


So in modern Russia there exist the docent and professor ranks, whereas the set of positions in academia is broader. However in some countries the terms "position" and "academic rank" are not synonyms. Therefore the term "academic rank" usually means the same as "position in academia". In most cases, the academic rank is automatically attached to a person at the time of employment in a position with the same name, and deprived when a working relation is expired. Among the common ranks are professor, associate professor (docent), assistant professor and instructor. The academic ranks are specific for each country, there is no worldwide-unified ranking system. The academic ranks indicate relative importance and power of individuals in academia. Academic rank (also scientific rank) is the rank of a scientist or teacher in a college, high school, university or research establishment.
