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Academic Research Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant * Academic Year: 2026-2027 * Day/Time: Varies * Modality: In-person * College: College of Business Administration * Department: Accounting, Finance, Management, MIS, Marketing, and ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Research Assistant provides an opportunity for intern-level introductory ... May visit DNWest's high profile academic and commercial biotech partner labs and learns new ...

Research Assistant

Fresno, CA · On-site

$16.53 - $19.92/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Research Assistant provides an opportunity for intern-level introductory ... May visit DNWest's high profile academic and commercial biotech partner labs and learns new ...

Research Assistant

Fresno, CA · On-site

$16.53 - $19.92/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Research Assistant provides an opportunity for intern-level introductory ... May visit DNWest's high profile academic and commercial biotech partner labs and learns new ...

The position is designed to integrate academic learning with practical research experience ... PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: * Assist in the design and execution of research experiments, surveys ...

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Academic Research Assistant information

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How much do academic research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for academic research assistant in California is $18.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an academic research assistant?

Academic Research Assistants are individuals, often undergraduate or graduate students, who support faculty or lead researchers in conducting scholarly studies. Their duties can include gathering and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, preparing reports, and assisting in the organization of research materials. They play a crucial role in advancing academic projects and may also help with administrative tasks related to research. This position provides valuable experience for those interested in pursuing advanced studies or a career in research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an academic research assistant?

Academic Research Assistants need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid academic background in their research field, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), academic databases, and proper citation methods is typically required. Excellent organizational abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to work independently or as part of a team help individuals excel in this role. These competencies are essential for producing high-quality research, maintaining data integrity, and supporting successful project outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by academic research assistants, and how can they be managed?

Academic Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks with tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing project priorities, and ensuring accuracy in data collection and analysis. Effective time management, clear communication with supervising faculty, and maintaining organized records can help manage these challenges. Building collaborative relationships within the research team also supports knowledge sharing and problem-solving, making it easier to navigate complex research projects.

What is the difference between Academic Research Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectAcademic Research AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fieldAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory techniques
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research labsHospitals, research labs, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research organizationsMedical, biotech, industrial labs
Common Search & ComparisonAcademic Research Assistant vs Laboratory Technician

The main difference between an Academic Research Assistant and a Laboratory Technician lies in their educational requirements and work focus. Academic Research Assistants typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and assist with research projects in academic settings. Laboratory Technicians often have an associate's degree or certification and focus on conducting routine lab tests and procedures. Both roles support scientific research but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is it hard to get a job as an academic research assistant?

Securing an academic research assistant position can be competitive and often requires relevant education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, along with research skills and familiarity with data analysis tools. Candidates with strong academic records, research experience, and good communication skills tend to have better chances of obtaining these roles.

What do academic research assistants do?

Academic research assistants support faculty and researchers by collecting, analyzing, and organizing data, conducting literature reviews, and assisting with experiments or projects. They often use tools like statistical software and may be involved in preparing reports or presentations. The role typically requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with some positions requiring specific coursework or research experience.

What qualifications do I need to be an academic research assistant?

To become an academic research assistant, candidates typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, social science, or humanities. Strong research skills, familiarity with data analysis tools, and good communication abilities are also important; some positions may require prior research experience or specific technical skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Research jobs in California?

The most popular types of Academic Research jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Academic Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Academic Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Academic Research Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,131 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

MBA Research Assistant

California State University

San Marcos, CA • On-site

$6.2K - $7.6K/mo

Temporary

Re-posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Organize interview transcripts, research documents, datasets, and supporting materials.

  • Assist with the preparation, collection, cleaning, and management of research data.

  • Support the development and refinement of qualitative coding frameworks and identify emerging concepts within interview data.


California State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

MBA Research Assistant
Job no: 560476
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: San Marcos
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Temporary, Part Time, Faculty - Business/Management
MBA Research Assistant Pool
  • Position: Research Assistant
  • Academic Year: 2026-2027
  • Day/Time: Varies
  • Modality: In-person
  • College: College of Business Administration
  • Department: Accounting, Finance, Management, MIS, Marketing, and OSCM

The CoBA MBA Program is seeking Research Assistants for the 2026-2027 academic year to support several faculty-led research projects in areas related to business, organizations, technology, education, and professional success.
The Research Assistant will contribute to various stages of the research process, which may include reviewing academic literature, organizing and managing research materials, assisting with data collection, analyzing qualitative data, and supporting the development of research findings.
The position will involve close collaboration with the Principal Investigators and may require the Research Assistant to balance responsibilities across multiple projects. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, as well as an interest in developing experience with rigorous research methods.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Organize interview transcripts, research documents, datasets, and supporting materials.
  • Conduct targeted literature searches and summarize relevant academic research.
  • Assist with the preparation, collection, cleaning, and management of research data.
  • Support the development and refinement of qualitative coding frameworks using deductive and inductive approaches.
  • Identify emerging concepts, categories, and themes within interview data.
  • Assist in developing higher-order themes and conceptual relationships.
  • Support efforts to establish coding consistency and inter-coder reliability.
  • Prepare research summaries, tables, presentations, and other materials documenting project findings.
  • Participate in regular project meetings and provide updates on assigned tasks.
  • Assist with other research-related activities as needed across the supported projects.

Applicant pools are used to fill short-term temporary Lecturer positions across our campus with the possibility of rehiring. Appointments may last from one day to a whole semester. This applicant pool may be used to fill vacant positions on an as-needed basis throughout the academic year. Applications in this pool ad will only be good for the current academic year. This pool will be closed effective May 31st. If you wish to be considered for the next academic year, you will need to apply to the new pool as it becomes available by June 15th.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • A bachelor's degree in business or related discipline
  • Strong written communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in an academic environment
  • Ability to work independently while meeting deadlines
  • Per the California State University's Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. Working in the State of California is a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working on qualitative research
  • Interest in artificial intelligence, workplace technology, business sustainability, organizational behavior, and/or business education
  • Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and/or intercultural competence with diverse groups in relation to research.

Salary commensurate with degree level and experience
  • Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $6,288 - $7,658 per full-time month

The salary schedule information for the Lecturer - 12 month Classification is available based on the following ranges:
  • Lecturer A - 12 mo: $6,288 - $7,658 per full-time month

The anticipated hiring range is generally at or near the minimum of the appropriate range, commensurate with education and experience.
Application:
To apply, please prepare to submit the following:
  • Your completed application
  • Resume / Curriculum Vitae (uploaded)
  • Contact information for three current references
  • Letter of interest (uploaded)

Timeline: Applications are accepted and reviewed as needed, on an on-going basis throughout the 2026-2027 Academic Year.
CSUSM has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and was recently named one of the top 32 Colleges most friendly to junior faculty by the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education. Visit Faculty Opportunities for more information.
California State University San Marcos is an Equal Opportunity Employer strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of the campus community. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation and veteran or military status.
Per the California State University's Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. Working in the State of California is a condition of employment.
The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
This position is subject to employment verification, education verification, reference checks and criminal record checks. An offer of appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including a criminal records check, and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act Notification can be found at Clery Act Notification.
Advertised: Aug 05 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: May 31 2027 Pacific Daylight Time
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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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