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Table of contents

Assistant professor resume examples
Pick the best format for your assistant professor resume
How to make a great assistant professor resume in 5 easy steps
Make your application stand out with a cover letter
Assistant professor resume — key takeaways
Commonly asked questions about resume writing

As an assistant professor, you teach and help students while also doing research. To get a job in this field, you need a great resume that shows off your skills and experience.

We’ll help you make a resume that highlights your teaching, research and academic achievements. Follow our guide to make your resume stand out. Let’s get started!

In this guide, you’ll see:

Assistant professor resume examples.
Important elements to make your resume stand out.
Tips on showing your teaching and research skills.
Essential sections to include in your resume.
Resume templates and formats that fit your career profile best.

Ready to improve your resume for that assistant professor job? Our Resume Builder is here to help! It guides you through every step to make sure your resume impresses.

Assistant professor resume examples

Entry-level assistant professor resume example

Resume entry level example assistant professor

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What makes this resume stand out?

Shows a clear and focused resume objective
Annie’s resume starts with a clear goal: She loves teaching history and wants to be an assistant professor at Kennesaw State University to create a fun and inclusive learning environment where all students can do their best.
Highlights impressive professional skills
Annie’s resume showcases her professional skills with specific examples, such as improving student test scores by 25% and increasing student satisfaction by 30%.
Presents a solid work history
Annie has worked as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Georgia, where she helped teach classes, and as a research assistant at Emory University Hospital, where she worked on important projects. These jobs gave her great experience in teaching and research, making her well-prepared to be an assistant professor.

Experienced assistant professor resume example

Resume experienced example assistant professor

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Why is this resume a great example?

Details a robust work history
Ernest’s work history is comprehensive and varied, demonstrating his extensive experience in teaching and research. Since 2018, he has been an assistant professor of sociology at Belmont Abbey College, where he has taught important topics like race relations and data measurement.
Recognizes awards and honors
Ernest has received multiple awards and honors that recognize his contributions and excellence in his field. These accolades reflect his dedication to advancing sociological studies and his commitment to high academic standards.
Lists relevant certifications
Ernest’s certification emphasizes his expertise in research methodologies and his commitment to professional development. It also shows that he maintains high standards in his academic and research work.

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Related Guides & Tips

Pick the best format for your assistant professor resume

If you want to get that assistant professor job, it’s important to show your best skills right away. How do you do this? By choosing a resume format that highlights your top qualifications from the start.

If you have lots of experience as an assistant professor, consider using the chronological format. This format shows your job history in order, helping recruiters see how you’ve grown and the experience you’ve gained.
If you’re changing or starting your academic career, the functional resume format might be best. This format focuses on your skills and potential, such as your teaching abilities, research projects and subject knowledge.
If you’re in the middle of your career, the combination resume format is a good choice. It balances your experience and skills, showing you’re ready for any challenge in the academic world.

Roles in academia may call for a resume or a CV, depending on the role and the institution you’re applying to. Consider the benefits of writing a CV for the role instead of a resume, and take a look at some CV examples to see what your application would look like if you decide to make this career document.

Once you’ve chosen the best way to tell your career story, pick a resume design that will grab the recruiter’s attention.

Make your assistant professor resume stand out with the perfect template

Create your resume

Do you want to make your assistant professor resume look even better? Even if you keep the important sections the same — like your summary, skills, work history and education — you can make your resume stand out with the right template.

If you’re applying to different universities or departments, use a simple template. Its clear layout shows your skills and experience without any distracting extras.

Feeling more adventurous? Try a creative or modern template! These options add a touch of style and color, perfect for showing off your personality and making your resume shine.

Also, choosing a template that works with Microsoft Word or Google Docs makes it easy to edit and customize your resume. These are popular tools that many people use, so it’s a simple and affordable way to create a polished resume.

Now that you’ve picked your favorite template, let’s start crafting your impressive resume!

How to make a great assistant professor resume in 5 easy steps

Making a great resume is like creating a snapshot of who you are and what you can do.

To become an assistant professor, your resume must show you have the right skills and experience. Here are five simple steps to help you create an awesome resume that will catch everyone’s eye.

Step 1

Read the job posting carefully

Before you start fine-tuning your resume, take a moment to identify the key skills required for the assistant professor role you’re after, such as teaching experience, research abilities and knowledge in your specific field. When you understand the employer’s needs upfront, you can customize your resume to show that you are who they’re looking for.

