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Assistant Professor Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

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$43K

$80.9K

$136.5K

How much do assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor in Spokane, WA is $80,947.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,700.00 and $92,500.00 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.
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Assistant Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor job openings in Spokane, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,947 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Assistant Professor, Biology

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Spokane, WA • On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Assistant Professor in Biology (Tenure-Track) – Beginning August 16, 2027

The Department of Biology at Gonzaga University seeks a neurobiologist specializing in research with model organisms to join our faculty. The role involves teaching, mentoring, and research in neuroscience.

Job Duties
  • Teach an equivalent of 9 credits each semester, typically 2 lecture sections and one or two labs per semester (1 credit each). Courses may include introductory biology courses (e.g., BIOL105, BIOL106) and upper‑division neuroscience courses.
  • Develop and maintain a successful neuroscience research program using non‑mammalian model organisms, providing quality research experiences to undergraduates.
  • Provide academic and career advising and mentoring to 15–25 undergraduate students per year in the Neuroscience major, starting in the second year.
  • Support the Biology Department and Neuroscience major through service and other forms of academic citizenship, maintaining collaboration with the Psychology and Neuroscience Department.
  • Engage in professional activities that inform teaching, enhance student experience, and help the faculty member remain current in their field.
  • Maintain standards of professionalism.
Qualifications – Required
  • A Ph.D. in Neurobiology or a closely related field.
  • Experience teaching undergraduate students in relevant courses.
  • Evidence of a research program that uses non‑mammalian model organisms.
Qualifications – Desired
  • At least one year of postdoctoral work or a similar experience.
  • Evidence of engaging, inclusive teaching at the undergraduate level.
  • Evidence of effectiveness in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students.
  • Evidence of peer‑reviewed scholarship.
EEO Statement

Gonzaga University is a committed EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their disability status and/or protected veteran status.

Contact

Questions about this position can be directed to Dr. Marianne Poxleitner, Department Chair, at poxleitner@gonzaga.edu.

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