AI Professor / Academic Researcher
AI Professors lead research groups at universities, publish groundbreaking papers, train the next generation of AI researchers, and often consult for industry. They shape the direction of AI research.
What is a AI Professor / Academic Researcher?
AI Professors lead research groups at universities, publish groundbreaking papers, train the next generation of AI researchers, and often consult for industry. They shape the direction of AI research.
Education Required
PhD in Computer Science, ML, or related field
Certifications
- • Strong publication record
- • Teaching experience
Job Outlook
Competitive but growing. AI faculty positions are expanding at universities worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
Lead research projects, publish papers, teach courses, mentor students, secure funding, and collaborate with industry.
A Day in the Life
Required Skills
Here are the key skills you'll need to succeed as a AI Professor / Academic Researcher.
Deep Learning
Neural networks and deep learning architectures
Paper Writing
Academic paper writing
Teaching
Teaching and instruction skills
Grant Writing
Research grant proposals
AI Research
Conducting AI research
Mentoring
Mentoring students and junior researchers
Salary Range
Average Annual Salary
$210K
Range: $120K - $300K
Salary by Experience Level
Projected Growth
+25% over the next 10 years
ATS Resume Keywords
Optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) with these AI Professor / Academic Researcher-specific keywords.
Must-Have Keywords
EssentialInclude these keywords in your resume - they are expected for AI Professor / Academic Researcher roles.
Strong Keywords
Bonus PointsThese keywords will strengthen your application and help you stand out.
Keywords to Avoid
OverusedThese are overused or vague terms. Replace them with specific achievements and metrics.
💡 Pro Tips for ATS Optimization
- • Use exact keyword matches from job descriptions
- • Include keywords in context, not just lists
- • Quantify achievements (e.g., "Improved X by 30%")
- • Use both acronyms and full terms (e.g., "ML" and "Machine Learning")
How to Become a AI Professor / Academic Researcher
Follow this step-by-step roadmap to launch your career as a AI Professor / Academic Researcher.
Complete PhD
Get doctorate in ML, AI, or related field with strong publications.
Build Research Portfolio
Publish at top venues, build reputation, and develop research agenda.
Gain Teaching Experience
TA, develop courses, and build teaching skills.
Do Postdoc (often)
Postdoctoral research to strengthen profile for competitive positions.
Network in Academia
Build relationships with senior researchers and departments.
Apply for Positions
Prepare strong applications with research and teaching statements.
🎉 You're Ready!
With dedication and consistent effort, you'll be prepared to land your first AI Professor / Academic Researcher role.
Portfolio Project Ideas
Build these projects to demonstrate your AI Professor / Academic Researcher skills and stand out to employers.
Publish papers at top ML/AI conferences
Develop and teach ML course with positive evaluations
Secure research grants for AI research
Graduate successful PhD students
Build active research lab with publications
🚀 Portfolio Best Practices
- ✓Host your projects on GitHub with clear README documentation
- ✓Include a live demo or video walkthrough when possible
- ✓Explain the problem you solved and your technical decisions
- ✓Show metrics and results (e.g., "95% accuracy", "50% faster")
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes! Avoid these common pitfalls when pursuing a AI Professor / Academic Researcher career.
Focusing only on research without teaching development
Not building collaborative relationships
Publishing quantity over quality
Ignoring student mentorship responsibilities
Not engaging with industry or broader impact
What to Do Instead
- • Focus on measurable outcomes and quantified results
- • Continuously learn and update your skills
- • Build real projects, not just tutorials
- • Network with professionals in the field
- • Seek feedback and iterate on your work
Career Path & Progression
Typical career progression for a AI Professor / Academic Researcher
Junior AI Professor / Academic Researcher
0-2 yearsLearn fundamentals, work under supervision, build foundational skills
AI Professor / Academic Researcher
3-5 yearsWork independently, handle complex projects, mentor junior team members
Senior AI Professor / Academic Researcher
5-10 yearsLead major initiatives, strategic planning, mentor and develop others
Lead/Principal AI Professor / Academic Researcher
10+ yearsSet direction for teams, influence company strategy, industry thought leader
Ready to start your journey?
Take our free assessment to see if this career is right for you
Learning Resources for AI Professor / Academic Researcher
Curated resources to help you build skills and launch your AI Professor / Academic Researcher career.
Free Learning Resources
- •Academic career resources
- •Teaching development
- •Grant writing guides
Courses & Certifications
- •Teaching certifications
- •Academic career workshops
Tools & Software
- •LaTeX
- •Academic tools
- •Learning management systems
Communities & Events
- •Academic conferences
- •Research communities
- •Teaching networks
Job Search Platforms
- •Academic job boards
- •University HR systems
- •Conference announcements
💡 Learning Strategy
Start with free resources to build fundamentals, then invest in paid courses for structured learning. Join communities early to network and get mentorship. Consistent daily practice beats intensive cramming.
Work Environment
Work Style
Personality Traits
Core Values
Is This Career Right for You?
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