic community. Their work helps advance both the institution's educational mission and their own academic careers.

What do you do as an assistant professor?

An assistant professor conducts research, teaches courses, and advises students within their academic discipline. They typically engage in publishing scholarly work, participating in departmental service, and developing their expertise to advance toward tenure. The role often requires strong communication skills and proficiency with academic tools and methodologies.
More about Assistant Professor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Rhode Island? The most popular types of Professor jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor jobs in Rhode Island? For Assistant Professor jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Professor jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Professor jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Assistant Professor jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Assistant Professor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor jobs in RI? For Assistant Professor jobs in RI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Assistant Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,401 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Visiting Assistant Professor, Environment & Society

Brown University

Providence, RI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Brown University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 613 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
Topic Areas: Energy, sustainable design, the built environment, environmental justice
Position Description: The Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic years with the possibility of renewal. IBES faculty have training across a wide variety of disciplines, from humanities to natural sciences, to social sciences, and public health. While the Visiting Assistant Professor position is open to scholars in any discipline, candidates with expertise in one or more of the following are particularly encouraged to apply: energy, sustainable design, the built environment, and/or environmental justice. The successful candidate will teach two (2) courses per semester and contribute to student advising and university service. Principal criteria for evaluating performance are based on teaching excellence. However, the Visiting Assistant Professor is also expected to make other professional contributions, for example, through the development of advanced pedagogical approaches, community engagement, or research.
Note: For this position, Brown does not sponsor the H-1B visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.
Qualifications
PhD in relevant field.
Application Instructions
Please submit the following:
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Coverletter
  • Three Reference Contacts
  • Teaching Statement

Candidates should address in their materials (cover letter or statements) how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive university community.
Applications received by December 15, 2025, will receive priority review. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

What Brown University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply