Assistant Or Associate Professor Jobs in Colorado
Assistant Or Associate Professor jobs in Colorado are concentrated in higher education, research, and applied sciences, with demand anchored by the state's strong network of public and private universities and a growing research corridor. Most openings are in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins, where institutions like the University of Colorado system, Colorado State University, and the University of Denver maintain active faculty pipelines. The most sought-after specializations include STEM disciplines, business and management, and health sciences, reflecting Colorado's research-intensive economy. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 11+ Assistant Or Associate Professor jobs
Department
Social WorkAbout the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University ( MSU Denver ) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado’s extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
About the Department of Social Work
The mission of the Department of Social Work is to provide an inclusive, inspiring environment for undergraduate, graduate, and community education in social work that is value driven, research informed, culturally responsive, academically rigorous, and which links theory with practice. The Department of Social Work has both an undergraduate and graduate program with a robust internship program (over 400 agency partners) and student support services. We have over 1000 students in our pre social work, undergraduate, and graduate programs offering in person and online modalities.
The Department of Social Work at MSU Denver prides itself on a richly talented faculty comprised of teacher-scholars who are highly dedicated to support students in growing as social work scholars, practitioners, and leaders in the multitude of settings. MSU Denver faculty have expertise in culturally responsive practice that is relationally based. We are actively interrogating and revising our curriculum to reflect anti-oppressive practices while educating our students for the provision of effective clinical social work services with diverse communities in micro, mezzo and macro settings serving vulnerable and underserved populations. We work to actively to engage in anti-racist practices in all aspects of our programming; faculty members are encouraged to actively engage in our aspirations to dismantle systems of oppression. While we seek demonstrated ability and experience teaching social work theory, practice, and/or research related courses, priority will be given to applicants with research methods, program evaluation and project-based learning course experience.
Position Summary
The Department of Social Work at MSU Denver invites applications for a tenure track/tenured faculty appointment in our MSW Graduate Program. This is a full-time faculty contract beginning Fall 2027 that requires presence in Colorado on MSU Denver's Auraria campus for in person teaching and other activities.
MSU Denver has a robust year-long mentoring program for tenure-track faculty. In their first year, faculty will be enrolled in the MSU Denver Roadrunner Faculty Academy , a course designed to support new faculty as they navigate faculty life and thrive in teaching, scholarly activity and service. Faculty can also choose to participate in university programs that help new faculty connect with diverse affinity groups and networks offering additional mentorship opportunities.
Responsibilities
Teaching will consist of 24 credits per academic year (four courses per semester). Teaching may include online, face to face, and hybrid instruction deliver options. The successful candidate will take on lead faculty responsibilities for specific courses and be responsible to update and modify online and on campus course material. Release time from teaching can be given to faculty for significant administrative duties that require time above and beyond service. Advising responsibilities include carrying a student advising load of approximately 40 students for which you are responsible to perform and document career and professional advising.
A scholarly agenda is expected and supported, and production of quality scholarship is required. Including the ability to produce scholarship such as published contributions, securing external funding, student research mentorship, program evaluation, development of community-serving resources, and presenting/attending at academic conferences.
Service work is expected, including work on Departmental, College and/or University committees as well as active service involvement in professional organizations and/or the community.
Per CSWE EPAS standards, all teaching, scholarship, and service expectations require intentional participation in and application of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the department and in service of students.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Master of Social Work (MSW/MSSW) degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited institution (or evaluated by CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service (ISWDRES)
- Two (2) years relevant post-MSW experience
- Earned doctorate degree in social work or other related discipline (ABD will be considered with evidence of degree conferral by August 20, 2027)
Preferred Qualifications
While candidates are not expected to possess all preferred qualifications, please address in your cover letter how you meet any number of the preferred qualifications below. Priority will be given to candidates meeting the first two preferred qualifications.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in a higher education social work program, department, or school, such as directing or coordinating an academic program, mentoring and supporting faculty, leading curriculum or accreditation initiatives, supervising faculty or staff, or serving in a department chair, associate chair, program director, or comparable academic leadership role
- Demonstrated experience in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through anti-oppressive, anti-racist, or liberatory approaches to practice, teaching, scholarship, curriculum development, administrative experience, or professional activities in social work
- Previous teaching, practice, or research experience with first generation college students, historically underrepresented groups and/or experience serving within an HSI, HBCU, or Tribal College
- Experience practicing across systems following Interprofessional Education frameworks and ability to partner with other disciplinary areas
Salary for Announcement
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, education, experience, discipline, specialty, and training. The salary ranges for this position are outlined below:
Assistant Professor rank: $64,000 - $74,000
Associate Professor rank: $75,000 - $85,000
Full Professor rank: $94,000 - $104,000
MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, free RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please visit our Benefits section.
