What does a Research Professor do?

Research professors are faculty members whose primary effort is in research rather than instruction. Research faculty appointments are not tenure track appointments, and research professors may be called on to teach or provide services for specific and appropriate assignments. They perform their essential duties and responsibilities as assigned by an academic department head or director and facilitate a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

Research professors receive administrative supervision from department heads or directors and might supervise professional research staff, graduate assistants, undergraduates, or students. They work in a collaborative environment and cover relevant topics that pertain to their assigned research project, sometimes delegating specific portions of the research to others or spearheading set portions. They share findings and updates with all team members and department staff and adjust according to internal guidance. Research professors must need a graduate degree in a discipline that corresponds with their work.