Academic institutions rely on a diverse community of professionals whose work advances research, enriches teaching, and supports the broader mission of higher education. This page introduces you to a wide range of career paths available across the academic landscape, whether you aspire to become research or teaching faculty, contribute as a research technician or core facility specialist, or play a vital role in administrative and professional support services.
Discover the roles that align best with your skills, interests, and goals – and learn how you can build a rewarding career in the dynamic world of academia!
Explore Academic Roles
Research and teaching faculty are academic professionals who advance an institution’s core mission of knowledge creation, education, and service. Serving in roles such as Assistant, Associate Professor, Professor, Lecturer, or Teaching Professor, they contribute to the growth of their disciplines through scholarly inquiry, publication, and creative activity while also designing and delivering high-quality instruction.
Click below to explore detailed descriptions of Research and Teaching Faculty roles, along with common job requirements and helpful resources to support your job search.
Administration and support professionals advance an institution’s research or educational mission by facilitating, managing, and strengthening the infrastructure that enables scholarly activity. Serving in positions such as Research Administrators, Program Coordinators, Business Managers, Grant and Contract Specialists, or Compliance Officers, these professionals provide critical support in sustaining institutional research growth, mitigating risk, and enhancing the overall research impact.
Click below to explore detailed descriptions of the Grant Specialist, Research Strategy Officer, and Research and Education Program Manager roles, along with common job requirements and helpful resources to support your job search.
Research staff are professionals that directly support the design, execute, and day-to-day operations of research in laboratories and core facilities. Serving in positions such as Lab Technicians, Research Assistants/Associates, Staff Scientists, or Lab Managers, these professionals conduct experiments, manage equipment and supplies, maintain accurate data records and ensure adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
Click below to explore detailed descriptions of a Staff Scientist, Research Technician, and Scientific Associate, along with common job requirements and helpful resources to support your job search.