Instructions to Apply
To apply, complete an application online through our career site and search for JR105915: https://www.msudenver.edu/careers .
To support a thorough evaluation of your qualifications and potential contributions as a faculty member, please upload the following required materials:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Teaching philosophy (2 pages max). Please share your teaching philosophy and include a focus on engagement with diverse students and how you will foster an inclusive classroom environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement. Include examples from past experiences teaching and/or mentoring students. A list of three professional references and their contact information
Important Note : Due to volume of applications received, only applications completed as outlined above will be considered. Please ensure you have uploaded all required documents into the Resume/Cover letter section of the application. A maximum of 5 files can be uploaded; you may combine all documents into one pdf file if needed.
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
Deadline
Priority will be given to applications received through Monday, November 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Posting Representative
Tanya RogowskyPosting Representative Email
trogowsk@msudenver.eduBenefits
The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.
For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf .
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu .
Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.
Department
Social WorkAbout the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University ( MSU Denver ) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado’s extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
About the Department of Social Work
The mission of the Department of Social Work is to provide an inclusive, inspiring environment for undergraduate, graduate, and community education in social work that is value driven, research informed, culturally responsive, academically rigorous, and which links theory with practice. The Department of Social Work has both an undergraduate and graduate program with a robust internship program (over 400 agency partners) and student support services. We have over 1000 students in our pre social work, undergraduate, and graduate programs offering in person and online modalities.
The Department of Social Work at MSU Denver prides itself on a richly talented faculty comprised of teacher-scholars who are highly dedicated to support students in growing as social work scholars, practitioners, and leaders in the multitude of settings. MSU Denver faculty have expertise in culturally responsive practice that is relationally based. We are actively interrogating and revising our curriculum to reflect anti-oppressive practices while educating our students for the provision of effective clinical social work services with diverse communities in micro, mezzo and macro settings serving vulnerable and underserved populations. We work to actively to engage in anti-racist practices in all aspects of our programming; faculty members are encouraged to actively engage in our aspirations to dismantle systems of oppression. While we seek demonstrated ability and experience teaching social work theory, practice, and/or research related courses, priority will be given to applicants with research methods, program evaluation and project-based learning course experience.
Position Summary
The Department of Social Work at MSU Denver invites applications for a tenure track/tenured faculty appointment in our MSW Graduate Program. This is a full-time faculty contract beginning Fall 2027 that requires presence in Colorado on MSU Denver's Auraria campus for in person teaching and other activities.
MSU Denver has a robust year-long mentoring program for tenure-track faculty. In their first year, faculty will be enrolled in the MSU Denver Roadrunner Faculty Academy , a course designed to support new faculty as they navigate faculty life and thrive in teaching, scholarly activity and service. Faculty can also choose to participate in university programs that help new faculty connect with diverse affinity groups and networks offering additional mentorship opportunities.
Responsibilities
Teaching will consist of 24 credits per academic year (four courses per semester). Teaching may include online, face to face, and hybrid instruction deliver options. The successful candidate will take on lead faculty responsibilities for specific courses and be responsible to update and modify online and on campus course material. Release time from teaching can be given to faculty for significant administrative duties that require time above and beyond service. Advising responsibilities include carrying a student advising load of approximately 40 students for which you are responsible to perform and document career and professional advising.
A scholarly agenda is expected and supported, and production of quality scholarship is required. Including the ability to produce scholarship such as published contributions, securing external funding, student research mentorship, program evaluation, development of community-serving resources, and presenting/attending at academic conferences.
Service work is expected, including work on Departmental, College and/or University committees as well as active service involvement in professional organizations and/or the community.
