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Research Assistant Professor Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

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Research Assistant Professor information

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$31.6K

$88.1K

$164.9K

How much do research assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 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.

What job categories do people searching Research Assistant Professor jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Assistant Professor jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

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:

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 Professor and Chair-College of Medicine (Knoxville)

The University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine- Knoxville (UT Health Science Center COM- Knoxville) seeks an outstanding and dynamic individual to lead the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as Chair.ย ย 

Academic Rank:ย Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor.ย ย 

The Department Chair will drive the organizational mission of healing, education, and discovery, and oversee the educational, research, and clinical activities of the department.ย  The Department Chair reports directly to the Dean, UT Health Science Center COM- Knoxville, and serves as Service Chief for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for the University Health System's University of Tennessee Medical Center

  • DMD Degree or equivalent.
  • Board certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, credentials for licensure in the State of Tennessee and medical staff appointment to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.ย 
  • Knowledge of current trends in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical Education, and the professional and business practices of the health care system.ย 
  • Proven expertise in management of maxillofacial trauma and head and neck infections.ย 
  • Proven leadership and success in developing leaders.
  • Accomplished and nationally recognized in research, innovation, clinical service, or education/teaching.
  • Involvement, including leadership roles, in national/regional professional organizations.
  • Demonstrated fiscal responsibility and management success.
  • Ability to foster partnerships and work collaboratively within the medical center and larger community.ย 
  • Strong communication, advocacy, strategic thinking, and team building skills.


THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER, COLLEGE OF MEDICINE - KNOXVILLE

The University of Tennessee College of Medicine - Knoxville (UT Health Science Center COM-Knoxville) was initially established in 1956 as the UT Memorial Research Center and Hospital, which also provided the graduate medical and dental educational (GMDE) and research programs in Knoxville. The GMDE programs collectively became the UT Graduate School of Medicine with the formation of the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UT Medical) in 1991, and more recently were renamed the UT Health Science Center COM-Knoxville with the increased emphasis on undergraduate medical education in Knoxville as well as the statewide presence of UT Health Science Center.ย 

The mission of the Knoxville Campus is to advance medical education required to train the next generation of physicians and dentists, deliver comprehensive and compassionate care with our hospital partner, UT Medical, and conduct innovative research that is meaningful for patients and their families. Our college provides training for third- and fourth-year Medical Students, second-year Physician Assistant Students, as well as Graduate Medical Education for 11 primary residency programs and 17 subspecialty fellowships. UT Health Science Center COM-Knoxville consists of 548 faculty (258 paid), 245 residents and fellows and hosts an average of 40-50 medical students per month. UT Health Science Center COM-Knoxville also provides Continuing Medical Education services for faculty, residents and practicing physicians in our region, as well as Advanced Medical Simulation for students, residents, and faculty.

The UT Health Science Center College of Medicine-Knoxville, in partnership with UT Medical, sponsors extensive translational research in both clinical and laboratory settings. The faculty collaborates with various institutions both regionally and nationally including other UT Health Science Center campuses, UTK, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and other health science center institutions.

  • Oversight and monitoring of measures and initiatives regarding patient care, quality, and safety.
  • Ensuring the department meets all UT Health Science Center COM- Knoxville policies and guidelines for financial management, in addition to assuming responsibility for all related finances.
  • Leading the department in developing excellence in scholarly activity, including education and research.
  • Recruiting, mentoring, and developing faculty to promote regional and national departmental recognition.
  • Promoting and modeling wellness among faculty, staff, and trainees.
  • Providing leadership in the implementation of the strategic plan of the medical center, including clinical integration.
  • Fostering collaboration with industry and institutions to advance the research/innovation mission.ย 
  • Conducting faculty and staff performance evaluations.