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Science Professor information

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$52.5K

$84.4K

$121.5K

How much do science professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for science professor in Virginia is $84,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Science Professor vs Science Lecturer?

AspectScience ProfessorScience Lecturer
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D.) in ScienceMaster's or Doctorate, depending on institution
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutionsUniversities, colleges, community colleges
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education, research-focusedTeaching-focused, often contract or part-time
Common Search & ComparisonAcademic roles in science educationTeaching science at college level

Science Professors typically hold a Ph.D. and focus on research and teaching at universities, while Science Lecturers may have a master's or doctorate and primarily focus on teaching. Both roles are integral to science education but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and employment settings.

What are some common challenges Science Professors face when balancing research and teaching responsibilities?

Science Professors often juggle multiple demanding tasks, including leading research projects, publishing papers, securing grants, and delivering high-quality instruction to students. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, as both research and teaching require significant time and attention. Effective time management, setting clear priorities, and leveraging support from colleagues and teaching assistants are key strategies. Many institutions also provide professional development resources to help faculty manage these dual roles, ensuring both research productivity and student engagement are maintained.

How much money does a science professor make?

Science professors' salaries vary based on experience, education level, and institution type, but typically range from $60,000 to over $120,000 annually. Professors with tenure or research responsibilities often earn higher salaries, and additional income may come from grants, consulting, or publishing.

What is the highest paid job in science?

The highest paid jobs in science are often executive roles such as Chief Scientific Officer or senior research directors, especially in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and technology companies. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures annually.

What does a Science Professor do?

A Science Professor teaches undergraduate or graduate students in various scientific fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental science. They develop and deliver lectures, create syllabi, and grade assignments. In addition to teaching, Science Professors often conduct original research, publish scholarly articles, and supervise student research projects. They may also participate in academic committees and contribute to curriculum development within their department.

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

To thrive as a Science Professor, you need deep subject matter expertise, a doctoral degree in your scientific field, and a robust track record of research and teaching. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical analysis software, and educational technology platforms is typically required. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and collaborative research. These skills and qualifications are vital for effectively advancing scientific knowledge, inspiring students, and contributing to academic excellence.

What professors are in demand?

Science professors in high demand typically specialize in STEM fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. They often require advanced degrees and research experience, and demand is driven by growth in research funding, STEM education initiatives, and the need for qualified educators in universities and colleges.

How do you become a science professor?

To become a science professor, one typically earns a bachelor's degree in a science field, followed by a master's degree or Ph.D. in a specialized area. Academic positions often require research experience, teaching skills, and a strong publication record, with many institutions also valuing postdoctoral work and professional development.
What are popular job titles related to Science Professor jobs in Virginia? For Science Professor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Science Professor jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Science Professor jobs in Virginia are:
Science Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Professor job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,386 per year, or $40.6 per hour.
Professor and Chair, Computer Science Department

Professor and Chair, Computer Science Department

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 536 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: Col of Engineering and Computing
Classification: 12-month Instructional Faculty
Job Category: Instructional Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
Works with Minors check: Yes
About the Department:
The objective of the Department of Computer Science, within the College of Engineering and Computing, is to provide education at the undergraduate and graduate level and perform research that makes technology accessible to all. We aim to provide a challenging and rewarding multidisciplinary education to our students; establish and conduct nationally-recognized research; and serve the University as a nexus for opportunities.
With over 80 full-time faculty members and 12 administrative staff, the Department of Computer Science at George Mason University is the largest department in the College of Engineering and Computing, the largest department on campus, and the largest Computer Science department in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The department offers two Bachelor of Science programs with over 2400 students enrolled: the B.S. in Computer Science and the inter-disciplinary B.S. in Applied Computer Science; three M.S. programs in Computer Science, Information Systems, and Software Engineering with a total enrollment of over 700 students; and a Ph.D. program in Computer Science of over 220 students. The department's faculty also teach in the inter-disciplinary M.S. in Data Analytics Engineering, M.S. in Artificial Intelligence, and the Ph.D. in Information Technology programs.
The department has a world-class faculty with research strengths in all areas of computing, and a strong commitment to teaching. We now rank among the Top 35 Computer Science Departments in the US.
About the Position:
Reporting to the Dean of the College, the Department Chair is the chief academic and administrative leader for the department and serves as a key member of the College's leadership team. The Chair of Computer Science (CS) provides vision and leadership to advance the department, positioning the department as a leader in innovation, research, and education in computer science, and related
fields. The Chair guides a robust scholarship and research agenda, promotes excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, and works to develop collaborative academic programs across the university.
Responsibilities:
  • Serves as the chief academic and administrative leader for the department, provides vision and leadership to advance the department, and serves as a key member of the College's leadership team;
  • Interacts with college and university leadership, collaborating on college and university strategic goals;
  • Positions the department as a leader in innovation, research, and education in computer science;
  • Elevates the status of the department, college and university among peer institutions and external partners;
  • Responsible for personnel hiring, oversight, and development within the Department, including renewal, promotion, and tenure;
  • Oversight of all educational and research programs within the Department;
  • Teaches courses each academic year per college workload policy;
  • Provides budgetary oversight for the department; and
  • Provides oversight of departmental facilities usage.

Required Qualifications:
  • Terminal degree in a related field;
  • Must qualify to become a tenured full professor in the department;
  • Competitive candidates will have an outstanding record in research with a strong record of funding, along with a genuine understanding of the teaching mission, and the importance of providing undergraduate and graduate students with the highest quality educational experience;
  • Should have demonstrated potential for excellence and productivity in research, and a commitment to high-quality teaching;
  • Unassailable personal and academic integrity;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, and a focus on openness and transparency;
  • A demonstrated commitment to the effective mentoring of junior faculty; and
  • Leadership skills and vision to advance the department to new heights, which includes a strong sense of where the field is headed and an understanding of its sub-disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous administrative experience; and
  • Has the ability to foster strong interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments within the college and across the university.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Professor and Chair, Computer Science Department at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent, CV, a Research, Teaching and Leadership Statement, and an optional copy of your transcript for review.
Posting Open Date: January 21, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 9, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

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