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Assistant Professor Jobs in Butte, MT (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Professor information

See Butte, MT salary details

$41.3K

$77.7K

$131K

How much do assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor in Butte, MT is $77,705.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $88,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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 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 scholarly activities, publish findings, and participate in departmental service, often working toward tenure. The role requires strong communication skills and expertise in their field, with a schedule that includes lectures, research, and administrative duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Butte, MT?

The most popular types of Professor jobs in Butte, MT are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor jobs in Butte, MT?

For Assistant Professor jobs in Butte, MT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Professor jobs in Butte, MT look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Professor jobs in Butte, MT are:

What cities near Butte, MT are hiring for Assistant Professor jobs?

Cities near Butte, MT with the most Assistant Professor job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Professor job openings in Butte, MT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,705 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Assistant or Associate Professor Petroleum Engineering

Montana Tech

Butte, MT • On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Assistant or Associate Professor
Petroleum Engineering
Full Time
Academic Year Contract-9 month contract (Tenure-track)
Montana Technological University provides a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible positions that includes health, dental and vision insurance, mandatory retirement plan with employer contribution, partial tuition waiver, and a wellness program.
Applications received by 09/30/2026 will be guaranteed full review and consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
The Petroleum Engineering Department at Montana Tech invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Petroleum Engineering. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, depending on individual qualifications.
The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching Petroleum Engineering courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, advising and mentoring students, and supervising graduate student research. The department is highly interested in candidates with a background of industry experience, with a particular preference for expertise in production engineering and surface facilities. Applicants must have a PhD degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related Engineering discipline.
Founded in 1947, the Petroleum Engineering Department at Montana Tech is one of the largest and longest-running undergraduate petroleum engineering programs in the United States. The program is fully ABET-accredited.
Montana Tech petroleum engineering professors actively engage with students both inside and outside of the classroom, providing advisory service to student chapters of SPE, AADE, and other student organizations. Faculty members are expected to pursue applied research and support both the Master's and Ph.D. graduate degree programs.
Montana Tech is located in Butte, nestled in the scenic, mountainous region of southwest Montana. The surrounding area offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, and skiing. As a regional hub for cultural, community, and sporting events, Butte boasts a rich mining history and features a unique National Historic District.
DUTIES:
  1. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Petroleum Engineering, with a specific focus on production engineering and surface facilities.
  2. Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
  3. Assist in the development of an active, applied research program, including the supervision of graduate research projects.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Hold a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
  • Possess a demonstrated commitment to effective teaching and academic excellence.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Hold a valid Professional Engineering (PE) license.
  • Possess prior teaching experience at the collegiate level.
  • Have relevant professional work experience within the petroleum industry.

For full consideration application materials must be complete.
Please include:
  • Cover letter addressing qualifications,
  • Resume
  • Contact information for 3 professional references.

Application Requirements
For full consideration application materials must be complete.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Montana Tech is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University's mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana Tech makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee's ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, Montana Tech provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.
Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at Montana Tech as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). Montana Tech will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring.
  • Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.

Veterans Employment Preference
To claim veteran's preference please complete the employment (veteran's) preference form located on the employment page and email to humanresources@mtech.edu. You must include the job title of the position in which you are applying.
Download Employment (Veteran's) Preference Form (PDF)
Request an Accommodation
To request an accommodation for the application or interview, please contact Cathy Isakson at 406-496-4380 or email cisakson@mtech.edu
Why Work at Tech?
Help meet the changing needs of society by providing a transformative student experience by helping develop leaders for tomorrow by advancing science, engineering and technology.
Benefits Package
In addition, Montana Tech offers an attractive benefits package* which includes:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles and comprehensive coverage.
  • Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits worth $6.08 per hour.
  • 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees
  • 11 Holidays per year
  • 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start
  • Generous sick leave policy that can be used for sick children, doctor and dentist appointments as well as bereavement.
  • 6 credits of coursework free per year (fees not included)
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment for eligible employees
  • Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program
  • Optional Retirement Plan for eligible employees
  • Possible remote work days with supervisor approval and eligible positions.

*Benefits are dependent on position type and terms and conditions of eligibility.
About Montana Tech
Montana Technological University, Butte Montana, is nestled in the Heart of the Rocky Mountains along the Continental Divide, where I-15 and I-90 intersect. We are home to the largest National Historic District in the country. Montana Tech is a special focus institution with a reputation for excellence and value. Montana Tech is ranked #1 in the nation by CollegeNET.