A college professor resume is your first opportunity to impress hiring committees and showcase your expertise in both education and your field.

Building a professional resume requires a blend of academic achievements, teaching experience, and research contributions.

Whether you’re applying for a tenure-track position or an adjunct role, this guide will provide you with the essential tips and strategies to create a standout document that highlights your skills and qualifications effectively.

College professor resume examples

Full professor resume sample

Full professor resume template

Professor of History Resume
Use template Download PDF

Resume for full college professors | Plain text

Name: Dr. June R. Mitchell
Location: Cambridge, MA
Phone: (555) 555-1234
Email: june.mitchell@email.com
LinkedIn: /in/june-mitchell

Objective

Accomplished and passionate full professor of History at Harvard University, with over 15 years of experience in teaching, research, and curriculum development. Seeking to continue contributing to the field of Modern European History while mentoring the next generation of scholars.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Modern European History
    Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
    Graduated: 2008

  • M.A. in History
    University of Chicago, IL
    Graduated: 2004

  • B.A. in History
    University of California, Berkeley, CA
    Graduated: 2002

Experience

Full Professor of History

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

2015–Present

  • Design and teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses on Modern European History and War Studies.
  • Mentor and advise over 50 graduate students, helping them publish research in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Published five books and over 30 articles on European history, with a focus on World War II and post-war reconstruction.
  • Led a successful $1.2M research grant on the impact of propaganda during the 20th century.
  • Served as the Chair of the History Department from 2020 to 2023.

Associate Professor of History

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

2010–2015

  • Taught advanced courses in European History and mentored students on academic and career development.
  • Developed a unique course on the cultural impacts of the European Enlightenment.
  • Supervised research and theses for graduate students in the History PhD program.

Publications

  • War and Memory in Post-War Europe (2022)
  • The Role of Propaganda in the 20th Century (2018)
  • History Rewritten: European Historians and the Myth of National Identity (2015)

Skills

  • Research Methodology in History
  • Advanced Archival Research
  • Grant Writing and Fundraising
  • Curriculum Development
  • Academic Leadership
  • Mentoring and Student Advising

Professional Development & Certifications

  • Certified Grant Writer, National Association of University Research Administrators, 2016
  • Advanced Teaching Strategies Certification, Harvard University, 2014
  • Attendee, Annual International Conference on Modern European History, 2012–Present

Strong sides of this college professor resume example:

  • It clearly highlights academic achievements, with detailed descriptions of publications and research funding.
  • The use of specific dates and responsibilities helps convey leadership and progression in the candidate's career.
  • The inclusion of professional development certifications and conferences shows a commitment to continual growth in the field.
How to properly format a resume for a professor?
  • Opt for classic and easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Stick to a font size between 10-12 points for the main text and 14-16 for your name and headings.
  • Standard margins should be 1 inch on all sides. This prevents the content from looking overcrowded.
  • Set your line spacing to 1.0 or 1.15. Double spacing between sections is recommended to separate each block clearly.
  • Keep the length to 1-2 pages. If you have extensive experience, you may go to two pages, but prioritize the most relevant details.
  • Utilize the same style in font, bullet points, and layout throughout your document.

Using a free resume maker can save time and help ensure your application looks well-organized.

Resume Trick offers functional resume templates tailored for different industries, which can help you avoid formatting issues.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume

Adjunct professor resume example

Sample adjunct professor resume

Name: Dr. Jacob L. Peterson
Location: Boston, MA
Phone: (555) 555-9876
Email: jacob.peterson@email.com
LinkedIn: /in/jacob-peterson

Objective

Enthusiastic and flexible Adjunct Professor with a focus on Sociology, currently teaching at Northeastern University. Committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment while utilizing real-world case studies to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Sociology
    University of California, Los Angeles, CA
    Graduated: 2013

  • M.A. in Sociology
    Boston University, MA
    Graduated: 2009

  • B.A. in Political Science
    University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
    Graduated: 2007

Experience

Adjunct Professor of Sociology

Northeastern University, Boston, MA

2017–Present

  • Teach courses on Social Inequality and Contemporary Social Issues, with an emphasis on urban sociology and class struggles.
  • Provide feedback and mentorship to students in both undergraduate and graduate-level courses.
  • Collaborated with the Sociology Department on creating new course content for an online learning platform.

Adjunct Instructor of Sociology

Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA

2015–2017

  • Developed and taught undergraduate courses on Social Movements and Political Sociology.
  • Graded assignments, provided academic advising, and facilitated student group discussions.
  • Led research projects on the sociology of race and class in urban communities.

Publications

  • The Sociology of Class: Urban Landscapes and Social Movements (2024)
  • Political Activism in the Digital Age: The Role of Social Media (2019)

Skills

  • Online Teaching and E-Learning Platforms
  • Data Collection and Qualitative Research
  • Public Speaking and Lecture Delivery
  • Student Engagement and Group Facilitation
  • Course Design and Curriculum Planning

Student Mentoring & Advisory Roles

Undergraduate Research Advisor

Northeastern University, 2018–Present

  • Supervise five undergraduate theses on urban social movements, leading to three successful publications.
  • Guide students through career development, offering insights into graduate school applications and research opportunities.

Peer Mentor

Boston University, 2012–2014

  • Assisted incoming graduate students in navigating their studies, offering academic advice, and helping them connect with professors and researchers in their field.

Here are a few reasons why this example of a professor resume will impress recruiters:

  • It demonstrates versatility in teaching across multiple institutions, reflecting adaptability to different academic environments.
  • Clear emphasis on student engagement and mentoring, which is key for adjunct roles.
  • The experience section shows a strong balance of teaching and research responsibilities, underlining the candidate's well-rounded expertise.
Should I choose a professor resume objective or summary?

