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Research Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University invites applications for a 48-week, non-tenure track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Research Professor with ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Boyle and Grozinger laboratories in the Department of Entomology at The Pennsylvania State University invite applications for a Non-Tenure Line Assistant Research Professor to ...

Umd

Assistant Research Professor

College Park, MD · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

The Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR) is seeking an Assistant Research Professor in the area of process characterization, modeling (digital twin) and control for ...

The Pennsylvania State University

... Assistant Research Professor. The successful candidate should have expertise in the area of behavioral neuroscience, a focus on development is preferred.The candidate should have demonstrated ...

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How much do research professor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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 is the highest paying job in research?

The highest paying research jobs are often senior roles such as research directors, chief scientists, or principal investigators in industries like pharmaceuticals, technology, or finance. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can offer salaries exceeding several hundred thousand dollars annually.

How do I become a Research Professor?

To become a research professor, typically one needs a doctoral degree in a relevant field, extensive research experience, and a strong publication record. Many positions also require securing research funding and demonstrating expertise in a specialized area of study.

What does a Research Professor do?

A Research Professor conducts advanced scientific or scholarly research in a specific field, often leading projects, publishing findings, and securing funding. They typically work in academic or research institutions, utilizing specialized skills, laboratory tools, and data analysis methods to contribute new knowledge to their discipline.

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.

How much do professors get paid for research?

Research professors' salaries vary widely depending on the institution, field, experience, and funding sources. Typically, they earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, with additional funding often supporting their research activities and lab costs.
More about Research Professor jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Research Professor jobs? For Research Professor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Research Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Professor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,495 per year, or $55 per hour.
Assistant Research Professor -Center for Urban Health Equity

Assistant Research Professor -Center for Urban Health Equity

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Posting Summary
Job Title Assistant Research Professor -Center for Urban Health Equity Division Divison of Academic Affairs Department School of Community Health & Policy Work Status Full Time Position Category Faculty Faculty Rank Assistant Professor FLSA Exempt Pay Range Exempt Salary Range $65,000 - $75,000 / year Fund Source State Support Job Summary
Assistant Research Professor is role designed for high research productivity (grants, contracts, publication/dissemination) and service to the University with selected teaching duties as specified. This faculty position is designed for serving in the Center for Urban Health Equity (CUHE).
Job Duties
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Engages and has high productivity in quality community-focused research (i.e., grants,
contracts, publications, dissemination - submitting and achieving)
2. Teach courses consistent with the goals of the Center (where applicable). A minimum of
one course per academic year.
3. Mentorship and integration of postdoctoral fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students
in health equity research.
4. Engage with external organizations and stakeholder groups in furtherance of the
Center's mission and goals
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics
- Strong knowledge of research methods
- Strong data analytic ability (quantitative and/or qualitative; multiple analytic tools)
- Adept with technology (computer and productivity software)
- Leadership skills (ability to supervise)
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups
- Knowledge and experience in equity research and scholarship
Required Minimum Qualifications
Doctoral degree in public health, social sciences, analytics or related field. Applicants should have two to three years of graduate teaching and/or research experience.
Other Preferences for Consideration
Experience in health equity from an academic or organizational perspective.
Experience in health policy analysis OR use of a variety of analytic tools in the area of health equity.

Posting Detail Information
Posting Number FA00423 Number of Vacancies 1 Job Open Date 05/11/2026 Best Consideration Date Job Close Date Special Instructions to Applicant
Please enter two professional references in the References page of the application.

Apply