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Professor CV Examples & Guide for...

Professor CV Examples & Guide for 2024

Your professor CV must display your academic credentials prominently. Highlight your highest degree, university attended, and year of graduation. Ensure your published work is comprehensively listed. Include articles, books, and research papers to showcase your scholarly contributions.

All CV examples in this guide.

Crafting a CV that effectively showcases a diverse range of research, teaching experiences, and publications can be daunting for any academic professional. By following our comprehensive guide, you'll receive tailored advice to present your scholarly achievements with clarity and impact, ensuring your CV stands out in competitive academic job markets.

What information should you include in your professor CV? Learn how to create your interview-landing and job-winning profile with our bespoke guide on:

  • Applying best practices from real-world examples to ensure your profile always meets recruiters' expectations;
  • What to include in your work experience section, apart from your past roles and responsibilities?
  • Why are both hard and soft skills important for your application?
  • How do you need to format your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker Software (ATS) assessment?

If you're writing your CV for a niche professor role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:

How to ensure your profile stands out with your professor CV format

It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your professor CV to stand out amongst a pile of candidate profiles, yet you don't want it to be too over the top that it's unreadable. Where is the perfect balance between your CV format simple, while using it to shift the focus to what matters most. That is - your expertise. When creating your professor CV:

  • list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
  • include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
  • organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
  • use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
  • format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins, with colours to accent key information.

Once you've completed your information, export your professor CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS. A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:

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PRO TIP

Incorporate a touch of colour in headers or section breaks, but keep it professional and ensure it doesn’t detract from readability, especially in more conservative industries.

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The top sections on a professor CV

  • Academic qualifications are listed to show educational background and expertise.
  • Research experience is detailed to highlight scholarly contributions and focus areas.
  • Publications and presentations are included to demonstrate scholarly impact and engagement.
  • Teaching experience is outlined to showcase instructional roles and pedagogical skills.
  • Professional affiliations are mentioned to indicate involvement and recognition in academic communities.
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What recruiters value on your CV:
  • Highlight your academic qualifications and research contributions, focusing on your doctoral degree, post-doctoral research, and any significant publications or projects that underline your expertise in the field.
  • Detail your teaching experience, including courses taught, innovative teaching methods employed, and any educational leadership roles such as curriculum development or departmental service.
  • Describe your research agenda, outlining current interests, future directions, grants obtained, and impact within the academic community, as well as any interdisciplinary collaborations or industry partnerships.
  • Include evidence of mentorship and supervision, noting the number of undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students you have advised, and any notable student achievements under your guidance.
  • List professional service and outreach activities, mentioning roles in academic societies, conference organisation, journal editorships, peer-review contributions, and community engagement relevant to academia.

What information should you include in your professor CV header?

The CV header is potentially the section that recruiters would refer to the most, as it should include your:

  • Contact details - your professional (non-work) email address and phone number;
  • Professional photograph - if you're applying hinting at the value you bring as a professional.

Many professionals often struggle with writing their professor CV headline. That's why in the next section of this guide, we've curated examples of how you can optimise this space to pass any form of assessment.

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Examples of good CV headlines for professor:

  1. Associate Professor of Computational Biology | Genomics Expert | PhD | 12 Years' Experience
  2. Senior Lecturer in Environmental Law | Policy Advisor | LL.M | Chartered | 20+ Years' Practice
  3. Assistant Professor of Theoretical Physics | Quantum Mechanics Specialist | Author | 8 Years' Teaching
  4. Professor of Medieval Literature | Fellowship Recipient | PhD | Distinguished Lecturer | 25 Years' Academic Tenure
  5. Reader in Artificial Intelligence | Machine Learning Pioneer | PhD | Data Ethics Advocate | 15 Years' Research
  6. Chair of Marketing | Brand Strategy Guru | PhD | Industry Consultant | 18 Years' Leadership

Catching recruiters' attention with your professor CV summary or objective

Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:

Judging which one you need to add to your professor CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:

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CV summaries for a professor job:

  • Seasoned Professor of Biology with over 18 years of experience in academia, specialising in molecular genetics and contributing to notable publications in peer-reviewed journals. Adept at securing research grants, having won the prestigious Arnold Huddleston Award for innovative research in epigenetics, fostering a stimulating learning environment for students.
  • With a PhD in theoretical physics and a track record spanning 15 years, I have pioneered quantum computation research, resulting in 30+ published articles and the receipt of the International Quantum Technology Award. I possess comprehensive expertise in statistical mechanics and a proven ability to mentor doctoral candidates to successful completion.
  • Accomplished software engineer aiming to transition into academia as a Computer Science Professor after 20 years in the tech industry, possessing deep knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and system architecture. Awarded ‘Tech Innovator of the Year’, bringing a wealth of practical experience and industry connections to enrich academic pursuits.
  • An experienced lawyer with 22 years at the bar, I am transitioning into legal education with an emphasis on intellectual property and commercial law. Having argued high-profile cases before the Supreme Court, my background brings a real-world perspective to academic discourse and legal theory instruction.
  • Recent PhD graduate in Environmental Science eager to contribute to tertiary education, bringing fresh insights from cutting-edge climate change research and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmental scientists. Ready to implement innovative teaching methods and contribute fresh perspectives to the curriculum.
  • As a fresh entrant to the field of academic lecturing in Psychology, I am equipped with a comprehensive understanding of cognitive behavioural therapy from my recent doctorate study, underscored by a passion for mental health advocacy. Intent on fostering academic excellence and contributing to departmental research outputs.

