What job does a lecturer do at a university?

I’m curious about what responsibilities a lecturer has in a college or university setting. Are they similar to professors, and would this be a career path worth considering if I’m interested in teaching at the college level?

A lecturer at a college or university usually has teaching as their primary responsibility, and this typically entails preparing and delivering lectures to students, setting and marking exams and assignments, holding office hours, and providing feedback to students. Lecturers are typically required to have in-depth knowledge of their field of expertise to effectively deliver the content to students and engage in intellectual discussions.

In contrast to professors, lecturers may not have the same level of involvement in original research, publishing in academic journals, securing research funding, or serving on academic committees. However, the difference can vary by the institution, as in some cases, lecturers are also actively involved in research.

As for pursuing a career as a lecturer, it usually requires an advanced degree (often a PhD), regardless of the specific teaching-research balance, so it's important to consider if you're prepared for the time and commitment required for these advanced studies. Additionally, university teaching is often as much about a passion for your field and transmitting knowledge as it is about the act of teaching itself. So if you're interested in a particular subject and want to delve into it in depth, and also have a passion for sharing this knowledge with others, then a career as a lecturer might be worth considering.