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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 Aug 31, 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 are popular job titles related to Tenure Track Assistant Professor jobs in Michigan?

For Tenure Track Assistant Professor jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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 Christian Theology & Ethics Professor

AACTE Connect360

Holland, MI • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Hope College in Holland, Michigan, invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor of Religion in Christian Theology. Expertise in environmental theology or Christian ethics is desired and a Ph.D. is preferred, though late-stage ABD will also be considered. The successful candidate will teach introductory courses in Christian systematic theology and ethics, and a secondary field, as well as upper-level seminars. An active research program is expected and required for tenure.