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Academic Research Assistant Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Hourly Research Assistants

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

... Academics Department 00201 - PhysicalTher/Athletic Training Location Other City Salt Lake City, UT ... Consent and enroll patients by phone or in-person 4. Assist in scheduling patients for follow-up ...

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Academic Research Assistant information

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 cities in Utah are hiring for Academic Research Assistant jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Academic Research Assistant job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Hourly Research Assistants

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$15 - $30/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Announcement
Details
Open Date
07/21/2026
Requisition Number
PRN17248N
Job Title
Hourly Research Assistants
Working Title
Hourly Research Assistants
Career Progression Track
S00
Track Level
S4 - Highly Skilled, S3 - Skilled, S2 - Intermediate
FLSA Code
Nonexempt
Patient Sensitive Job Code?
No
Type
Non Benefited Staff / Student
Temporary?
No
Standard Hours per Week
19
Full Time or Part Time?
Part Time
Shift
Day
Work Schedule Summary
Is this a work study job?
No
VP Area
U of U Health - Academics
Department
00952 - Division of Epidemiology
Location
Campus
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment
External Posting
Pay Rate Range
15.00-30.00 per hour
Close Date
10/14/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
Hourly Research Assistants
Performs administrative, operational, and programmatic activities in support of a multidisciplinary research program. Coordinates day-to-day operations, including scheduling meetings, organizing records, preparing reports and meeting materials, and facilitating communication among investigators, staff, collaborators, and external partners. Assists with planning and implementation of research, educational, and community engagement activities and coordinates project timelines, milestones, and deliverables across multiple initiatives. Provides substantial support for the development, coordination, and submission of grant applications by assisting with proposal development, compiling and integrating application materials, coordinating contributions from multiple investigators and collaborators, tracking submission timelines, and preparing supporting documents. Assists with the preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and other research dissemination products. Performs other administrative and programmatic duties as assigned in support of research and strategic initiatives. *Masters required, preference given to those who have been accepted or are currently in a PhD Program.
Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities
Research Assistant, II
Administrative tasks in support of the clinical research program or laboratory. Tasks will vary by department and research category. Typically, manages the front desk, organizes files, and performs other clerical duties associated with research studies and programs. Recruits participants, verifies eligibility, and enrolls subjects. Schedules participant visits and maintains records. Transports samples or laboratory equipment. Monitors inventory levels and orders supplies. Tasks will vary by department and research category.
Requires at least 1 year of related experience.
This is an Intermediate Level position in the Support track.
Job Code: S58212
Grade: S15
Expected Pay Range: $13.82 to $26.94
Research Assistant, III
Administrative tasks in support of the clinical research program or laboratory. Tasks will vary by department and research category. Typically, manages the front desk, organizes files, and performs other clerical duties associated with research studies and programs. Recruits participants, verifies eligibility, and enrolls subjects. Schedules participant visits and maintains records. Transports samples or laboratory equipment. Monitors inventory levels and orders supplies. Tasks will vary by department and research category.
Requires 3+ years of related experience.
This is a Skilled Level position in the Support track.
Job Code: S58213
Grade: S16
Expected Pay Range: $14.85 to $28.96
Research Assistant, IV
Administrative tasks in support of the clinical research program or laboratory. Tasks will vary by department and research category. Typically, manages the front desk, organizes files, and performs other clerical duties associated with research studies and programs. Recruits participants, verifies eligibility, and enrolls subjects. Schedules participant visits and maintains records. Transports samples or laboratory equipment. Monitors inventory levels and orders supplies. Tasks will vary by department and research category.
Requires 5+ years of related experience.
This is a Highly Skilled Level position in the Support track.
Job Code: S58214
Grade: S18
Expected Pay Range: $17.16 to $33.47
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Research Assistant, II : Requires at least 1 year of related experience.
Research Assistant, III: Requires 3+ years of related experience.
Research Assistant, IV: Requires 5+ years of related experience.
Preferences
Special Instructions Summary
This posting is closed and is no longer accepting applications.
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US