Assistant Or Associate Professor Jobs in Illinois
Assistant Or Associate Professor jobs in Illinois concentrate heavily in higher education, research, and the life sciences, with the state's dense network of universities and medical schools creating sustained demand at both the assistant and associate levels. Chicago, Urbana-Champaign, and Evanston anchor the largest share of openings, where institutions like the University of Illinois System, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago maintain ongoing faculty searches. The most in-demand specialties include STEM disciplines, business, and health sciences, reflecting Illinois's research university strengths and its proximity to major corporate and hospital partners. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 20+ Assistant Or Associate Professor jobs
Associate Professor or Professor and Inaugural Director, planned School of Applied Engineering
Posting Category:
Summary:
The University of Illinois Springfield invites applications for the inaugural Director of the planned School of Applied Engineering. The position is a tenure-system appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with the potential for a tenure waiver. The Director will provide academic, strategic, and operational leadership for a new School launching a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology through a work-based learning model. The Director will build the School's academic systems, faculty, employer and community college partnerships, and pathway to ABET accreditation. The is a nine-month appointment with an administrative stipend for year-round director responsibilities. Anticipated start date is July 1, 2027, with an earlier start date negotiable.
This is a full-time on-campus tenure-track academic appointment. UIS tenure-system faculty are expected to be available and engaged in the university community, with assigned professional responsibilities for teaching, scholarship, and service.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Teaching: One to two upper-division Engineering Technology courses per year.
Scholarship: Scholarship in engineering education, work-based learning, or applied engineering, consistent with tenure-system
expectations at rank.
Service: Service as inaugural Director and Unit Executive Officer (UEO) of the planned School of Applied Engineering. This includes leading faculty recruitment and onboarding, working with industry and community college partners, leading accreditation planning, and taking part in College and University leadership as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications:
Earned doctorate in engineering, engineering education, engineering technology, or a closely related field;
Record of teaching, scholarship, and service sufficient for tenure at the rank of Associate or Full Professor;
Significant applied or professional engineering experience appropriate for engineering technology programs;
Demonstrated academic or organizational leadership experience (e.g., program director, department chair, center director, or comparable role);
Experience with curriculum development and academic assessment;
Ability to build and sustain partnerships with employers and external stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience launching new academic programs or academic units;
Experience with work-based learning, cooperative education, or experiential learning models;
Familiarity with ABET accreditation standards;
Experience working with community colleges and transfer pathways.
Application deadline: 1/4/2027
$135-165,000 nine-month salary plus administrative stipend for year-round director responsibilities.
Application instructions: Click the "Apply Now" button at the top or bottom of the posting, create or update your profile, complete the online application, and upload current curriculum vita or resume, cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications, leadership philosophy, and interest in this founding role; and a concept paper (2–3 pages): the candidate’s approach to launching the BAS in Engineering Technology through a work-based learning model at a public regional university, addressing program design, the ABET ETAC pathway, employer and community college partnerships, and enrollment. Contact information for professional references will be requested later in the search process. Formal review of applications will begin soon after application deadline and continue until the position is filled or the search is terminated.
About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves approximately 4,000 students in 60 undergraduate programs of study, 41 minors, 44 graduate programs of study, 1 doctorate, 43 graduate certificates, coursework that leads to 8 ISBE endorsements. The academic curriculum offers students a strong liberal arts core, a wide range of professional programs, and close faculty interaction. Making the most of its location in the state capital, UIS is broadly engaged in public policy and service. Its diverse student body includes traditional, non-traditional, and international students. Twenty-five percent of majors are in 17 undergraduate and graduate online degree programs and the campus has received several national awards for its implementation of online learning. UIS faculty are committed teachers, active scholars, and professionals in service to society. The University emphasizes excellence in teaching, and faculty are also expected to provide a balance of scholarship and service activities to meet requirements for tenure and promotion. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at https://www.uis.edu and the college web page at https://uis.edu/chst
About Springfield, Illinois: https://www.uis.edu/academic-affairs/about-our-springfield-community/
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.
As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State Universities Retirement System
- You do not pay Social Security taxes and your earnings will not be on your Social Security record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.)
- Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:
- Social Security benefit and
- Social Security benefit as a spouse
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at hremployment@uis.edu or call 217-206-6652.
***Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***
Associate Professor or Professor and Inaugural Director, planned School of Applied Engineering
Posting Category:
Summary:
The University of Illinois Springfield invites applications for the inaugural Director of the planned School of Applied Engineering. The position is a tenure-system appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with the potential for a tenure waiver. The Director will provide academic, strategic, and operational leadership for a new School launching a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology through a work-based learning model. The Director will build the School's academic systems, faculty, employer and community college partnerships, and pathway to ABET accreditation. The is a nine-month appointment with an administrative stipend for year-round director responsibilities. Anticipated start date is July 1, 2027, with an earlier start date negotiable.
This is a full-time on-campus tenure-track academic appointment. UIS tenure-system faculty are expected to be available and engaged in the university community, with assigned professional responsibilities for teaching, scholarship, and service.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Teaching: One to two upper-division Engineering Technology courses per year.
Scholarship: Scholarship in engineering education, work-based learning, or applied engineering, consistent with tenure-system
expectations at rank.
