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How much do research assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 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
Research Assistant Professor

Research Assistant Professor

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Department of Chemistry at the University of Chicago invites applications for a Research Assistant Professor appointment.
The Research Assistant Professor will conduct research in collaboration with a faculty member, their research group, and interdisciplinary partners on projects involving sleep-dependent memory consolidation, glial biology, lysosomal signaling, and advanced imaging techniques. The position will include work on C. elegans and zebrafish models, integrating AI-driven behavioral analysis, optogenetics, and spectroscopic imaging to study brain plasticity.
The successful candidate is expected to develop and secure funding for an independent research program aligned with these themes and contribute to collaborative projects within the department. The term of the appointment will be for up to three years with the possibility of renewal.
The position is expected to begin on or around Spring Quarter 2026. This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits guidebook.
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications:
1. A doctoral degree in Neuroscience
2. A minimum of five years of experimental experience, beyond Ph.D. training.
3. Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings clearly to audiences through oral presentations and written work.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Expertise in interdisciplinary research, such as:
Neuroscience and brain plasticity.
Computational approaches and AI/ML for behavioral analysis.
C. elegans genetics, and its use as a model organism for neurodegeneration
Advanced imaging techniques (organellar or single-synapse resolution).
Strong experimental expertise in worm models of sleep, learning and memory
Application Instructions
The following materials are required:
  1. Cover letter;
  2. CV;
  3. Statement of research interests and future plans;
  4. Three confidential letters of recommendation.

Applications must be submitted at this link: https://apply.interfolio.com/180073
Review of applications will begin March 5, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

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