More detailed look into your work history: best advice on writing your professor CV experience section

The CV experience is a space not just to merely list your past roles and responsibilities. It is the CV real estate within which you could detail your greatest accomplishments and skills, while matching the job requirements. Here's what to have in your experience section:

For more help on how to write your CV experience section, check out the next section of our guide:

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Best practices for your CV's work experience section
  • Detail your academic positions by highlighting your teaching responsibilities and the courses you have developed or significantly improved, ensuring to mention any innovative teaching methods implemented.
  • Include your research experience with a focus on grants secured, research projects led, and collaborations with other institutions or departments.
  • Document your publication record comprehensively, separating peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and books, with emphasis on any influential or highly cited works.
  • Exhibit any supervisory experience, such as mentoring graduate students or postdoctoral researchers, including successful completions and notable achievements of your mentees.
  • Outline any administrative roles taken within your department or wider academic community, like committee memberships or leadership positions, specifying your contributions and initiatives.
  • Showcase conference participation, including presentations, panels chaired, and keynote speeches, reflecting your engagement with the academic community.
  • Mention professional memberships and roles within academic societies, suggesting your active role and commitment to your field of expertise.
  • Include educational outreach and public engagement efforts, such as organising public lectures or participating in science communication events, to demonstrate the broader impact of your work.
  • Provide evidence of continuous professional development, whether through acquiring new teaching qualifications or participating in advanced research methodologies courses, endorsing your commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in academia.
Work Experience
Professor of Theoretical Physics
University of Cambridge
09/2015-Ongoing
  • Developed and led a module on quantum mechanics that resulted in a 20% improvement in student understanding as measured by exam performance.
  • Supervised 5 PhD students, with 2 successfully defending their dissertations and securing academic positions at prestigious institutions.
  • Authored and co-authored 15 peer-reviewed journal articles in the field of theoretical physics, enhancing the research profile of the university.
Work Experience
Senior Lecturer in Computer Science
Imperial College London
01/2012-12/2017
  • Spearheaded a collaborative research project with industry partners that attracted £500,000 in funding and resulted in three patents.
  • Streamlined the postgraduate curriculum for the computer science department, contributing to a 30% rise in graduate employability rates.
  • Actively engaged in academic committee roles, influencing university policy and advocating for the integration of cutting-edge AI coursework.
Work Experience
Associate Professor in Bioengineering
University of Oxford
06/2009-08/2014
  • Pioneered interdisciplinary seminars that bridged the gap between engineering and business management, drawing in external sponsorship and industry speakers.
  • Led an international team on a research project that mapped the genetics of disease resistance in crops, potentially impacting future food security.
  • Negotiated a partnership with software companies to provide students with access to cutting-edge design tools, enhancing their practical skills and employability.
Work Experience
Reader in Pharmacology
King’s College London
02/2013-07/2019
  • Revolutionised the approach to teaching pharmacology through the implementation of virtual reality simulations, achieving a higher student engagement rate.
  • Initiated and maintained a research consortium with four European universities, sharing best practices and resources, thereby amplifying research output.
  • Raised student satisfaction scores within the department by 25% through curricular improvements and the introduction of a mentorship scheme.
Work Experience
Professor of Economics and Finance
London School of Economics and Political Science
05/2011-05/2016
  • Orchestrated an annual lecture series that brought together key industry leaders in finance, contributing to a deeper practical understanding for students.
  • Directed a research study on behavioral finance that received notable mention in a major financial publication, disseminating knowledge to a broader audience.
  • Enhanced research funding by 35% through persistent efforts and successful grant applications, facilitating the expansion of the department’s research capabilities.
Work Experience
Chair in Environmental Science
University of Edinburgh
08/2017-Ongoing
  • Championed the adoption of a cross-disciplinary curriculum in environmental sciences, leading to the development of a successful dual-degree program.
  • Formulated and executed a strategic plan to increase departmental research funding by 50%, securing support for several large-scale environmental projects.
  • Cultivated partnerships with non-governmental organisations for field studies, significantly enhancing student exposure to real-world conservation challenges.
Work Experience
Lecturer in Data Science
University of Manchester
03/2010-12/2013
  • Piloted an industrial collaboration project that led to the design of a novel algorithm for large-scale data analysis, improving data processing efficiency by 40%.
  • Organised a prominent international seminar series on machine learning, establishing the university as a leader in the subject area.
  • Mentored a team of postdoctoral researchers whose work has been recognised by significant awards within the field of data science.
Work Experience
Professor of Architecture
University College London (UCL)
04/2014-11/2020
  • Led a successful bid to host a major international conference on architectural theory, elevating the global standing of the architecture department.
  • Initiated a heritage conservation project that served as a living lab for students while preserving significant local architectural history.
  • Engaged in extensive curriculum development to include sustainable design principles, ensuring that graduates are equipped with knowledge relevant to modern industry demands.

