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Associate Professor Jobs in Portland, TN (NOW HIRING)

Associate Professor

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Whether our graduates are physicians, dentists, scientists, professors or public health professionals, the Meharry experience equips them to affect the world as a force for change led by our motto ...

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Associate Professor information

See Portland, TN salary details

$39.5K

$93K

$129.3K

How much do associate professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate professor in Portland, TN is $92,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,700.00 and $114,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate professor?

An associate professor teaches at a college or university campus and ranks below a full professor. As an associate professor, you still perform the primary job duties of a full professor, such as interacting with students, grading classroom assignments, assisting students with study techniques, and developing lesson plans. You may also spend part of your career working on research projects and writing articles for academic journals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Professor, you need advanced subject matter expertise, a doctoral degree in your field, and a record of research and scholarly publication. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), academic databases, and research software is typically required. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and productive collegial relationships. These competencies are essential for effective teaching, impactful research, and meaningful contributions to academic communities.

What are some common challenges faced by associate professors when balancing research, teaching, and service responsibilities?

Associate Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including conducting research, teaching courses, mentoring students, and participating in departmental or university service. Balancing these can be challenging, especially when research expectations remain high while teaching loads and committee work increase after promotion. Successful Associate Professors typically develop strong time-management skills, collaborate with colleagues to share best practices, and seek mentorship or support from their academic community. Proactive planning and clear communication with department leadership can also help manage these competing demands.

What is the difference between Associate Professor vs Assistant Professor?

AspectAssociate ProfessorAssistant Professor
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent), significant research and teaching experienceDoctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent), typically early in academic career
Work EnvironmentUniversity faculty, involved in teaching, research, and serviceUniversity faculty, primarily focused on teaching and beginning research
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research universitiesHigher education institutions, research universities

In summary, an Associate Professor is a more senior academic role with extensive research and teaching experience, while an Assistant Professor is an entry-level faculty position focused on developing research and teaching skills.

Do you need a PhD to be an associate professor?

Typically, an associate professor position requires a doctoral degree, such as a PhD, along with significant research, teaching experience, and a strong publication record. While requirements can vary by institution and field, having a PhD is generally essential for this academic rank.

What cities near Portland, TN are hiring for Associate Professor jobs?

Cities near Portland, TN with the most Associate Professor job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Professor job openings in Portland, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,968 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Associate Professor

Meharrry Medical College

Nashville, TN โ€ข On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry seeks a faculty position in the Department of Restorative and Operative Dentistry. The successful candidate will provide didactic, preclinical, and clinical instruction to dental students while supporting the academic mission of the department. Strong communication skills and a commitment to excellence in teaching, patient care, and professional development are essential.

Daily Operations
  • Deliver high-quality classroom and clinical instruction to students, incorporating innovative teaching methods and evidence-based practices.
  • Provide mentorship and guidance to students while integrating relevant experiences to enhance the didactic curriculum.
  • Maintain a consistent record of positive contributions to the learning environment and student development.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Comprehensive knowledge of restorative principles, techniques, and evidence-based clinical practices.
  • Strong instructional skills, with the ability to teach effectively in didactic, preclinical, and clinical settings.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and support the professional growth of students and residents.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment.
  • Capacity to integrate private practice experience and emerging technologies into dental education.
  • Ability to engage in scholarly activity, including research, publication, and professional development.
Required Education and Experience

Credentials needed for the position include a DDS or DMD.

  • Valid TN Dental License, or limited teaching license.
  • CPR Certification.
About Meharry

Meharry Medical College was founded just 11 years after the end of the Civil War with the mission of educating African Americans to serve the underserved. Today, the nation's largest private, historically black academic health sciences center has trained thousands of health care professionals. Three out of every four Meharrians return to urban or rural communities to serve others by providing medical or dental services. Our faith-based roots within the United Methodist Church inspire us to respect and serve all. Our standards are high within an educational environment that is nurturing. We believe that health equity is key to alleviating suffering. Whether our graduates are physicians, dentists, scientists, professors or public health professionals, the Meharry experience equips them to affect the world as a force for change led by our motto: "Worship of God Through Service to Mankind".

Mission

Meharry Medical College is a global academic health sciences center advancing health equity through innovative research, transformative education, exceptional and compassionate health services and policy-influencing thought leadership. True to its legacy, Meharry empowers diverse populations to improve the well-being of humankind.

Core Values

Meharry Medical College is a community of scholars and learners committed to excellence.

Accountability with transparency.

Equity with inclusion.

Respect with collegiality.

Service with compassion.

Integrity without exception.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Meharry Medical College complies with Title IX and is an affirmative action employer. Candidates will be considered for employment without discrimination for an non-merit reason such as race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, handicap or veteran status.

Contact
For questions regarding employment, please contact 615-327-6336 or jobs@mmc.edu.

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