1

Academic Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Academic Research information

See salary details

$29K

$59.9K

$94K

How much do academic research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic research in the United States is $59,852.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is academic research?

Academic research is a systematic investigation conducted by scholars, students, or professionals to contribute new knowledge or insights within a specific field of study. It involves formulating research questions, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Academic research can take many forms, including experiments, surveys, literature reviews, or theoretical studies, and is typically published in journals or presented at conferences. The goal is to advance understanding, inform policy, or solve complex problems.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in academic research, and how can they be managed?

Academic researchers often navigate challenges such as securing funding, publishing their findings, and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and balancing teaching or administrative duties can add complexity to the role. Successful researchers develop strong time management skills, proactively seek feedback, and stay updated on funding opportunities. Building a supportive network within the academic community and being adaptable to evolving research priorities are also essential for long-term success.

What do you need to be an academic researcher?

To become an academic researcher, you typically need at least a master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant field, strong analytical and research skills, and experience with research methodologies and data analysis tools. Academic researchers often work in universities or research institutions and may require publication records or grants to support their work.

How do you get into academic research?

To pursue a career in academic research, individuals typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with many roles requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Gaining research experience through internships, assisting faculty, or working on projects helps build skills in data analysis, methodology, and academic writing. Developing expertise in specific tools or software and publishing findings in journals can also enhance prospects in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an academic researcher?

To thrive as an Academic Researcher, you need strong analytical thinking, subject-matter expertise, and a relevant advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. Proficiency with research methodologies, statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R), and academic publishing tools is typically required. Attention to detail, perseverance, and effective written and verbal communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills enable rigorous research, credible results, and successful dissemination of findings within the academic community.

What is the difference between Academic Research vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectAcademic ResearchLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD often preferredAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutes, labsHospitals, industrial labs, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, government researchHealthcare, biotech, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Academic Research involves conducting in-depth studies primarily in educational or government settings, often focusing on advancing knowledge. Laboratory Technicians support these efforts by performing routine lab tasks, experiments, and maintaining equipment. While both roles require scientific knowledge, Academic Researchers typically have advanced degrees and focus on hypothesis-driven research, whereas Laboratory Technicians usually hold technical degrees and assist with day-to-day lab operations.

What does an academic research do?

An academic researcher conducts studies to generate new knowledge or validate existing theories within a specific field. They design experiments, analyze data, review literature, and publish findings, often working in universities or research institutions and using tools like statistical software. Their work supports advancements in education, science, and policy development.
More about Academic Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Academic Research jobs? Cities with the most Academic Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Research jobs? The most popular types of Academic Research jobs are:
What states have the most Academic Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Academic Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Academic Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,852 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Chief Academic & Research Officer

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Chantilly, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

The Provost and Executive Vice President provides comprehensive oversight of the universityโ€™s academic, research, and public engagement enterprises and plays a critical role in advancing the institutionโ€™s mission, vision, and commitments. Success in the role requires close collaboration with the President, Board of Visitors, deans, faculty, staff, students, and external constituencies across the university and beyond. The position demands a leader who advances academic and faculty excellence, strengthens pathways for student access, degree completion, and achievement, and champions student and faculty success at scale. It also involves guiding the continued expansion of the universityโ€™s research enterprise, fostering innovation and crossโ€‘disciplinary collaboration, and navigating volatility in funding environments. Financial stewardship, inclusive institutional culture, and constructive conflict management are central to the role, as is leading the identification and implementation of best practices aligned with institutional commitments.

Responsibilities
  • Leadership and Governance: Serve as a key member of the leadership team, working closely with the President and engaging multiple constituencies to enable the universityโ€™s mission, vision, and commitments.
  • Academic and Faculty Excellence: Foster leadingโ€‘edge academic excellence, supporting student access, degree completion, and student and faculty success in ways that serve as national models.
  • Research and Innovation: Lead the enhancement and expansion of the university's research enterprise, fostering a culture of innovation and crossโ€‘disciplinary collaboration, and navigating volatility in funding landscapes.
  • Financial Stewardship: Manage financial resources and address revenue pressures to ensure the university's fiscal health.
  • Inclusive and Collaborative Culture: Foster a culture of cooperation, shared governance, and continuous improvement across the university, supporting inclusive excellence as a core value.
  • Constructive Conflict Management: Work closely with the Board of Visitors, deans, and external constituencies to find integrative solutions to emerging challenges.
  • Student and Faculty Success: Champion the enhancement of academic offerings and forge robust pathways for student achievement and faculty success.
  • Fundraising: Play a support role alongside the President, deans, and senior leadership in supporting University Advancement in the acquisition and cultivation of principal and major gift donors.
  • Academic Advocacy: Navigate the complexities of federal and state government interactions and support innovative approaches to global education, aligning university initiatives with a rapidly changing policy environment.
  • Best Practices and Valuesโ€‘Based Leadership: Lead the identification and implementation of best practices at scale, demonstrating valuesโ€‘based leadership aligned with institutional commitments.
Required Qualifications
  • An academic background and credentials, including an earned Ph.D. or highest degree in the chosen field.
  • A successful record of academic leadership based on a combination of scholarly accomplishment and executive experience, or substantial leadership accomplishments with an understanding of and demonstrated commitment to higher education.
  • Fiscal acumen, including experience with successful budget model design, implementation, and strategic prioritization.
  • A demonstrated commitment to shared governance and the ability to build strong positive relationships with multiple constituencies.
  • A track record of enhancing excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, scholarship, and creative activity.
  • A demonstrated ability to attract and retain strong faculty, students, and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
  • Leadership experience in working with global education efforts and/or international campuses.
  • A highly communicative and transparent leadership style that fosters an environment of trust, engagement, and high morale among faculty, students, staff, and the external university community.
Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

#J-18808-Ljbffr