Lacking professional expertise: how to write your CV to highlight your best talents

Don't count on your lucky stars when you're applying for a role, where you happen to have less (or almost none) professional experience. Recruiters sometimes do hire inexperienced candidates if they're able to present their unique value from the get-go. So, instead of opting for the traditional, CV experience section:

  • List any applicable expertise you happen to have - no matter if it's a part-time job, internship, or volunteer work. This would hint to recruiters that your profile is relevant;
  • Focus your CV on your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your whole life and work experience. In effect, you'll be spotlighting your value as a candidate;
  • Separate more space for your applicable academic background and certificates to show you have the technical know-how;
  • Ensure that within your objective, you've defined why you'll like the job and how you'll be the perfect match for it. Always ensure you've tailored your CV to individual applications.

Looking for more good examples for your first job? We'll show you how other candidates, with less professional experience, have created their job-winning CVs.

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PRO TIP

If applicable, briefly mention a situation where things didn’t go as planned and what you learned from it, demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt.

Mix and match hard and soft skills across your professor CV

Your skill set play an equally valid role as your experience to your application. That is because recruiters are looking for both:

Are you wondering how you should include both hard and soft skills across your professor CV? Use the:

  • skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies that are part of the job requirement (and that you're capable to use);
  • strengths and achievements section to detail how you've used particular hard and soft skills that led to great results for you at work;
  • summary or objective to spotlight up to three skills that are crucial for the role and how they've helped you optimise your work processes.

One final note - when writing about the skills you have, make sure to match them exactly as they are written in the job ad. Take this precautionary measure to ensure your CV passes the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment.

Top skills for your professor CV:
HARD SKILLS

Deep knowledge in the field of study

Research methodology

Curriculum development

Academic writing

Grant writing

Data analysis

Peer-reviewed publishing

Public speaking and lectures

Educational technology

Supervision and mentoring

SOFT SKILLS

Communication

Critical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Organisation

Time management

Conflict resolution

Adaptability

Multicultural competence

Continuous learning

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PRO TIP

Focus on describing skills in the context of the outcomes they’ve helped you achieve, linking them directly to tangible results or successes in your career.

Listing your university education and certificates on your professor CV

The best proof of your technical capabilities would be your education and certifications sections. Your education should list all of your relevant university degrees, followed up by their start and completion dates. Make sure to also include the name of the university/-ies you graduated from. If you happen to have less professional experience (or you deem it would be impressive and relevant to your application), spotlight in the education section:

  • that you were awarded a "First" degree;
  • industry-specific coursework and projects;
  • extracurricular clubs, societies, and activities.

When selecting your certificates, first ask yourself how applicable they'd be to the role. Ater your initial assessment, write the certificate and institution name. Don't miss out on including the completion date. In the below panel, we've curated relevant examples of industry-leading certificates.

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PRO TIP

Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.

Key takeaways

Write your professional professor CV by studying and understanding what the role expectations are. You should next:

  • Focus on tailoring your content to answer specific requirements by integrating advert keywords through various CV sections;
  • Balance your technical know-how with your personal skills to showcase what the unique value would be of working with you;
  • Ensure your CV grammar and spelling (especially of your key information and contact details) is correct;
  • Write a CV summary, if your experience is relevant, and an objective, if your career ambitions are more impressive;
  • Use active language by including strong, action verbs across your experience, summary/objective, achievements sections.
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Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He applies his deep knowledge and experience to write about a career change, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Professor CVs

What should be included in a professor CV?
A professor CV should include your personal details, education and qualifications, teaching and research experience, publications and academic achievements, professional development and training, and grants and research funding. Additional sections may include employment experience, service to the university or academic community, and skills and languages.
How do you showcase your teaching experience on a professor CV?
To showcase your teaching experience, include details on the courses you've taught, the number of students you've instructed, and any achievements or recognitions you've received for your teaching. Don't just list courses or duties - provide specific examples of how you've impacted your students and the broader academic community.
What are the most important skills for a professor to have?
The most important skills for a professor to have include teaching abilities, research proficiency, leadership qualities, effective communication and interpersonal skills, collaboration and teamwork skills, problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, and creativity and innovation.