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Assistant Professor Materials Science Jobs in California

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Assistant Professor Materials Science information

See California salary details

$21.5K

$70.5K

$129.3K

How much do assistant professor materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor materials science in California is $70,465.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,023.00 and $94,006.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant professor materials science do?

An Assistant Professor of Materials Science is an early-career academic who teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, conducts research in materials science, and publishes scholarly articles. They typically supervise student research, apply for research grants, and contribute to their department’s service activities. These professors often specialize in areas such as nanomaterials, polymers, ceramics, or metallurgy, helping advance scientific understanding and technological innovation. They also mentor students and collaborate with industry or government on research projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant professor materials science?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor in Materials Science, you need a Ph.D. in materials science or a related field, a strong record of research, and experience in teaching or mentoring students. Familiarity with advanced characterization techniques, computational modeling software, and laboratory management systems is typical, along with publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help foster productive relationships with students, colleagues, and industry partners. These competencies are vital for advancing research, securing funding, providing high-quality education, and contributing to departmental and institutional goals.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant professors materials science during their early years, and how can they effectively manage them?

Assistant Professors in Materials Science often encounter challenges such as balancing teaching responsibilities with establishing a research program and securing external funding. Managing time between classroom instruction, mentoring students, and publishing research can be demanding, especially in the initial years. Building collaborations within and outside the department, seeking mentorship from senior faculty, and applying for early-career grants are effective strategies to overcome these hurdles. Proactive communication and organization can also help in managing administrative and service commitments, allowing for a successful start in academia.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Materials Science vs Research Scientist Materials Science?

AspectAssistant Professor Materials ScienceResearch Scientist Materials Science
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Materials Science or related field; postdoctoral experience often preferredDoctorate in Materials Science or related field; relevant research experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic setting, teaching, research, grant writingResearch laboratory, industry or academic research teams
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic research institutionsResearch labs, industry R&D departments, government agencies

Assistant Professor Materials Science primarily focuses on teaching, publishing, and securing research funding in academia. Research Scientist Materials Science emphasizes conducting research projects, developing new materials, and publishing findings, often within industry or research institutions. While both roles require a PhD and research experience, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor Materials Science jobs in California?

For Assistant Professor Materials Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Professor Materials Science jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Professor Materials Science jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Professor Materials Science jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assistant Professor Materials Science job openings:

Assistant Professor Materials Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Materials Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,465 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Assistant Professor

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Orange, CA • On-site

$105 - $143/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Chapman University is seeking an Assistant Professor in Orange, CA to teach undergraduate and graduate courses and conduct research, with theoretical computer science, mathematical logic, category theory and (homotopy) type theory. Required qualifications include Ph.D. or equivalent in Mathematics, Theoretical Computer Science or a closely related field. Salary range; $105,000 - $143,000. Please send curriculum vitae and references with subject line “Search Committee, Assistant Professor, Fowler School of Engineering,” to Jennifer Hunnewell, Director of Operations, Swenson Hall of Engineering, Room N122, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866.

Salary range: $105,000 - $143,000

Chapman University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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