Why is this important? Well, many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. These systems search for certain keywords related to the job. By integrating the keywords from the job ad into your resume, you increase your chances of bypassing the ATS filters, grabbing the attention of hiring committees and landing an interview.

Step 2

Begin your resume with an eye-catching summary

Your resume is your first chance to shine. Let’s ensure it starts strong with a compelling resume profile, whether you’re an experienced professor or just starting.

If you have lots of experience, go for a professional summary. It’s like a quick overview of your best achievements and abilities. In a few sentences, show your teaching skills, research accomplishments and subject expertise.

But if you’re new or changing careers, try a resume objective. Here, you can discuss your career goals and what makes you a great fit for the role, even if you come from a unique background.

Consider the following examples to guide your writing process:

Professional summary example:

Dedicated assistant professor with 10 years of experience in computer science, specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Proven track record of publishing influential research and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Skilled in curriculum development and committed to mentoring students to achieve academic excellence.

Resume objective example:

Motivated recent graduate with a master’s degree in English literature, eager to begin a career as an assistant professor. Passionate about teaching and dedicated to creating engaging and inclusive classroom environments. Successfully led a student study group that improved average grades by 15%. Excited to contribute fresh perspectives and innovative teaching methods to your department.

Step 3

List your skills

When you’re listing your skills on your resume, it’s important to include a mix of two types: hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills are job-specific abilities we develop with training and education. These might include being an expert at using specific software or being knowledgeable in a particular subject.

Soft skills are more about your personality and how you work with others. These can include the ability to hit deadlines, communicate complex topics in simple terms and support the lead professor well.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the difference:

Hard Skills

Subject matter expertise
Research skills
Teaching skills
Publication record
Data analysis

Soft Skills

Communication
Teamwork
Problem-solving skills
Adaptability
Time management

Here’s an example of a strong skills section for assistant professors:

Advanced knowledge in Molecular Biology and Genetics.
Extensive experience in designing and conducting experiments, data collection and analysis using SPSS and Python.
Proven ability to develop and deliver engaging lectures, create detailed lesson plans and develop comprehensive course materials.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting at international conferences.

Pro tip

Don’t forget to add essential interpersonal skills to your resume. They enable effective communication, demonstrating your ability to mentor and guide students, work well within a team and contribute to a productive and harmonious academic community.

Step 4

Detail your work experience

Your work history is your chance to highlight all the great things you’ve done as an assistant professor. Start with your most recent job and use bullet points to make it easy to read.

Think of your resume as a spotlight on your enthusiasm and successes. Use strong action words to bring your accomplishments to life!

Here’s an example work history entry:

Assistant Professor of Biology, Allen University
Columbia, SC
June 2015 – May 2024

Developed and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Molecular Biology and Genetics.
Conducted and published research on gene expression and regulation in peer-reviewed journals.
Secured $150K in research funding through successful grant proposals.
Advised and mentored over 20 graduate students on thesis and dissertation projects.

Pro tip

As an assistant professor, your work history isn’t just about listing what you’ve done. It’s about showing the impact you’ve made! Meeting goals and making a difference in your students’ lives and research is what it’s all about. That’s why using specific details and metrics to highlight your successes is important.

Step 5

In academia, showcasing your expertise and dedication is essential. That’s why adding an education section to your resume is crucial.

Be sure to list all your degrees, including any you’re currently pursuing. Additionally, highlight any relevant certifications or specialized training you’ve completed. These credentials demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Consider emphasizing certifications such as a teaching certification or advanced research methods training.

How to list education on an assistant professor resume:

EDUCATION:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science
Boston University, Boston, MA
Expected in: 2026

Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Engineering
Boston University, Boston, MA
Graduated in: 2020

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering
Graduated in: 2018

CERTIFICATIONS:

Teaching Certification in Higher Education, Boston University

Additional sections for your assistant professor resume

Training

Adding a training section to your resume showcases the extra skills you’ve learned to become even better at your job. It tells people that you’re always learning new things to be the best teacher you can be.

How to list your training on your resume:

Attended the “Active Learning Workshop: Engaging Students in the Classroom”- 2023, at the University Teaching Center, Brown University.
Completed the “Qualitative Research Methodology Training Program” from January to March 2022, organized by the Research Institute for Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology.