Service: Service as inaugural Director and Unit Executive Officer (UEO) of the planned School of Applied Engineering. This includes leading faculty recruitment and onboarding, working with industry and community college partners, leading accreditation planning, and taking part in College and University leadership as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications:
Earned doctorate in engineering, engineering education, engineering technology, or a closely related field;
Record of teaching, scholarship, and service sufficient for tenure at the rank of Associate or Full Professor;
Significant applied or professional engineering experience appropriate for engineering technology programs;
Demonstrated academic or organizational leadership experience (e.g., program director, department chair, center director, or comparable role);
Experience with curriculum development and academic assessment;
Ability to build and sustain partnerships with employers and external stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience launching new academic programs or academic units;
Experience with work-based learning, cooperative education, or experiential learning models;
Familiarity with ABET accreditation standards;
Experience working with community colleges and transfer pathways.
Application deadline: 1/4/2027
$135-165,000 nine-month salary plus administrative stipend for year-round director responsibilities.
Application instructions: Click the "Apply Now" button at the top or bottom of the posting, create or update your profile, complete the online application, and upload current curriculum vita or resume, cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications, leadership philosophy, and interest in this founding role; and a concept paper (2–3 pages): the candidate’s approach to launching the BAS in Engineering Technology through a work-based learning model at a public regional university, addressing program design, the ABET ETAC pathway, employer and community college partnerships, and enrollment. Contact information for professional references will be requested later in the search process. Formal review of applications will begin soon after application deadline and continue until the position is filled or the search is terminated.
About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves approximately 4,000 students in 60 undergraduate programs of study, 41 minors, 44 graduate programs of study, 1 doctorate, 43 graduate certificates, coursework that leads to 8 ISBE endorsements. The academic curriculum offers students a strong liberal arts core, a wide range of professional programs, and close faculty interaction. Making the most of its location in the state capital, UIS is broadly engaged in public policy and service. Its diverse student body includes traditional, non-traditional, and international students. Twenty-five percent of majors are in 17 undergraduate and graduate online degree programs and the campus has received several national awards for its implementation of online learning. UIS faculty are committed teachers, active scholars, and professionals in service to society. The University emphasizes excellence in teaching, and faculty are also expected to provide a balance of scholarship and service activities to meet requirements for tenure and promotion. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at https://www.uis.edu and the college web page at https://uis.edu/chst
About Springfield, Illinois: https://www.uis.edu/academic-affairs/about-our-springfield-community/
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.
As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State Universities Retirement System
- You do not pay Social Security taxes and your earnings will not be on your Social Security record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.)
- Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:
- Social Security benefit and
- Social Security benefit as a spouse
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at hremployment@uis.edu or call 217-206-6652.
***Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***
See All 20 Assistant Or Associate Professor Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsAssistant Or Associate Professor Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Assistant Or Associate Professor Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant or associate professor jobs across Illinois.
- Terminal degree such as a PhD or MFA required in the relevant discipline
- Active record of peer-reviewed research, publications, or creative scholarship
- Demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level
- Illinois Board of Higher Education institutional accreditation compliance awareness preferred
- Experience advising graduate students or mentoring early-career researchers
- Strong record of external grant applications or funded research projects
Assistant Or Associate Professor Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a assistant or associate professor in Illinois?
You typically need a terminal degree in your field, most often a PhD, MFA, or equivalent, which is the baseline credential Illinois colleges and universities require before considering applicants. Illinois has no state-issued teaching license for faculty at the college level, so hiring is governed by each institution's own standards and accreditation requirements under the Higher Learning Commission. New faculty usually build their candidacy through postdoctoral work, strong publication records, and documented teaching experience before applying to open searches.
Which companies hire assistant or associate professors in Illinois?
Employers hiring assistant or associate professors in Illinois right now include SIU Medicine, University of Illinois, and Illinois State University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of research universities, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges across the Chicago metro and Downstate regions means faculty openings appear year-round across a wide range of disciplines.
Which Illinois cities have the most assistant or associate professor jobs?
Springfield, Normal, and Urbana account for the most assistant or associate professor openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the largest share because it is home to multiple major research universities, medical schools, and community college campuses, while Urbana-Champaign's concentration around the flagship University of Illinois campus sustains a consistently high volume of faculty searches, and Evanston's activity reflects Northwestern University's ongoing hiring across graduate and professional programs.
Are there remote assistant or associate professor jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields because most faculty roles require on-campus teaching, lab supervision, and student interaction. About 0% of assistant or associate professor openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which represents a meaningful minority rather than the norm. Online-focused programs and continuing education divisions at Illinois institutions tend to post the most fully remote faculty positions.
How can I get hired as a assistant or associate professor in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a postdoctoral fellowship or visiting instructor appointment, both of which Illinois research universities and liberal arts colleges use regularly to bring in early-career academics. Institutions across the University of Illinois System and Chicago-area private colleges often hire visiting assistant professors or instructors of record for candidates still completing dissertations. Teaching a course as an adjunct at a community college in the Illinois Community College System builds a classroom record and local professional connections that strengthen applications for tenure-track openings.
Where can I find and apply to assistant or associate professor jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to assistant or associate professor jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the state. Search the listings, identify the roles that fit your discipline and experience level, and apply directly to each one. No sign-up is needed to see the positions.
See All 20 Assistant Or Associate Professor Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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