Per CSWE EPAS standards, all teaching, scholarship, and service expectations require intentional participation in and application of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the department and in service of students.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Master of Social Work (MSW/MSSW) degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited institution (or evaluated by CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service (ISWDRES)
- Two (2) years relevant post-MSW experience
- Earned doctorate degree in social work or other related discipline (ABD will be considered with evidence of degree conferral by August 20, 2027)
Preferred Qualifications
While candidates are not expected to possess all preferred qualifications, please address in your cover letter how you meet any number of the preferred qualifications below. Priority will be given to candidates meeting the first two preferred qualifications.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in a higher education social work program, department, or school, such as directing or coordinating an academic program, mentoring and supporting faculty, leading curriculum or accreditation initiatives, supervising faculty or staff, or serving in a department chair, associate chair, program director, or comparable academic leadership role
- Demonstrated experience in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through anti-oppressive, anti-racist, or liberatory approaches to practice, teaching, scholarship, curriculum development, administrative experience, or professional activities in social work
- Previous teaching, practice, or research experience with first generation college students, historically underrepresented groups and/or experience serving within an HSI, HBCU, or Tribal College
- Experience practicing across systems following Interprofessional Education frameworks and ability to partner with other disciplinary areas
Salary for Announcement
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, education, experience, discipline, specialty, and training. The salary ranges for this position are outlined below:
Assistant Professor rank: $64,000 - $74,000
Associate Professor rank: $75,000 - $85,000
Full Professor rank: $94,000 - $104,000
MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, free RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please visit our Benefits section.
Instructions to Apply
To apply, complete an application online through our career site and search for JR105915: https://www.msudenver.edu/careers .
To support a thorough evaluation of your qualifications and potential contributions as a faculty member, please upload the following required materials:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Teaching philosophy (2 pages max). Please share your teaching philosophy and include a focus on engagement with diverse students and how you will foster an inclusive classroom environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement. Include examples from past experiences teaching and/or mentoring students. A list of three professional references and their contact information
Important Note : Due to volume of applications received, only applications completed as outlined above will be considered. Please ensure you have uploaded all required documents into the Resume/Cover letter section of the application. A maximum of 5 files can be uploaded; you may combine all documents into one pdf file if needed.
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
Deadline
Priority will be given to applications received through Monday, November 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Posting Representative
Tanya RogowskyPosting Representative Email
trogowsk@msudenver.eduBenefits
The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.
For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf .
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu .
Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.
See All 11 Assistant Or Associate Professor Jobs in Colorado
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Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Assistant Or Associate Professor Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant or associate professor jobs across Colorado.
- Terminal degree such as a Ph.D. or MFA in the relevant academic discipline
- Demonstrated record of scholarly research, publications, or creative work in the field
- Prior teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate university level
- Active or pending research agenda aligned with department or college priorities
- Ability to contribute to departmental service, committees, and faculty governance
- Strong written and oral communication skills for instruction and grant writing
Assistant Or Associate Professor Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a assistant or associate professor in Colorado?
Becoming an assistant or associate professor in Colorado requires a terminal degree in your field, typically a Ph.D. or equivalent, though an MFA is standard in fine arts and design. Colorado institutions follow a national faculty hiring model: you apply through a posted search, submit a dossier including a cover letter, CV, research statement, and teaching portfolio, and compete through departmental review. Associate-level appointments additionally require evidence of a sustained research or creative record and, at many institutions, documented success in external funding.
Which companies hire assistant or associate professors in Colorado?
Colorado assistant or associate professor roles are posted by University of Colorado, Univeristy Of Colorado Boulder, and COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Colorado's combination of flagship research universities and regional comprehensive institutions means faculty openings appear across a wide range of disciplines and institution types throughout the state.
Which Colorado cities have the most assistant or associate professor jobs?
Aurora, Boulder, and Denver have the most assistant or associate professor openings in Colorado. Denver's concentration of universities, health sciences programs, and professional schools drives the highest raw volume, while Boulder and Fort Collins reflect the research-intensive missions of the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University, both of which maintain large, active faculty rosters across science, engineering, and liberal arts.
Are there remote assistant or associate professor jobs in Colorado?
Yes, but they represent a smaller share of the market. About 17% of assistant or associate professor openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most of those positions concentrated in online program development, continuing education, and professional or interdisciplinary programs rather than traditional residential degree programs where in-person teaching and campus presence are required.
How can I get hired as a assistant or associate professor in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path for candidates with limited experience is a postdoctoral fellowship or visiting assistant professor appointment at a Colorado research institution such as the University of Colorado system or Colorado State University. These roles build the publication record and teaching evaluations that Colorado search committees look for. Lecturers and instructor positions at Colorado community colleges and regional campuses like CU Denver or Metro State University also serve as lateral entry points, particularly for candidates with industry expertise in business, health, or technology fields.
Where can I find and apply to assistant or associate professor jobs in Colorado?
You can find and apply to assistant or associate professor jobs in Colorado on Migrate Mate, which lists current Colorado openings across institution types and disciplines. Search the available roles, identify the ones that fit your academic background and research interests, and apply directly to the positions that match your experience.
See All 11 Assistant Or Associate Professor Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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