Grants and funding

Including a grants and funding section on your assistant professor resume shows your ability to secure financial support for your research and academic endeavors. It demonstrates your success in competing for external funding, which is highly valued in academia.

How to list grants and funding in your resume:

National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Grant: Awarded $50K for a collaborative research project titled “Exploring Novel Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Imaging.”
Teaching Innovation Grant: Secured $10K from the University Teaching Center to develop and implement a new undergraduate course titled “Introduction to Environmental Sustainability.”

Publications

Listing a publication section provides tangible evidence of your research productivity and the impact of your work within the academic community.

How to list publications on your resume:

Baker, J., & Smith, A. (2023). Exploring the Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Managing Anxiety Disorders in Adolescents. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45(3), 210-225.
Baker, J., & Brown, C. (2022). Environmental Sustainability Practices in Urban Planning: Case Studies From Developing Countries. In J. Doe (Ed.), Sustainable cities: Perspectives and practices, pp. 75-90.

Professional affiliations

Highlighting a professional affiliations section in your assistant professor resume showcases your involvement in professional organizations and societies. It also indicates your commitment to staying connected with peers and contributing to advancing your field.

How to list professional affiliations on your resume:

National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE): Member since 2018, serving as local chapter secretary.

Community outreach

Adding a community outreach section to your assistant professor resume shows how you help people outside of school. It’s about sharing what you do to make a difference in the community.

How to list your community outreach in your resume:

STEM Outreach Program:

Led a team of undergraduate students in developing and delivering hands-on STEM workshops for local middle school students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Collaborated with community organizations to promote STEM education and inspire future scientists and engineers through interactive experiments and demonstrations.

Health Education Initiative:

Partnered with a local health clinic to develop and implement a series of health education workshops for low-income families in the community.
Designed culturally sensitive materials on nutrition, disease prevention and access to healthcare services, facilitating informed decision-making and promoting health equity.

Make your application stand out with a cover letter

Cover letter example assistant professor

Create your cover letter

Want to get an interview for that assistant professor role? A key insight: incorporating a cover letter with your application could significantly enhance your candidacy.

Consider your cover letter as an opportunity to showcase your expertise in teaching and research. Highlight your ability to engage students, explore complex topics or collaborate on scholarly endeavors.

If you’re unsure where to begin, fret not! We offer valuable tips to help you craft a compelling cover letter. Additionally, you can review examples to help you ideate on what to include in your letter.

Ready to start? Our Cover Letter Builder is a valuable resource, ensuring your letter reflects the same professionalism as your resume. With user-friendly templates and generated content suggestions, crafting a polished cover letter is a breeze.

A meticulously crafted cover letter can distinguish you from other candidates and elevate your candidacy to the top of the selection pool, so don’t overlook its importance!

As you prepare your job application documents, here are a few essential points to remember.

Assistant professor resume — key takeaways

Select the best template

Your roadmap to landing the perfect job begins with your resume! Choose a polished and professional template that reflects your commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail.
Craft a compelling introduction

Capture attention right from the get-go! Summarize your expertise and experience as an assistant professor. Share your proudest achievements and outline your career aspirations to captivate the reader’s interest.
Spotlight your skills

As an assistant professor, you possess unique talents that set you apart. Showcase your knack for organization, communicating effectively and problem-solving. Let your ingenuity and resourcefulness shine!
Highlight your teaching experience

Back up your skills with real-world examples. Utilize metrics such as student engagement, academic achievements and successful teaching methodologies to underscore your effectiveness as an educator.
Emphasize your credentials

Stand out from the crowd by highlighting any accolades you’ve earned or additional training you’ve completed. These details enrich your qualifications and demonstrate that you’re a standout academic candidate.
Don’t overlook the importance of a cover letter!

While not always required, a well-crafted cover letter can make a lasting impression. Use it to convey your passion, list your accomplishments and establish a personal connection with the hiring committee.

Commonly asked questions about resume writing

Last Updated: June 12, 2024

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Karla is a content writer dedicated to guiding job seekers to career success with compelling articles, resumes and cover letters. Her M.S. in Screenwriting and B.S. in Comparative Literature equip her to create engaging job application materials.