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Assistant Professor Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Professor information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$42.1K

$79.3K

$133.8K

How much do assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor in Springfield, IL is $79,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $90,700.00 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 Springfield, IL?

The most popular types of Professor jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor jobs in Springfield, IL?

For Assistant Professor jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Professor jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Professor jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Assistant Professor jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Assistant Professor job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Professor job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,345 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Assistant Professor, Psychology

University of Illinois

Springfield, IL โ€ข On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Teach undergraduate courses such as Social Psychology, Research Methods, Principles of Psychology, and courses in the candidate's specialty area in online and on-campus formats.

  • Maintain an active scholarship/research program and mentor undergraduate students in research.

  • Engage in internal and external service activities within the department, college, and university.


Job description

Untitled Document
Assistant Professor, Psychology
Posting Category:
Summary:
The University of Illinois Springfield Department of Psychology invites applications for a tenure-system Assistant Professor position beginning August 16, 2027. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. specialization in Social/Experimental Psychology awarded from a regionally accredited university prior to the start date. Demonstrated excellence in teaching online and on-campus courses is preferred. Teaching responsibilities would include undergraduate courses such as Social Psychology, Research Methods, Principles of Psychology, and courses in the candidate's specialty area. Normal teaching load is three courses per semester.
This is a full-time on-campus tenure-track academic appointment. UIS tenure-system faculty are expected to be available and engaged in the university community, with assigned professional responsibilities for teaching, scholarship, and service.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Teaching: Undergraduate courses such as Social Psychology, Research Methods, Principles of Psychology, and courses in the candidate's specialty area in online and on-campus formats
Scholarship: UIS tenure-track faculty are expected to have an active scholarship/research program and mentor undergraduate students in research.
Service: UIS tenure-track faculty are expected to be engaged in internal (e.g., department, college, university) and external service activities
Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. specialization in Social/Experimental Psychology awarded from a regionally accredited university prior to the start date.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated excellence in teaching online and on-campus courses. Experience teaching undergraduate courses such as Social Psychology, Research Methods, and Principles of Psychology in online and on-campus formats. Demonstrated potential for research and mentoring undergraduate students in the research process. Department, college, and/or university service experience.
Application deadline: 9/30/2026
Nine-month salary: $62,500
Application instructions: Click the "Apply Now" button at the top or bottom of the posting, create or update your profile, complete the online application, and upload current curriculum vita or resume, graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable at this stage of the application process; official transcripts will be required prior to hire), statement of teaching philosophy (1 page maximum), and description of research program (1 page maximum). Contact information for professional references will be requested later in the search process. Formal review of applications will begin soon after application deadline and continue until the position is filled or the search is terminated.
AboutUIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves approximately 4,000 students in 60 undergraduate programs of study, 41 minors, 44 graduate programs of study, 1 doctorate, 43 graduate certificates, coursework that leads to 8 ISBE endorsements. The academic curriculum offers students a strong liberal arts core, a wide range of professional programs, and close faculty interaction. Making the most of its location in the state capital, UIS is broadly engaged in public policy and service. Its diverse student body includes traditional, non-traditional, and international students. Twenty-five percent of majors are in 17 undergraduate and graduate online degree programs and the campus has received several national awards for its implementation of online learning. UIS faculty are committed teachers, active scholars, and professionals in service to society. The University emphasizes excellence in teaching, and faculty are also expected to provide a balance of scholarship and service activities to meet requirements for tenure and promotion. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at https://www.uis.edu and the department/school web page at https://www.uis.edu/psychology
About Springfield, Illinois: https://www.uis.edu/academic-affairs/about-our-springfield-community/
Union Affiliation: Tenure-track faculty positions at more than half-time are represented by the University Professionals of Illinois (UPI) Local 4100, University of Illinois Springfield United Faculty Chapter, IFT-AFT, AFL-CIO.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.
As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State Universities Retirement System
  1. You do not pay Social Security taxes and your earnings will not be on your Social Security record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.)
  2. Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:
  • Social Security benefit and
  • Social Security benefit as a spouse

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at hremployment@uis.edu or call 217-206-6652.
***Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***

University of Illinois logo

About University of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Illinois, located in Urbana, Illinois, US, is a prominent entity in the higher education sector. Operating its official functions through its website uillinois.edu, the institution provides a range of educational programs and services. The University was founded in 1867 and has since grown dramatically both in size and reputation. Its core values are embodied in its mission to enhance the lives of its students and citizens in the state, nation, and world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. The university boasts several notable achievements including producing Nobel laureates and Pulitzer prize winners. It is renowned for its research programs and is known for significant advancements across various fields including engineering, science, and humanities.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Urbana, IL, US

Year founded

1974

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