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How much do research assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 534 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Department Microbiology and Immunology - 422501 Posting Open Date 04/30/2026 Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes Position Type Permanent Faculty Working Title Research Assistant Professor Appointment Type Fixed Term Faculty Vacancy ID FAC0005906 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Permanent Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Dependent on experience and/or qualifications Proposed Start Date 07/01/2026
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.
Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
Education: We prepare tomorrow`s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.
Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.
Position Summary
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the UNC - Chapel Hill School of Medicine is recruiting a Research Assistant Professor on the fixed-term track. The successful candidate will participate in research and training activities in the Moorman Laboratory. Duties include, but are not limited to, conducting fundamental research investigating molecular mechanisms by which viral ilgands or RNA modifications control the virulence of Togaviridae, especially with regard to viral RNA decay and innate immune activation. The successful candidate will be expected to design and implement molecular biological research, to supervise graduate students and technicians, to analyze and interpret data, to draw conclusions based on the data, to prepare manuscripts, and to prepare grant proposals. The successful candidate will also present their research findings at conferences and meetings. Secondary responsibilities include contributing to routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Ph.D. in microbiology, molecular biology or related discipline and post-doctoral experience conducting genetic, molecular biological, and biochemical experiments with viruses and innate immune mechanisms. Experience conducting viral infection studies with tissue culture cells is essential, as is experience writing manuscripts and grant proposals.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The successful candidate will have at least five years post-doctoral experience conducting research on molecular mechanisms by which viral ligands or RNA modifications control innate immune activation, preferably including picornavirus or togavirus systems. Proficient conducting molecular biological and molecular genetic experiments (molecular cloning, PCR, allelic exchange, gene expression and protein profile analyses). The candidate is able to analyze and interpret data, to design experiments, to draw conclusions from the data, and to prepare manuscripts for publication. The candidate having experience writing grant proposals. The candidate also be capable of supervising graduate students, post-docs, and technicians. Teaching experience is desirable.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/316997
Department Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Peyton Dabbs, HR Consultant Department Contact Telephone or Email peyton_dabbs@med.unc.edu Academic Personnel Office Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.
Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status. 
If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789

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