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$33K

$92.2K

$172.5K

How much do research assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for research assistant professor in the United States is $92,192.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Research Assistant Professor?

A Research Assistant Professor is an academic professional who primarily focuses on conducting research rather than teaching. They usually hold a doctoral degree and work on specific research projects, often funded by grants. Unlike tenure-track professors, Research Assistant Professors are typically on non-tenure-track appointments. Their responsibilities may include designing experiments, publishing scholarly articles, and mentoring graduate students. These positions are often temporary and can serve as a stepping stone to more permanent academic roles.

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

AspectResearch Assistant ProfessorResearch Scientist
Required credentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) often requiredMaster's or Ph.D., depending on field
Work environmentAcademic institutions, research labsIndustry, corporate research labs, academia
Employer and industry usageUniversities, research institutesBiotech, pharma, tech companies
Common search intentAcademic research roles, faculty pathwaysIndustry research roles, R&D positions

Research Assistant Professors typically work in academic settings, focusing on research and publishing, often with a pathway toward tenure. Research Scientists are more industry-focused, working in corporate labs or biotech firms, emphasizing product development and applied research. While both roles require advanced degrees, their work environments and career paths differ significantly.

What are some typical challenges faced by Research Assistant Professors when balancing research and teaching responsibilities?

Research Assistant Professors often encounter challenges in managing their time between research projects and teaching duties. While the primary focus of the role is usually on conducting original research and securing funding, they may also be expected to mentor students, assist with departmental tasks, or occasionally teach courses. Navigating grant deadlines, publishing requirements, and student supervision can make effective time management crucial. Open communication with department leadership and collaborators can help clarify expectations and create a manageable workload.

What Is a Research Assistant Professor?

A research assistant professor works in academia as a non-tenure track faculty member in a specified department. This role is somewhat different from an associate professor or an adjunct professor because it is often the first step for a recent Ph.D. graduate and is typically a temporary position within the college or university. In this career, you may work under a fellowship that allows the university funds to pay you for a specified period, as long as you complete research that is under the guidelines of that fellowship. Your additional responsibilities as a research assistant professor may include teaching, student advisement, participation in faculty meetings and votes, and more. However, not all of these roles require you to be an instructor. Some stick to strictly research duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Assistant Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Assistant Professor, you need advanced expertise in your academic field, a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent), and a strong record of research publications. Familiarity with specialized research software, laboratory equipment, grant-writing processes, and data analysis tools is typically necessary. Strong written and verbal communication, collaboration, and project management skills distinguish high performers in this role. These qualifications are crucial for producing impactful research, securing funding, and contributing to the academic community.
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Research Assistant Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Assistant Professor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Full Time, and 92% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,192 per year, or $44.3 per hour.
Research Assistant Professor

Research Assistant Professor

Virginia Tech

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Virginia Tech rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 532 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Research Assistant Professor Job no: 536192 Work type: Research Faculty Senior management: Greater Washington, D.C Area Department: Institute for Advanced Computing Location: Alexandria, Virginia Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific Job Description Applications are invited for a full-time Research Assistant Professor position within the Institute for Advanced Computing (IAC) located at Virginia Tech's Academic Building One in the Washington DC metro. The Research Assistant Professor will conduct and help lead research in next-generation wireless systems, mobile distributed MIMO, AI-enabled wireless networking, and integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) for 5G/6G and beyond. The position will support federally funded research initiatives, including projects supported by the FutureG Office, U.S.

National Science Foundation (NSF), and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) focused on future wireless systems and network intelligence. The successful candidate will develop innovative algorithms, system architectures, and experimental platforms to advance intelligent wireless networks and spectrum management for mobile distributed MIMO. The Research Assistant Professor will collaborate with faculty members, graduate students, and external partners from academia, industry, and government agencies.

Responsibilities may include developing research proposals, contributing to externally funded research programs, mentoring graduate students, and supporting the coordination of collaborative research projects. The position provides opportunities to lead interdisciplinary research initiatives and publish in leading journals and conferences. The position is based at the Virginia Tech's Academic Building One in the greater Washington, D.C.

area and offers opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and government research organizations. Required Qualifications • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated research expertise in wireless communications, networking systems, machine learning for networking, or related areas. • Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant conferences or journals. • Experience conducting prototype of SDR-based distributed MIMO testbed.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications • Experience in 5G/6G wireless systems, spectrum sharing, or wireless network optimization. • Experience developing research proposals or participating in externally funded research projects.

• Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate students. • Experience collaborating with industry or government research partners. • Experience working on large-scale federally funded research projects.

Overtime Status Exempt: Not eligible for overtime Appointment Type Restricted Salary Information Commensurate with experience Hours per week 40 Review Date 4/24/2026 Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity.

The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes.

A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Stuart Cline at stuart90@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event. Advertised: April 20, 2026 Applications close: Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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