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Assistant Professor Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Professor information

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$38.7K

$72.8K

$122.8K

How much do assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor in Springfield, MO is $72,814.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $83,200.00 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 Springfield, MO? The most popular types of Professor jobs in Springfield, MO are:
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Assistant Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor job openings in Springfield, MO as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% Full Time, 70% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,814 per year, or $35 per hour.
Assistant Professor, Animal Science - 9 month appointment

Assistant Professor, Animal Science - 9 month appointment

Missouri State University

Springfield, MO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Missouri State University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Assistant Professor, Animal Science - 9 month appointment
Work Location
Springfield Campus
Department
School of Agricultural Science and Conservation
HR Home Department
021016 SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND CONSERVATION
Pay Grade
Unclassified
Sponsorship Information
Applicants must be currently authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States on a full-time basis. This position may not be eligible for work visa sponsorship.
Position only available to current, regular, full-time Missouri State University employees?
No, Position is available to all applicants.
Faculty Appointment Type
Tenure Track
Term (if applicable)
9 month
Begin Date of Appointment
01/04/2027
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt
General Function
The Assistant Professor is a member of the ranked faculty with an intermediate academic rank who has demonstrated achievement in the areas of teaching, research, and professional service appropriate to the discipline. The Assistant Professor's teaching responsibilities are assigned by the academic department head and may include serving as an academic advisor. The Assistant Professor engages in scholarly activities beyond those associated with teaching and is expected to demonstrate professional productivity in research, based upon the availability of resources and consistent with the mission of the University.
Description of Primary Duties
Teach undergraduate courses in beef production and other areas of animal science dependent upon training, experience and departmental needs. The candidate should possess the ability and the desire to develop a comprehensive teaching and research program in applied beef cattle production. Successful candidate must develop a strong working relationship with the Missouri beef industry. Scholarly activity resulting in peer reviewed publications and presentations and supervision of master's level graduate students are required for tenure. Additional duties include academic advisement of undergraduate students, service on departmental and university committees, and advisement of student organizations. The ability to work in a multidisciplinary College of Agriculture is expected.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
The minimum acceptable qualifications for the position of Assistant Professor are prescribed in the Faculty Handbook.
Additional Qualifications
PhD in Animal Science, demonstration of active involvement in the Beef industry and cow-calf production in a non-academic setting. Experience in teaching.
Link to Job Description
http://www.missouristate.edu/human/jobdescriptions/21377.htm
Open Date
05/12/2026
Close Date (If Close Date is blank then the posting is considered open until filled)
Special Instructions to Applicants
First date of consideration will be June 22, 2026. Review of applications will continue until filled.
This opening has been posted at the rank of Assistant Professor and Associate Professor; however, only one hire will be made. To be considered for both tenure track positions you must submit your application materials to each posting. To view the Associate Professor posting and apply, click here:
https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/86289
Applicants that can start August 1, 2026 or January 4, 2027 will be given equal consideration.
Questions regarding this position can be directed to the School Director, Dr. Lacy Sukovaty (LacySukovaty@MissouriState.edu).
Please attach an unofficial transcript to your application. Please note that documents that contain passwords, digital signatures, and other artifacts such as watermarks may not convert properly. If your document contains any of these items, please print and scan the document, then upload the scanned version to your application. Official transcripts required at time of hire.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Non-Discrimination Statement
Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, Compliance@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252.
Background Check Statement
Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.
Posting Detail
Posting Number
20260031FTF
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/86290

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