Modern science is multifaceted, and the scientists employed in it carry a variety of titles. They depend on research merit and on the country of residence. In Russia and many countries of the former Soviet Union, the scientific title "Associate Professor" has been preserved. This is an analogue of the American assistant professor or lecturer.
History and modernity in the name of scientists
The term “associate professor” is a form of the Latin word; in translation it means “to teach” or “to teach,” which, of course, applies to modern higher education workers. In Russian universities, this post appeared in the middle of the XIX century as a step between the master and professor.
Until the 30s of the last century, this position and title remained unchanged. After educational reforms, this name was abolished, and researchers appeared. However, over time, the need arose to functionally distinguish between employees of institutes engaged exclusively in science and those who combined research with student learning.
In a modern Russian university, an associate professor is an employee engaged in scientific and pedagogical activity, who necessarily has certain achievements in his field of knowledge. Most often a candidate or even a doctor of science. In addition, there are certain requirements for teaching and social responsibilities.
Professor and Associate Professor: Similarities and Differences
Both the professor and associate professor are employees of universities and other universities involved in research, scientific, teaching and administrative activities. However, the employees in these positions have significant differences.
Professors are scientists who are mainly engaged in research, with considerable practical experience and a huge store of knowledge. Most often they are doctors of any sciences, or candidates, but with published monographs. These are figures recognized in their field of research who have earned a certain trust in the scientific community.
Professors have very little pedagogical activity, usually only in the area of their scientific interests. Their main work is aimed at training graduate students and research on their topic. Professors usually hold leading administrative positions in universities.
Regardless of whether an associate professor is a post or an academic degree, his position in the conditional hierarchy of the university is somewhat lower. Most often, this is a candidate of certain sciences, having practical experience and teaching the disciplines of his specialty.
Graduate students who successfully defended their thesis are awarded the title of Candidate of Sciences. If there is at least three years of teaching experience and substantial baggage of scientific publications, they can immediately apply for the position of assistant professor.
How to become an assistant professor after changes in the legislation of the Russian Federation in 2013
Modern Russian science is increasingly moving away from Soviet roots. The nomenclature of scientific specialties is changing. The procedure for awarding the title of "Associate Professor" has also changed. It used to be enough to work out a certain period of time at the department. Now you need to make a little more effort.
In 2013, new rules were adopted for conferring academic ranks and degrees. From now on, the post "assistant professor in the department."Only a scientific specialty remains, and the Ministry of Education and Science directly considers the candidacy, with the involvement of experts from various fields.
Now, in order to receive the scientific title of Associate Professor, it is necessary:
- to be a candidate of science;
- have at least three years of teaching experience in a scientific specialty;
- have scientific publications in refereed journals, monographs, textbooks and teaching aids, published lecture courses;
- engage not only in pedagogical, but also in scientific activity, manage graduate qualification works, work on a dissertation;
- give lectures and conduct practical exercises at a high professional level.
Nevertheless, the question of whether an associate professor is a position or an academic degree remains open. Universities have retained the nomenclature of workers with the corresponding record. Now this position is assigned not by the department, but by the educational institution as a whole. Most often, employees who already have an associate professor degree and a defended candidate dissertation are elected to this position.
Qualification requirements for an assistant professor
Most graduate students want to defend their dissertation and subsequently receive the title and position of assistant professor. A scientific achievement is considered inalienable, and even if the candidate of science ceases to engage in science, the awarded title remains forever.
Another thing is the position of "assistant professor". This is the work most often associated with the teaching of certain disciplines, seminars and workshops, and the guidance of term papers and dissertations. The employment contract must clearly state the duties and rights of the assistant professor.
Qualification Requirements:
- PhD thesis;
- active participation in the scientific life of the university;
- lecturing and conducting seminars at a high level.
Associate Professor Career
Most modern scientists are clearly career oriented. This is facilitated by the grant system of remuneration and great opportunities for especially talented representatives of science.
For a young scientist, three career paths are provided:
- Grow in your scientific field, write and defend your doctoral dissertation, become a professor. Subsequently open a personal scientific school.
- Develop professionally as a teacher.
- Engage in administrative activities, with the prospect of managing a department, faculty, university.
Any option has its advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the prospect of further movement, you should focus only on personality traits.
Foreign analogues of the rank of associate professor
This division into candidates and doctors of sciences, as well as associate professors and professors, is practiced only in Russia and the countries of the former socialist camp.
In most European countries and in the USA there is no such intermediate step. Young scientists defend scientific work and immediately receive the title of Doctor of Science. After that, they can apply for the position of professor. The equivalent of an assistant professor is the American "assistant professor" or the European "lecturer".