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Academic Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Academic Research Scientist information

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How much do academic research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Academic Research Scientist vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectAcademic Research ScientistLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in a relevant fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, or research institutionsLaboratories within hospitals, industry, or academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, private research firmsHospitals, biotech companies, manufacturing labs

Academic Research Scientists typically hold advanced degrees and lead research projects, focusing on hypothesis development and data analysis. Laboratory Technicians usually have a technical diploma or bachelor's degree, supporting experiments and maintaining lab equipment. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work scope.

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

To thrive as an Academic Research Scientist, you need a strong background in scientific methodology, data analysis, and subject-specific expertise, often demonstrated by a PhD or equivalent advanced degree. Proficiency in statistical software, laboratory equipment, and research management systems is typically expected. Critical thinking, perseverance, and effective communication are vital soft skills for publishing findings and collaborating with peers. These skills are essential for producing rigorous research, advancing scientific knowledge, and securing funding in a competitive academic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by academic research scientists when working on collaborative projects?

Academic research scientists often work on multidisciplinary teams, which can present challenges such as coordinating schedules, aligning research goals, and managing communication across different areas of expertise. Balancing individual research interests with the broader objectives of a collaborative project requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Additionally, navigating differing expectations regarding authorship and credit is a frequent challenge, making transparency and clear agreements essential for successful teamwork.

Do I need a PhD to be an academic research scientist?

While many academic research scientists hold a PhD, it is not always required; some positions may accept a master's degree or equivalent experience, especially in applied or industry-focused roles. However, a PhD is often preferred for research-intensive positions and career advancement in academia or specialized fields.

Are research scientists paid well?

Research scientists' salaries vary depending on their field, experience, and location, but generally they earn competitive wages that reflect their specialized skills and advanced education. In many cases, salaries range from moderate to high, especially for those with advanced degrees and experience in high-demand areas like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or data analysis. However, salaries can be lower in academic or government research roles compared to industry positions.

What is an academic research scientist?

Academic Research Scientists are professionals who conduct scientific studies and experiments in university or research institution settings. Their work often includes designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, publishing results in scientific journals, and collaborating with other researchers. They may also mentor students, apply for research grants, and present findings at conferences. The goal of an Academic Research Scientist is to advance knowledge in their field and contribute to scientific understanding.
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What cities are hiring for Academic Research Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Academic Research Scientist job openings:

What states have the most Academic Research Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Academic Research Scientist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Academic Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Academic Research Scientist/Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

UC Davis Health System

Fair Oaks, CA • On-site

$80K - $220K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


UC Davis Health rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

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Job description

Academic Research Scientist/Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

Position Overview:

The salary range for this position is $80,800-$220,900. This position includes membership in the https://aadocs.ucdavis.edu/policies/apm/apm-670.pdf, which provides for eligibility for additional compensation. The salary range listed is for base compensation only and may be adjusted depending on qualifications and experience. The salary range does not include variable compensation and is subject to the individual department compensation plan.

ACADEMIC RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE/FULL PROFESSOR

University of California, Davis, Health System

Sacramento, California

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California (UC) Davis, School of Medicine is seeking 1-2 full-time dynamic academic research investigators at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor level in the Adjunct, In Residence, Regular, or Regular/In-Residence series. The candidate should develop or have an established independent hypothesis-based research program pertinent to neurodegenerative conditions, neurodevelopment, diagnostic and therapeutic disease biomarkers, cancer, nutrition or immunology.

Successful candidates will have a strong interest and/or experience in one or more of the specialties identified above. They will be expected to develop and sustain nationally recognized, independent research programs supported by extramural funding with salary support such as NIH and other federal or foundation sources. The candidate is required to work cooperatively and collegially within a diverse environment, and demonstrate the ability to build and maintain productive professional relationships with medical and technical staff, trainees, and others. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build on the many strengths in the department, UC Davis Health and UC Davis campus including, but not limited to, strong collaborative relationships with the Alzheimer Disease Center, MIND Institute, the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Center for Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, the California National Primate Center and more. These resources provide a rich environment for translational discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and high-impact biomedical research.

The successful candidate will develop and write advanced experimental protocols in their specialty and will demonstrate the ability to prepare, organize and communicate research results through publications and presentations. Service activities may include participating in appropriate professional societies and educational organizations, including taking on leadership roles in such organizations.

Teaching duties may include didactic lectures, seminars and laboratory teaching to undergraduate or graduate students, and/or small group teaching of residents, fellows, medical students, graduate students, and students in other health professional programs.

All faculty must demonstrate the ability to foster collegiality and work collaboratively in a diverse environment and adhere to university policies and procedures.

For the full position description and to apply, visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06909.

UC Davis conducts more than 11 million clinical tests annually in state-of-the-art clinical laboratories. Annual anatomic pathology volumes equate to: 24,000+ surgical pathology, 9,108+ gynecologic cytology, 3,777+ non-gyn cytology and 2,642 fine needle aspiration biopsies. The laboratory includes a total laboratory automation system for clinical chemistry and hematology, one of the newest and most comprehensive throughout inland northern California. Clinical services are organized into subspecialty teams to provide focused expertise for clinical teams and to enhance collaborative relationships with our clinical colleagues.

The program has many award-winning faculty educators and hosts 16 residents in combined anatomic and clinical pathology training. Fellowships include cytology, hematopathology, informatics, transfusion medicine and two subspecialty surgical pathology fellowships (gynecologic/breast and gastrointestinal/liver).

The UC Davis Department of Pathology is ranked among the top 40 academic pathology departments for NIH funding departments nationally, and our faculty are integrated as leaders and/or collaborators in every research theme within the UC Davis Health System, with special strengths in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, novel tissue imaging and informatics/artificial intelligence. The department founded the new Center for Diagnostic Innovation (CDxI) which provides resources and expertise to support clinical trials and new test development, and serves as an epicenter for improving test delivery, decision-making, quality programs, and utilization. Core research services available in CDxI and elsewhere in the department include histology and tissue microarray, biorepositories, genomics, and proteomics.

The UC Davis School of Medicine is part of the UC Davis Health System, which is also comprised of the UC Davis Medical Center, the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, and the UC Davis Medical Group, an 800-member physician practice network. UCDHS has more than 10,000 faculty and staff and an annual budget of $1.6 billion; UC Davis is an established leader in the use of telecommunications and information technology to advance health. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked the SOM among the top 50 medical schools in the nation.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/9729913

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