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$32.7K

$91.4K

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How much do research assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research assistant professor in Virginia is $91,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $107,100.00 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?

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.
More about Research Assistant Professor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Professor jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Research Professor jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Assistant Professor jobs in Virginia? For Research Assistant Professor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Assistant Professor jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Research Assistant Professor jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Research Assistant Professor jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Research Assistant Professor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Research Assistant Professor jobs in VA? For Research Assistant Professor jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Research Assistant Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Assistant Professor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,401 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Research Assistant Professor

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Research Assistant Professor
Job no: 534151
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Veterinary Medicine
Department: Biomedical Science
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific, Veterinary Medicine
Job Description
This position is responsible for providing technical and leadership support for the Viral Genetics and Host Interactions (VG-HI) lab in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. The individual will report directly to Dr. James Weger-Lucarelli. This position involves cutting-edge research studying cancer biology and developing strategies to treat cancer. Duties will include molecular and immunological assays, 2D and 3D cell culture, including primary cells, and procedures with mice. Basic and more complex computational tasks will be required for data analysis and interpretation. Responsibilities also include data analysis, reporting, manuscript and grant preparation, project management and leadership/training tasks, compliance with all safety regulations, and assistance with SOP development. The individual is expected to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams from academia, government, and industry, and serve as PI/Co-PI on projects.
Required Qualifications
• Successful completion of a PhD in molecular biology, cancer biology, immunology, or related fields
• Substantial experience independently organizing and conducting complex procedures and experiments
• Demonstrated experience in leading research projects to completion as evidenced by multiple first-author publications
• Clear communication skills as evidenced by presentation of data at national conferences, seminar presentations, past teaching experience, and/or manuscript publication
• Experience working with microorganisms and biosafety
• Possess molecular and protein biology skills
• Should be enthusiastic and dedicated, have the ability and interest in learning new techniques; must be willing to follow verbal and written instructions; be observant, attentive to detail, organized, efficient, and work well with others
Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated program management and supervisory experience of junior lab staff
• Success in proposal development and managing extramural funded programs
Pay Band
Faculty; Salary
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Salary; commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40+
Review Date
October 1, 2025
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 Dr. James Weger at weger@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: September 15, 2025
Applications close:
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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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