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The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS Assistant Research Professor Mycobacterial & Zoonotic Disease Research Kapur Laboratory Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences The Pennsylvania State University Position Assistant ...

The Pennsylvania State University

An associate research professor typically has a minimum of 5 years of postdoctoral experience in a research environment. Additional Information Applications must be submitted electronically and ...

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How much do research professor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for research professor in the United States is $55.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.04 and $62.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Research Professor?

A research professor is a non-tenured member of the faculty at colleges and universities. They research specific assignments in their department and may help teach postgraduates as well. The daily duties performed are assigned by the academic department director, but often include writing grant proposals for educational funding, collecting and analyzing data, verifying scholarly research, monitoring grant funds, and writing academic papers for journals.

What is a Research Professor?

A Research Professor is an academic professional whose primary responsibilities focus on conducting research rather than teaching. Unlike traditional professors who balance teaching, research, and administrative duties, Research Professors typically secure their own funding through grants and lead research projects in their field of expertise. They may mentor graduate students and collaborate with other researchers, but they usually have limited or no formal classroom teaching duties. Their positions can be term-based or renewable, depending on the institution and funding availability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Professor, you need a doctoral degree in your field, a strong record of published research, and expertise in designing and conducting studies. Familiarity with advanced data analysis software, grant-writing systems, and laboratory or field-specific equipment is typically required. Strong critical thinking, collaboration, and mentorship skills set outstanding research professors apart. These abilities are crucial to advancing knowledge, securing funding, and fostering academic and scientific excellence.

What is the difference between Research Professor vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch ProfessorResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) often with academic experienceMaster's or Ph.D., depending on the field
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, universitiesResearch labs, industry, academia
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily universities and collegesResearch organizations, private companies, academia
Common Search & ComparisonResearch ProfessorResearch Scientist

The main difference between a Research Professor and a Research Scientist lies in their work environment and roles. Research Professors are primarily based in academic institutions, focusing on teaching and scholarly research, often with a focus on academic publishing. Research Scientists work in various settings, including industry and research labs, with a stronger emphasis on applied research and product development. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their career paths and daily responsibilities differ significantly.

How does a Research Professor typically balance research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities?

Research Professors often prioritize research as their primary responsibility, but they may also contribute to teaching and administrative duties depending on the institution. Balancing these tasks requires strong time management skills, as research projects can be time-intensive and may involve supervising graduate students or postdocs. Administrative responsibilities, such as grant writing and committee work, are also common and can vary in intensity throughout the academic year. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and maintaining active communication with colleagues are key strategies for managing these diverse responsibilities effectively.
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Research Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Professor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,495 per year, or $55 per hour.
Research Professor

Research Professor

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM

Other

Posted 28 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

TheCenter for Micro-Engineering Materials (CMEM) at the University of New Mexico(UNM) is seeking applicants for a Research Professor faculty position,highly motivated and skilled researchers in development and characterization ofnext-generation electrochemical energy conversion materials. The successfulcandidate will focus on the synthesis, processing, and advancedcharacterization of catalyst materials for fuel cells and water electrolysissystems. This includes electrocatalysts, ionomers, membrane-electrodeassemblies (MEAs), and related nanostructured materials. The successfulapplicants will be hired at the research professor rankdepending on experience and demonstrated qualifications.

The University of New Mexico is the only Carnegie-classified R1 (very high research activity) university in the state and is a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution. Our faculty benefit and actively collaborate with federally-funded UNM and School of Engineering research centers, a nationally ranked School of Medicine, and nearby national laboratories (Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Air Force Research Laboratory). The UNM Lobo Rainforest provides an entrepreneurial ecosystem, which includes Rainforest Innovations and the Innovation Academy, that translates research to market.

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