A research professor plays a different role than a normal professor and is not involved directly with the students. He/she is not entitled to perform the duties of a lecturer and is usually engaged in doing research on a chosen subject.
Who is a research professor?
Research professors are people who work in an institution along with other lecturers but are mainly involved in research on a particular topic. They leverage an institution's facilities and faculty members to the most and carry out extensive research while maintaining minimal interactions with the students.
Many universities permit such people to work with them in order to gain recognition. It not only adds to the university's reputation but also increases the stature of an institution when the research professor publishes his/her findings and attributes the success to the university. These types of professors are often deeply involved in their studies and carry out only research responsibilities with no compulsion of teaching. If you are looking forward to making a career in this role, you should note the following things.
What is the required educational qualification?
If you want to be a research professor, you should have authenticated doctoral degree. Also, many universities specifically prefer candidates who have some post-doctoral experience. This type of requirement is usually kept because it allows the institution officials to check whether the candidate, who is in question, possesses a researcher's mind and has the abilities to carry out research. At such times, a history of publications of research papers and active contributions in trade journals can become a strong trait for an applicant as they demonstrate the individual's ability to successfully complete major findings through write-ups.
What about the funds?
Usually individuals who want to be in this role are expected to manage their finance on their own as the institutions seldom provide with funding. The university might offer required academic connections and other facilities to a research professor, but the financial support or stipend is not granted in many cases. He/she is expected to generate funds by contacting various agencies that are willing to support the research. Even if these professors are said to be a part of faculty and might be affiliated with a particular department, their funding is usually administered by the university's campus. They do receive a salary if a compensation for occasional classroom teaching has been mentioned in the appointment letter. In other cases, an individual in this position has to take help from other agencies to carry out research. For instance, a physicist doing research on a topic like 'Unveiling the Mystery Of a Black Hole' can request NASA to aid for carrying out research work.
What is the work tenure?
Usually, research professors do not have a fix tenure and are allowed to work with a university for a period of two to three years. Individuals who are seeking fixed positions with a predefined tenure role can apply to a college once their research is complete. It gives them a stable job profile, opportunity to move up in ranks and also a fixed income. On the other hand, lack of tenure can prove as a boon for research professors as it gives them time to fully dedicate their mind and time in the area of research and gain expertise in the subject. In addition to this, it allows them to change fields and try their hand in various new things instead of getting tied up with an institution.
Research professors are individuals who enjoy advantages like communicating with other academical instructors and access to university resources. If you have a curious mind and do not mind going deep to reach a particular conclusion, you can try making a career in this field.