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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 Sep 6, 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 in Climate Science

Stanford Energy

Stanford, CA

$143K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Stanford University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Professor in Climate Science

Apply now Work type: University Tenure Line
Location: Stanford University
Categories: Doerr School of Sustainability

Stanford University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the field of Climate Science. The home department may be any of the seven departments in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, with the final choice dependent on the preferences of the candidate and the department. The scope of the search is broad, and we welcome applications from scholars studying all aspects of climate science, including climate processes, climate-change impacts, and sustainability engineering. Relevant approaches may be modeling and theoretical studies, laboratory and field work, and synthesis of modern, historical, and satellite data. We invite applications from candidates who have completed or will soon complete their PhD in related fields. Application materials need to be submitted online at this link. The deadline to submit your application is November 1, 2026. Later applications may be considered at the discretion of the search committee.

Applications must include:

1. Cover letter

2. Curriculum vitae

3. Contact information for three reference letter writers

4. Research statement (maximum 2 pages)

5. Teaching statement (maximum 1 page)

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and Stanford University value faculty who will help foster an open and respectful academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds, and perspectives. Candidates may choose to include as part of their research and teaching statements a brief discussion about how their work and experience will further these values.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research, teaching and clinical missions.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu.

The expected base pay range for this position is: Assistant Professor: $143,500 -$180,000. Stanford University has provided a base pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

For general questions regarding this position, please contact Haley Mees at hmees@stanford.edu.

Advertised: 03 Aug 2026 1:35 PM Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 01 Nov 2026 11:55 PM Pacific Standard Time

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