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$92.2K

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How much do research assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for research assistant professor in the United States is $92,192.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $108,000.00 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, and why are they important?

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.
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Research Assistant Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Assistant Professor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Full Time, and 92% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,192 per year, or $44.3 per hour.
Research Assistant Professor

Research Assistant Professor

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

Full-time, Contractor

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Research Assistant Professor
Department
Rural Drug Addiction Research Center-10950
Requisition Number
F_260002
Posting Open Date
01/30/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
03/04/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
The Rural Drug Addiction Research (RDAR) Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) seeks to hire a Research Assistant Professor. This scholar will work closely with Center leadership, including the co-directors of the research core (Longitudinal Network Core [LNC]). The individual in this position will be responsible for hypothesis driven analysis of RDAR Center data with outcomes from these being presented and published in key outlets. This individual will also have the opportunity to develop distinct areas of scholarship in substance use research and compete for extramural funding.
The RDAR Center, funded by NIH, brings together basic and health scientists across disciplines that span synapse to society. In doing so, we address the causes and consequences of substance use and misuse along with the assessment, prevention, and treatment of this critical public health challenge. The individual in the position will also have the opportunity to develop collaborations with other members of the Center and the broader university community.
This is a full-time, 12-month position with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon performance and funding. Anticipated start date is April 1, 2026, but is flexible depending on availability. Learn more about the Rural Drug Addiction Research Center at https://rdar.unl.edu/.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. or equivalent.
  • Knowledge of statistical techniques and related cutting-edge methods.
  • Experience with data management and analytical tools.
  • Experience with survey design.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in teams.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Ph.D. or equivalent with post-doctoral research experience in social sciences or related field.
  • Experience working with large longitudinal datasets related to substance use or adjacent areas.
  • Knowledge of research compliance needs.
  • Experience with NIH grant development and submissions.

Work Location (City, State)
Lincoln, NE
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Criminal History Background Check Required
Yes
Posted Salary
How to Apply
Click "Apply for this Job" and complete the faculty information form. Upload the following required documents:
  1. Cover letter outlining your research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
  2. Curriculum vitae.
  3. PDFs of 1-2 manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals. Combine into a single document and attach as "Other Document."
  4. Contact information for three professional references.

Questions may be directed to Dr. Patrick Habecker via e-mail at phabecker2@unl.edu.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Rick Bevins
rbevins1@unl.edu
Job Category
Job Category (old)
Faculty Non-Tenure Leading
Job Type
12 Month (Faculty Only)
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date
Appointment End Date
Organizational Location
Default Location

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