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$36

$54

$66

How much do research professor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for research professor in California is $54.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.41 and $61.20 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.

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.

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.

More about Research Professor jobs

What cities in California are hiring for Research Professor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Research Professor job openings:

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

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

Research Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Professor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,996 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Assistant Research Professor

University of South Carolina

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Posting Summary
Logo Posting Number RTF00168PO26 USC Market Title Research Assistant Professor Link to USC Market Title Business Title Assistant Research Professor Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division College of Nursing Department CON Biobehvrl Hlth & Nursing Practice Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Type of Faculty Position Faculty Research Grant (FRGP) Basis 12 months Job Search Category Faculty
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below

The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

South Carolina Retirement Yes State Insurance Programs Yes Annual Leave Yes Sick Leave Yes
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The Assistant Research Professor will support the design, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of NursAbility, a Duke Endowment-funded initiative to increase the representation and retention of nurses with disabilities in the nursing workforce. Drawing on expertise in disability-inclusive education and nursing workforce development, this position will contribute to all phases of the project, including curriculum and program development, data collection and analysis, community and stakeholder engagement, and scholarly dissemination of findings.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
  • Doctorate in Nursing or a related health sciences field required.
  • Minimum of two years of experience in disability-inclusive education, nursing workforce development, or a related area.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
  • Current registered nurse (RN) licensure required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with program development and evaluation preferred.
  • Lived experience with disability strongly preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • Knowledge of disability rights frameworks, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, and their application in nursing education and healthcare employment settings.
  • Knowledge of nursing workforce development, pre-licensure education, and clinical accommodation practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to program design, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Demonstrated ability to produce scholarly work for academic and professional audiences, including manuscripts, presentations, and reports.
  • Skill in community and stakeholder engagement, including work with disability-led organizations.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based, community-engaged research environment.
  • Ability to work with independence and exercise professional judgment in a complex project environment.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Program Development and Implementation:
Contribute to the development, refinement, and implementation of NursAbility program components, including the annual summer immersion curriculum, pre-licensure student workshops, and professional development workshops for faculty and hospital staff. Apply expertise in disability-inclusive education and nursing workforce development to ensure program content reflects current evidence, disability rights frameworks, and the lived experience of nurses with disabilities.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 40 Job Duty
Program Evaluation:
Support data collection, tracking of program metrics, and preparation of internal and funder progress reports. Contribute to ongoing quality improvement efforts and assist in synthesizing evaluation findings for dissemination purposes.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty
Scholarly Dissemination:
Lead and contribute to the dissemination of program findings and outcomes through peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, and professional publications. Support grant writing activities to identify and pursue sustainable funding for program continuation beyond the project period.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15 Job Duty
Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
Serve as a key liaison with community and organizational partners, including Able South Carolina, Lexington Medical Center, and the National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities. Support collaborative decision-making, facilitate partner communication, and contribute to the integration of community perspectives across all program activities.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15
Position Attributes
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No
Posting Detail Information
Desired Start Date 11/01/2026 Position End Date Job Open Date 07/16/2026 Job Close Date 08/30/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by August 30, 2026.
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/209510 EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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