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Tenure Track Assistant Professor Jobs in Michigan

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Tenure Track Assistant Professor information

See Michigan salary details

$37K

$69.8K

$117.7K

How much do tenure track assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for tenure track assistant professor in Michigan is $69,777.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $79,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tenure track assistant professor?

A Tenure Track Assistant Professor is an entry-level faculty position at a college or university that is on a path toward tenure—a permanent academic appointment. Individuals in this role are expected to excel in teaching, research, and service to the institution. Over a probationary period, typically six years, their performance is rigorously evaluated. If successful, they may be promoted and granted tenure, which provides job security and academic freedom. Failure to meet the institution's standards can result in non-renewal of the contract. This position is highly competitive and requires a doctoral degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tenure track assistant professor?

To excel as a Tenure Track Assistant Professor, candidates need a doctoral degree in their field, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience at the university level. Familiarity with academic publishing, learning management systems (LMS), and grant application processes is typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship abilities, and adaptability distinguish those who succeed in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for balancing research, teaching, and service responsibilities while contributing meaningfully to academic advancement and student development.

What are some common challenges new tenure track assistant professors face in balancing research, teaching, and service responsibilities?

New Tenure Track Assistant Professors often find it challenging to effectively balance their research, teaching, and service commitments. Early career faculty are expected to establish a productive research agenda, publish regularly, and seek grant funding, while also developing and delivering high-quality courses. Additionally, service obligations—such as committee work and student advising—can quickly accumulate. Successfully managing these demands often requires strong time management skills, clear prioritization, and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues.

What is the difference between Tenure Track Assistant Professor vs Postdoctoral Researcher?

AspectTenure Track Assistant ProfessorPostdoctoral Researcher
Required credentialsDoctoral degree, research experience, teaching skillsDoctoral degree, specialized research experience
Work environmentAcademic institution, teaching and research dutiesResearch-focused, often in labs or research centers
Employer and industry usageUniversities, colleges, academic research institutionsUniversities, research institutes, labs

The main difference is that a Tenure Track Assistant Professor is a faculty member on a path to tenure, combining teaching and research responsibilities, while a Postdoctoral Researcher focuses solely on research to build expertise before pursuing faculty roles. The assistant professor role offers a long-term academic career trajectory, whereas the postdoc is a temporary research position.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Tenure Track Assistant Professor jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Tenure Track Assistant Professor job openings:

Infographic showing various Tenure Track Assistant Professor job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,777 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Tenure-Track Faculty

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


University Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The University of Michigan's Department of Chemistry is a vibrant community with a longstanding record of excellence in the chemical sciences. We are seeking applications for a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor in any chemistry discipline, including analytical, chemical biology, education, inorganic, materials, organic, and physical chemistry, with an expected start date of August 25, 2027.
We are also seeking applications in any chemistry discipline for a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor to join our faculty through the 2026-27 LSA Collegiate Fellows Program (LCFP), with an expected start date of August 25, 2027. The LCFP aims to recruit and hire exceptional early-career faculty who have engaged in efforts to increase access and inclusion in higher education through their teaching and mentoring, AND/OR research and scholarship, AND/OR service and engagement. We encourage applicants from a wide range of institution types as we seek to diversify where we hire from. For more details on the LSA Collegiate Fellows program, please visit the program's website.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in order to be considered for either position. Employment will require a successful criminal background check, and candidates must meet all degree requirements prior to the start date of the position. The University of Michigan supports the needs of dual-career couples and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Application Instructions
Application materials must include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae including all publications, a statement of current & prior research, a statement of future research/scholarship plans, and a statement of teaching/mentoring philosophy and engagement. Applications will require three letters of recommendation. The submission deadline is Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

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About University of Michigan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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