Use a resume summary if you have extensive teaching experience, research achievements, or academic leadership. This is the preferred option for candidates with a strong career history.

  • Length: Typically 3-5 lines or about 2-4 sentences.

Professor resume summary sample:

Experienced college professor with over 10 years of teaching and research in Environmental Science. Specializes in sustainability practices and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles. Passionate about engaging students in environmental studies through innovative teaching methods.

Use a resume objective if you are a newer graduate or if you’re transitioning into academia from another field. It is great for outlining your career aspirations in the context of the position.

  • Length: Typically 1-2 lines or 1-2 sentences.

Professor resume objective example:

To secure a position as a college professor in the Department of Psychology where I can contribute my knowledge of behavioral science and passion for student engagement.

How to showcase your professor resume skills?

The skills section highlights your qualifications and shows hiring committees the specific abilities that make you an ideal candidate for the job.

  • Hard skills are teachable, measurable competencies related to the technical aspects of your position.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving traits that influence how you work with students and colleagues.

Professor resume hard skills:

  • Research methodologies
  • Statistical analysis
  • Curriculum development
  • Educational technology
  • Data visualization
  • Grant writing
  • Academic publishing
  • Lab management
  • Educational assessment
  • Subject-specific software (e.g., SPSS, MATLAB)

Soft skills for professor resume:

  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Leadership
  • Time management
  • Collaboration
  • Conflict resolution
  • Empathy
  • Adaptability
  • Mentoring
  • Active listening

Research professor resume template

Research professor resume sample

Research Professor Resume
Use template Download PDF

Resume for research professors | Text version

Name: Dr. Olivia G. Richards
Location: Research Triangle Park, NC
Phone: (555) 555-1122
Email: olivia.richards@email.com
LinkedIn: /in/olivia-richards

Objective

Dynamic and results-driven Research Professor specializing in Biomedical Engineering with over 11 years of experience leading innovative research projects at Duke University. Seeking to advance the field of medical technology by focusing on prosthetics and biomechanical innovations.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering
    Duke University, Durham, NC
    Graduated: 2014

  • M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering
    Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
    Graduated: 2010

  • B.A. in Bioengineering
    University of California, San Diego, CA
    Graduated: 2008

Experience

Research Professor of Biomedical Engineering

Duke University, Durham, NC

2018–Present

  • Lead the Prosthetics and Biomechanics Lab, focusing on advanced prosthetic designs and their impact on mobility.
  • Collaborate with a team of engineers and physicians on a groundbreaking project that successfully created a prosthetic limb with enhanced functionality for military veterans.
  • Secured $4M in federal research grants to further study biomechanics and robotic prosthetics.
  • Published 15 research papers in top-tier journals and presented at numerous academic conferences worldwide.

Assistant Research Professor of Biomedical Engineering

University of California, San Diego, CA

2014–2018

  • Managed a research team focused on the development of next-gen prosthetics and wearable medical devices.
  • Worked closely with faculty to apply biomechanical theory to practical healthcare innovations.
  • Contributed to the design and analysis of bioelectric prosthetics for amputees.

Publications

  • Advancements in Prosthetic Technology: The Future of Biomechanics (2022)
  • Bioelectric Prosthetics: A New Wave of Medical Innovation (2019)
  • Wearable Technology for Enhanced Mobility in Aging Populations (2017)

Skills

  • Biomedical Research and Development
  • Laboratory Management and Supervision
  • Grant Proposal Writing and Fundraising
  • Data Analysis (SPSS, MATLAB)
  • Clinical Trials and Testing
  • Team Leadership and Collaboration

Research Collaborations & Partnerships

Collaborator

National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2020–Present

  • Partner with NIH to conduct joint research on biomechanical prosthetics for stroke rehabilitation.
  • Co-authored two multi-institutional studies that advanced the understanding of robotic limb functionality.

Industry Partner

Biotech Innovations Ltd., 2017–2020

  • Led collaborative research projects with industry partners to develop market-ready prosthetic technologies.
  • Contributed to the design of a commercialized smart prosthetic arm currently in clinical trials.

This sample professor resume is effective for several reasons:

  • The document showcases strong achievements with detailed project descriptions and notable grants, highlighting academic success.
  • It includes a specific section on collaborations, which is crucial for a research-focused role.
  • The inclusion of both academic and industry partnerships emphasizes the candidate's ability to bridge real-world applications.
What education credentials should I add to my professor resume?

For college professors, your academic achievements are often the cornerstone of your professional identity.

What to include in this section:

  • The full name of your degrees (e.g., Ph.D. in Biology, M.A. in Literature).
  • The name of the university or college where you earned your credentials.
  • The year of graduation (you can omit the month if it's not relevant).
  • The title of your thesis or dissertation to highlight your research area.

List your most advanced degree first (e.g., Ph.D. or M.A.), followed by the previous ones.

How to organize the experience section in a college professor resume?
  • Begin with your current or most recent role and work backward. This follows the standard reverse chronological order.
  • Start each bullet point with strong action verbs to convey your accomplishments clearly (e.g., “Developed,” “Taught,” “Mentored,” “Published”).
  • Whenever possible, include numbers to highlight your impact, such as “Taught 100+ students” or “Published 3 peer-reviewed papers.”
  • If applicable, add any published papers, research projects, or books you’ve worked on.

Conclusion

A well-crafted college professor resume can be the key to opening doors to your next academic opportunity.

By highlighting your teaching experience, research achievements, and dedication to student success, you can build a resume that stands out in a competitive field.

Remember to tailor your document for each position and keep it clear, concise, and focused on the most relevant accomplishments.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume