Assistant professor: career entry to academia

Assistant professor denotes an academic position at universities or higher education institutions. In many countries, including the USA and Canada, it serves as an entry position to an academic career. This position is still ranked below that of . In Germany, the job title of assistant professor can soonest be compared with that of a . In Austria and Switzerland this position equates to that of an assistant professorship.

Periods of fixed-term employment to act as qualification

Like a junior professorship in Germany, the position as an assistant professor is generally a fixed-term position. It acts as a period of qualification by young academics, scientists and researchers. It is often also designated as tenure track – roughly equivalent to a probationary phase. This procedure involves the performance of early career professors being evaluated on multiple occasions. Should candidates satisfy the prerequisites, a tenure track position as assistant professor can lead to a permanent position as associate professor and subsequently as full professor.

Which prerequisites must an assistant professor satisfy?

To be considered for an assistant professorship requires to substantiate completion of a . This is generally followed at first by several years working as a . This enables academics, and researchers to gain relevant research experience and improve their teaching skills. All these factors are considered when awarding a position as assistant professor.