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$31.6K

$88.1K

$164.9K

How much do research assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for research assistant professor in Oak Ridge, TN is $88,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,200.00 and $103,300.00 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.

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What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Research Assistant Professor jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Research Assistant Professor job openings:

Research Assistant Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Assistant Professor job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,139 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Assistant Editor-Research Assistant Professor, History, Spring 2027

The University of Tennessee Knoxville

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

University Of Tennessee, Knoxville rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Papers of Andrew Jackson at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville seeks a Research Assistant Professor of History to serve as Assistant Editor. The PAJ is producing a comprehensive edition of Jackson's papers in seventeen bound volumes and two digital iterations, as well as a growing public-facing digital archive. Volume XIII: 1835 is now in preparation and early work on Volume XIV: 1836 has begun.
The Assistant Editor position is fully grant funded for four years, running from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2030. The new Assistant Editor will engage in all aspects of the project's work, including independent and collaborative historical research; accessioning, selecting, calendaring, transcribing, and annotating documents for publication in the volumes; copyediting, proofreading, and indexing the print volumes; managing and expanding the project's online offerings; and working with other staff members to conduct archival research and respond to research queries. Qualifications include a PhD in US history, with a preferred research specialty in the early national through Civil War eras, and advanced historical research and writing skills.
A long-running and highly regarded project, the Jackson Papers seeks to make widely available the full written record of the seventh U.S. president. Current project staff hold faculty appointments in the UT Department of History and are fully engaged in the intellectual life of the campus and community. Our project office and University library offer rich materials for research, including government records, microfilmed manuscript collections, and major electronic databases.
Salary is competitive and includes University benefits.
Qualifications
Required: A Doctoral degree in US History. Historical research (including archival research) and writing experience commensurate with doctoral-level study of US History. Strong general knowledge of nineteenth-century U.S. history. Ability to read nineteenth-century U.S. manuscripts. Advanced historical research skills, including extensive experience in archival research. Basic word processing skills.
Preferred: Detailed knowledge of 1830s-era US political history. Basic image editing and web design skills.
Application Instructions
For full consideration, applications must be submitted by September 1, 2026. Candidates should submit a letter of application, CV, article-length writing sample, and contact information for three references. Inquiries may be direct to Dr. Michael E. Woods, project director, at mwoods47@utk.edu.

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