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Research Associate Professor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Research Associate Professor information

What is a research associate professor?

Research Associate Professors are senior-level academic professionals who primarily focus on conducting research within a university or research institution. Unlike traditional professors who may balance both teaching and research, Research Associate Professors often have limited teaching responsibilities and instead lead or contribute to research projects, secure research funding, and publish scholarly articles. They typically hold a doctoral degree and have substantial experience in their field, contributing significantly to advancing knowledge and innovation.

What are some common challenges research associate professors face when balancing research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities?

Research Associate Professors often juggle multiple priorities, including leading research projects, mentoring graduate students, teaching courses, and participating in departmental service. Managing time effectively is a common challenge, as research deadlines and grant applications may overlap with teaching and administrative obligations. Developing strong organizational skills and setting clear priorities can help address these challenges. Collaborating with colleagues and delegating tasks when appropriate also supports a more balanced workload.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research associate professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Associate Professor, you need a strong background in your academic discipline, a doctoral degree, and a proven record of independent research and scholarly publications. Proficiency with advanced research methodologies, statistical analysis software, and grant writing tools is typically required. Leadership, collaboration, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for mentoring students, managing research teams, and disseminating findings. These abilities are essential for advancing research agendas, securing funding, and contributing to the academic community.

What is the difference between Research Associate Professor vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Associate ProfessorResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a Ph.D. in a relevant fieldUsually holds a Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research universitiesResearch labs, industry, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia, research-focused institutionsIndustry, government, private sector research
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for academic career pathsCompared for industry research roles

The Research Associate Professor role is primarily academic, focusing on research and teaching at universities, often requiring a Ph.D. and experience in academia. In contrast, a Research Scientist typically works in industry or government labs, focusing on applied research and development. Both roles require advanced degrees but differ in work environment and career focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Professor jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Research Professor jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Associate Professor jobs in Tennessee?

For Research Associate Professor jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Research Associate Professor jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Research Associate Professor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Research Associate Professor jobs in TN?

For Research Associate Professor jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Research Associate Professor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Research Assistant/Associate Professor

Memphis, TN • On-site


University of Memphis
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

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Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Center for Research in Educational Policy (CREP) at the UofM is seeking a Research Assistant or Associate Professor to join our team. This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position focused exclusively on research and does not include classroom teaching responsibilities. 

This is a grant-funded position. This appointment is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funds and could be terminated if grant funding is lost. This appointment is made subject to the laws of the State of Tennessee and the policies and requirements of the University of Memphis.

CREP is not currently offering any sponsorships for this position.

At the Assistant Professor level:

Required:

  • Earned doctoral degree in social science or research-focused field
  • At least one year of relevant postdoctoral or professional experience
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Strong project management skills
  • Strong evaluation skills

Desired:

  • Experience applying for and securing grant funding
  • Experience conducting rigorous research: Design studies, collect and analyze data (qualitative and/or quantitative), interpret results, prepare reports/manuscripts
  • Experience working with, or in, K-12 educational settings
  • Evidence of grant management, and execution of sponsored evaluation and research
  • Evidence of publications and conference presentations

At the Associate Professor level: 

Required:

  • Earned doctoral degree in social science or research-focused field
  • At least five years of relevant postdoctoral or professional experience
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Strong project management skills
  • Strong evaluation skills
  • Experience applying for and securing grant funding
  • Experience conducting rigorous research: Design studies, collect and analyze data (qualitative and/or quantitative), interpret results, prepare reports/manuscripts
  • Evidence of grant management, and execution of sponsored evaluation and research
  • Evidence of publications and conference presentations

Desired:

  • Experience working with, or in, K-12 educational settings

Research faculty contribute to the overall vision, mission, and direction of the Center; serve as a subject-matter expert in one or more areas related to K-12 educational research or policy; actively pursue and develop research collaborations both on and off campus; seek and secure external grant and funding opportunities; collaborate on proposal writing teams; help develop budgets for proposals; design and lead major sponsored evaluation and research projects; serve as a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator in partnerships within and beyond the University; guide instrument development and data collection activities; conduct both quantitative and qualitative data analyses; supervise and mentor research staff and graduate assistants; present findings to funders and project partners; disseminate findings through conferences and peer-reviewed publications; represent CREP and the University of Memphis in collaborations with partners at all levels, both internal and external; and participate in quality control processes for all Center initiatives.

Applicants should have a strong record of success in funded research, excellent communication and teamwork skills, and a demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. Some university-sponsored travel will be required for assigned projects. Additional information about CREP can be found at https://www.memphis.edu/crep/



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