assistant professor; associate professor
A formal academic title used in Japanese educational institutions, roughly equivalent to assistant or associate professor. The exact rank depends on the institution's system.
He was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor this year.
I teach at a university as an assistant professor.
助教 is a more recent title for assistant professor, distinct from 助教諭 which may be used in some older systems or specific institutions.
Compound of 助 (assistant) + 教諭 (instructor/teacher). The term is used in the Japanese educational system for a rank below full professor.