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Research Assistant Professor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CSULB

Assistant Professor of Biomechanics

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$80.35 - $87.05/hr

Assistant Professor of Biomechanics Effective Date : August 17, 2027 (Fall Semester) Salary Range ... Demonstrated potential for research, scholarly and creative activities in biomechanics * Working ...

Palo Alto University

Assistant Professor

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$135K/yr

Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) Department: Psychology Department Position Description The ... Through classroom instruction, clinical practice, and research, we aspire to prepare students to ...

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All JobsResearch Professor JobsResearch Assistant Professor JobsResearch Assistant Professor Jobs in California

Research Assistant Professor information

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$32.6K

$91K

$170.2K

How much do research assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for research assistant professor in California is $90,984.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,200.00 and $106,600.00 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 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?

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.

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 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.

More about Research Assistant Professor jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Professor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Research Professor jobs in California are:

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Research Assistant Professor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Research Assistant Professor job openings:

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For Research Assistant Professor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Research Assistant Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Assistant Professor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,984 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Research Assistant Professor

University of South Carolina

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Posting Summary
Logo Posting Number RTF00050PO21 USC Market Title Research Assistant Professor Link to USC Market Title Business Title Research Assistant Professor Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division College of Pharmacy Department COP Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Type of Faculty Position Faculty Research Grant (FRGP) Basis 12 months Job Search Category Faculty
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below

The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

South Carolina Retirement Yes State Insurance Programs Yes Annual Leave Yes Sick Leave Yes
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
Under limited supervision of the Principal investigator (PI) the Research Assistant Professor will evaluate research projects for consideration in the Center for Translational Therapeutics Drug Design and Synthesis Core in DDBS department at College of Pharmacy and develop synthetic routes and implement synthesis for compounds requested by the DDSC. 
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

PhD in synthetic organic Chemistry related field with a focus on medicinal chemistry with a minimum of 36 months of relevant postdoctoral research experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials Preferred Qualifications Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
 Expertise in designing and implementing multi-step synthetic routes for the generation of drug candidates and chemical biology probes.
Job Duties
Job Duty
To evaluate research projects for consideration in the Center for Translational Therapeutics Drug Design and Synthesis Core (CTT-DDSC) and to  develop synthetic routes and implement synthesis for compounds requested by the DDSC.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 50 Job Duty
To assist PI with training postdoctoral fellows and students, maintain laboratory equipment, contribute the design of compounds for structure-activity and lead optimization studies by using existing biological data and molecular modeling in the CTT. 
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 25 Job Duty
To contribute the design of compounds for structure-activity and lead optimization studies by using existing biological data and molecular modeling and to propose new research and assist PI with writing grant applications to procure more funding sources. 
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15 Job Duty
To contribute to scholarly dissemination of research findings through publications, in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at domestic and international conferences.
 
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10
Position Attributes
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No
Posting Detail Information
Desired Start Date 02/01/2022 Position End Date Job Open Date 12/10/2021 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/111687 EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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