what is an associate professor

An associate professor is a mid-level professor who has achieved tenure, which is a permanent position at a university or college. In the North American system, an associate professorship is typically the first promotion obtained after gaining a faculty position, and it is usually connected to tenure. In the Commonwealth system, the title associate professor is traditionally used in place of reader in certain countries, and it ranks above senior lecturer. Associate professors are expected to teach, conduct research, and attend academic conferences. They also take on a service role within their school, by sitting on committees dedicated to curricula development and workplace safety. Compared to assistant professors, associate professors have an increased administrative load and committee membership that is restricted to those who are tenured.