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$40.6K

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How much do assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor in Knoxville, TN is $76,405.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,300.00 and $87,300.00 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 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 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 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.

More about Assistant Professor jobs
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Assistant Professor jobs near you
Teaching Assistant Professor in Japan Studies

Teaching Assistant Professor in Japan Studies

The University of Tennessee Knoxville

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

University Of Tennessee, Knoxville rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

365th of 528 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Department of World Languages and Cultures (WLC) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), invites applications for a non-tenure-track position at the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor in Japan Studies. This is a one-year appointment, renewable contingent upon performance and funding, to begin Fall 2026.
This innovative position combines academic instruction with scholarly expertise and research-based service. The selected candidate will:
  • Teach two courses per semester in Japan Studies (flexible teaching modality for Fall 2026)
  • Lead as Program Manager for the newly established UT Japan Center by working with the Center Directors to support strategic initiatives; coordinating conferences, workshops, and other events; managing student/faculty programs (internships, scholarships, faculty travel to Japan); and exploring grants/funding opportunities.

Qualifications
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Japan Studies or related fields by time of appointment (candidates with Ph.D. will be appointed as Teaching Assistant Professor; those with Master's will be appointed as Lecturer)
  • Demonstrated excellence in scholarly research
  • Significant formal training and teaching experience
  • Native or near-native proficiency in both Japanese and English
  • Experience in Japanese-language teaching preferred
  • Background in engagement with industry, government agencies, and/or public outreach preferred

Application Instructions
Candidates should apply through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/173864. Please submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing your interest in the position and research and teaching experience, evidence of past teaching ability/experience (such as syllabi or evaluations), and the names and email addresses of three references. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled
All inquiries should be directed to Dr. Noriko Horiguchi, Search Committee Chair, Department of World Languages and Cultures, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 (njh@utk.edu).

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