Academia

Tenure-track professors typically have research, teaching and service responsibilities, although some institutions hire faculty whose primary responsibility is teaching. Some institutions do not offer tenure, but appoint professionals using similar titles and responsibilities. Job titles for tenure-track faculty may include: assistant professor, associate professor and professor.

Nontenure-track faculty typically focus on research or education. Research-track faculty usually have knowledge and experience in a given field at an advanced level and generally do not teach. Instructional faculty focus on teaching in a specific field, including course and curriculum development. Job titles for nontenure-track faculty may include: professor of practice, research scientist, lecturer and instructor.

Faculty career advancement at many institutions may include serving in a full- or part-time administrative position. Responsibilities in these positions vary by institution, but typically include ensuring curricula guidelines are met, ensuring appropriate staffing of programs, establishing enrollment targets, guiding faculty and speaking on behalf of a department. Job titles in program and academic administration may include: program director, department chair and dean.

Institutions typically coordinate the grant or research administrative roles that support research at an institution in one office. These positions include research planning, compliance, securing and managing funding mechanisms and management of research activities, and are generally collaborative and require strong interpersonal skills and strategic thinking. Job titles in research or grant administration may include: research administrator, grant officer and vice president of research and research chair.

Large institutions may have professionals who develop the detailed descriptions of the new biotechnology inventions the institutions’ researchers create that are required for patent applications and copyright registration. These professionals serve as key contacts with patent offices and businesses. Job titles in technology transfer may include: partnership manager, licensing manager, industry engagement manager, technology transfer manager, technology transfer director or vice president of technology transfer.

Research-intensive institutions often operate specialized labs that house unique and/or expensive instruments and services that are made accessible to labs across the university. Scientists with the technical expertise and experience helping others who need these capabilities manage core facility labs. Job titles in core facility management may include: manager, managing director and scientific director.

Communications professionals may lead and support scientific and technical communications for manuscripts, publication and conference presentations. They may also translate technical research for decision makers, stakeholders and members of the public. This can include creating compelling stories about science for print and online media (e.g., newspapers, magazines, blogs, newsletters), broadcast media (e.g., radio, television, podcasts) and social media. Job titles in science communications may include: include: scientific communications specialist, science content writer and producer.