I work in a university. My job is split into three main areas:
I produce research. That is, I am tasked with going to archives, libraries and other repositories of information, to read books, etc., with the aim of producing published work (currently I'm writing a book) of my own which -- hopefully -- extends our knowledge of the past. Part of this is also interacting with the public to disseminate my findings; to apply for research grants to fund this work; to try to measure the 'impact' of my research, and so on.
To teach undergraduate and postgraduate university students. This largely involves giving lectures, leading seminars and hosting tutorials on a range of specialised topics as part of a variety of different modules which make up a degree scheme. I also spend a lot of time assessing students' work, helping them with their projects and independent research.
Admin, admin, admin. University departments have a lot of administrative needs which must be performed by academics. Meetings about where we want our modules and degree schemes to go. How we plan to address government mandated restructuring of the university sector. Devising strategies to help students with a variety of problems which impede their experience of university life and study; emotional, financial, physical, etc. And plenty of other things besides.
Interesting, thank you for the answer and good luck with your book