Assistant Professor Jobs in Illinois
Assistant Professor jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, Champaign-Urbana, and Evanston, where institutions like the University of Illinois system, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago maintain large and active faculties across disciplines. Demand is strongest in STEM fields, social sciences, and professional programs such as business, law, and public health, with both research-intensive and teaching-focused positions available at every stage of the academic career. Illinois is one of the most active markets for academic hiring in the Midwest, drawing candidates from national and international pools for tenure-track and visiting roles alike. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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See All 100 Assistant Professor Jobs in Illinois
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Find Assistant Professor JobsAssistant Professor Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Assistant Professor Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Illinois State University19

- University of Illinois18

- Northern Illinois University9

- SIUE6

- SIU Medicine5

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant professor jobs across Illinois.
- Earned doctorate or terminal degree in the relevant discipline required
- Active record of scholarly research, publication, or creative achievement expected
- Evidence of effective undergraduate or graduate teaching experience required
- Ability to develop and sustain an externally funded research program preferred
- Commitment to student mentorship, advising, and departmental service expected
- Experience with curriculum development or interdisciplinary collaboration valued
Assistant Professor Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a assistant professor in Illinois?
Becoming an assistant professor in Illinois requires completing a terminal degree, typically a PhD or MFA, in your discipline. Illinois does not require a state-issued teaching license for university-level faculty. Candidates build their applications through dissertation completion, peer-reviewed publication, and teaching experience, then apply through national academic job markets. Illinois research universities and liberal arts colleges each weigh research output, teaching record, and fit with departmental needs when making offers.
Which companies hire assistant professors in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring assistant professors in Illinois include Illinois State University, University of Illinois, and Northern Illinois University, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's density of research universities, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges across the Chicago metro and downstate creates consistent demand for faculty at multiple institution types throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most assistant professor jobs?
The cities with the most assistant professor openings in Illinois are Chicago, Normal, and Urbana. Chicago dominates because of its concentration of private universities, professional schools, and community colleges, while Champaign-Urbana and Evanston reflect the large footprints of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern University, which are among the state's largest single employers of academic faculty.
Are there remote assistant professor jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're less common than in many other fields. About 0% of assistant professor openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the on-campus expectations of most faculty roles. Online and hybrid programs at institutions like the University of Illinois system and several Chicago-area colleges are the most consistent source of fully remote teaching positions for assistant professors.
How can I get hired as a assistant professor in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a postdoctoral fellowship or visiting assistant professor appointment, which Illinois research universities and liberal arts colleges regularly offer to recent PhDs. Institutions like the University of Illinois system, Loyola University Chicago, and DePaul University post one- and two-year visiting or lecturer roles that provide teaching experience and time to strengthen a research profile. Candidates who complete a postdoc, accumulate peer-reviewed publications, and hold a strong teaching portfolio are well positioned to compete for tenure-track openings in Illinois.
Where can I find and apply to assistant professor jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to assistant professor jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from institutions across the state. Search for roles that match your discipline and experience level, review the position requirements, and apply directly to the ones that fit your background.
See All 100 Assistant Professor Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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