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Research Assistant Professor Jobs in Springfield, MO

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Research Assistant Professor information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$30K

$83.9K

$156.9K

How much do research assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research assistant professor in Springfield, MO is $83,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $98,200.00 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 are popular job titles related to Research Assistant Professor jobs in Springfield, MO?

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

What job categories do people searching Research Assistant Professor jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Assistant Professor jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Research Assistant Professor jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Research Assistant Professor job openings:

Assistant Professor (Organic Chemistry) - 9 month appointment

Springfield, MO • On-site

Missouri State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Teach undergraduate and graduate-level organic chemistry courses effectively.

  • Conduct research in organic chemistry that results in publications, presentations, and extramural funding.

  • Participate in service activities at the departmental, college, university, and/or professional level.


Missouri State University rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Assistant Professor (Organic Chemistry) - 9 month appointment
Work Location
Springfield Campus
Out-of-State Employment
Out-of-state employment is limited to Arkansas, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., and subject to supervisor approval.
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
HR Home Department
020700 COLLEGE OF NATL & APP SCIENCE
Pay Grade
Unclassified
Sponsorship Information
Applicants must be currently authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States on a full-time basis. This position may not be eligible for work visa sponsorship.
Position only available to current, regular, full-time Missouri State University employees?
No, Position is available to all applicants.
Faculty Appointment Type
Tenure Track
Term (if applicable)
9 month
Begin Date of Appointment
08/09/2027
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt
General Function
The Assistant Professor is a member of the ranked faculty with an intermediate academic rank who has demonstrated achievement in the areas of teaching, research, and professional service appropriate to the discipline. The Assistant Professor's teaching responsibilities are assigned by the academic department head and may include serving as an academic advisor. The Assistant Professor engages in scholarly activities beyond those associated with teaching and is expected to demonstrate professional productivity in research, based upon the availability of resources and consistent with the mission of the University.
Description of Primary Duties
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Mo State is seeking a tenure-track faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor with a specialty in experimental organic chemistry. Areas of specialty that may complement our department include (but are not limited to):
• Organic methodology/reaction development
• Medicinal chemistry
• Pharmaceutical chemistry
• Physical-Organic chemistry
Key responsibilities for the successful candidate will include:
Teaching (40%): Effective undergraduate and graduate-level organic chemistry teaching. Teaching in other interdisciplinary areas and may be possible according to the successful applicant's interests and Departmental needs.
Research (40%): Robust research, incorporating undergraduate and graduate students, resulting in publications, presentations, and extramural funding, is expected.
Service (20%): Service at the Departmental, College, University, and/or Professional level is required.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
The minimum acceptable qualifications for the position of Assistant Professor are prescribed in the Faculty Handbook.
Additional Qualifications
• Ph.D. in organic chemistry or a related field
• Clear potential for excellence in teaching undergraduate and master's-level graduate courses
• Evidence of, or clear potential for, mentoring undergraduate and master's-level graduate
students
• High-caliber research experience in organic chemistry
• Well thought-out, robust plan of independent research activity, feasible for success at MSU, that
incorporates undergraduate and master's-level students to publish peer-reviewed reports,
secure extramural funding, and train the next generation of scientists.
Link to Job Description
http://www.missouristate.edu/human/jobdescriptions/21377.htm
Open Date
09/01/2026
Close Date (If Close Date is blank then the posting is considered open until filled)
Special Instructions to Applicants
Application Deadline:
Applications will be screened beginning October 22, 2026. Priority will be given to applicants who meet the screening start date; however, the position will remain open until filled or the search is terminated.
How to Apply:
Candidates should complete the Mo State online application. For more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit this link: https://www.missouristate.edu/Human/employment-at-missouri-state.htm.
Applicants must submit to the website link below:
(1) A cover letter that concisely introduces the applicant to the faculty search committee. This document should be tailored to Mo State, summarize the candidate's qualifications and interest in the position, and connect application materials (enumerated below) to demonstrate their suitability for the role.
(2) A current curriculum vitae that lists all educational experience, teaching experience, peer-reviewed primary research publications, and research presentations (five pages maximum)
(3) A detailed description of research proposed to be carried out at Mo State, including a detailed plan to incorporate undergraduate and master's-level graduate students in the research process and a brief description of the funding mechanisms that will be pursued (five pages maximum, including figures).
(4) A list of equipment (including approximate cost) and facilities necessary to carry out a successful research program at Mo State (two pages, maximum).
(5) A statement on teaching philosophy (2 pages, maximum).
(6) The names of three individuals who can objectively address the candidate's qualifications, such as Ph.D. and postdoctoral advisors. Letters from these references will be requested for candidates who proceed to the telephone interview stage and will be due directly from the letter writers before an invitation for on-campus interview is extended.
For additional information, please contact the Search Chair, Santimukul Santra, at: ssantra@missouristate.edu
Equal Opportunity Statement
Non-Discrimination Statement
Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, Compliance@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252
Background Check Statement
Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.
Posting Detail
Posting Number
20260055FTF
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/87988

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