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Academic Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harvard University

Research Assistant

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$53/hr

... academic research, hands-on projects with governments, and convenings that bring together policy ... The Research Assistant will work directly with Professor Liebman on a variety of projects related ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant

Cambridge, MA

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

... academic research, hands-on projects with governments, and convenings that bring together policy ... The Research Assistant will work directly with Professor Liebman on a variety of projects related ...

UPMC Senior Communities

Research Assistant

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$19.60 - $30.25/hr

The Research Assistant will support a multidisciplinary, NIH-funded Center grant focused on ... Availability during University of Pittsburgh academic breaks, including the summer term, is ...

MD Anderson

Research Assistant I Molecular Oncology

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $25.25/hr

... academic research environment, while supporting a structured onsite work setting that promotes ... Assist with animal surgeries including subcutaneous and orthotopic injections Perform biochemical ...

University of Miami

Research Assistant

Miami, FL

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

The Research Assistant contributes with research investigators by providing research and ... As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The University of Miami

Research Assistant

Miami, FL · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

The Research Assistant contributes with research investigators by providing research and ... As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean.

University at Buffalo

Research Assistant

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Posting Details Position Information Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Position Title Research Assistant ... UB is a premier, research-intensive public university dedicated to academic excellence. Our ...

New York University

Research Assistant

New York, NY · On-site

$30/hr

Research Assistant Location: 1 Washington Square North, NY, NY 10003 PART TIME: 3-8 hours/week ... Preferred Education, Experience and Skills • Prior experience with research and/or academic ...

University Of Oregon

Research Assistant

Eugene, OR

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Research Assistant Apply now Job no: 536811 Work type: Faculty - Career Location: Eugene, OR ... We offer a flexible, supportive family-friendly work environment in a stimulating academic setting.

University of Oregon

Research Assistant

Eugene, OR · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Research Assistant Job no: 536811 Work type: Faculty - Career Location: Eugene, OR Categories ... We offer a flexible, supportive family-friendly work environment in a stimulating academic setting.

Donor Network West

Research Assistant

Bodega Bay, CA

$19.75/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 ...

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How much do academic research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for academic research assistant in the United States is $18.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Academic Research Assistant, and why are they important?

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 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.

What are Academic Research Assistants?

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 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.
More about Academic Research Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Academic Research Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Academic Research Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Research jobs? The most popular types of Academic Research jobs are:
What states have the most Academic Research Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Academic Research Assistant jobs include:
Academic Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,637 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
Empirical Research Fellow (Various Academic Depts)

Empirical Research Fellow (Various Academic Depts)

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Northwestern University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

182nd of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: Kellogg MEDS and Opns
Salary/Grade: NEX/15
Job Summary:
As an Empirical Research Fellow, you will collaborate with faculty and PhD students at the Kellogg School of Management to work on empirical or theoretical economics research projects. You will typically work on multiple projects at a time, and your contributions might span all aspects of the research life cycle.
Candidates should have an interest in applying for a quantitative Ph.D. program, preferably in Economics or a related field, and pursuing an academic research career. The ideal candidate will have: (i) a strong quantitative background; (ii) strong computer skills including programming; (iii) past experience with research, including independent work (such as an undergrad thesis) or work as a research assistant. A background in Economics is a plus, but not necessary; in fact, we encourage candidates with strong technical backgrounds who are looking to receive more exposure to Economics or Finance.
Potential research duties vary, but may include: collecting and validating new research datasets, performing statistical analyses on large databases, programming simulations of theoretical models, and proving theoretical results.
Successful candidates will have completed at least bachelor's degree by the employment start date. If selected, you will be offered a one-year appointment, with the ability to renew for one year based on performance.
Your application should include a cover letter or personal statement describing your career/academic goals (including future graduate study) and what you hope to accomplish with the Fellowship, your CV/resume, and your most recent college transcripts.
Specific Responsibilities:
Research Project Execution
  • Work closely with multiple faculty members as a project team member on multiple new or ongoing research projects.
  • Collect, maintain, and document original research datasets, and proactively test for data integrity.
  • As necessary, merge together data sources, create new variables, and reformat data to prepare it for analysis.
  • Assist data analysis by performing applied statistical techniques.
  • Write programs to simulate the results from theoretical models and/or solve constrained optimization problems.
  • Produce tables, figures, and/or other research outputs as needed.
Research Production
  • Might assist faculty members with literature reviews, development of theoretical economic models, and reviewing drafts of papers.
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
  • A strong understanding of applied statistical concepts;
  • Computer programming skills using at least one commonly used statistical programming language - such as R, Stata, Matlab, and/or SAS;
  • Strong habits documenting datasets and program code;
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently to solve problems; and
  • A long-term interest in pursuing research in Economics, Finance, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience working as a Research Assistant or conducting one's own original research.
  • Working knowledge of various data formats, database structures, and tagging schema is preferred.
  • Experience working with lower-level or scripting programming languages - such as Python, bash, Java, C, etc.
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
  • Knowledge of theoretical concepts and common datasets used in Economics or Finance is desired, but not required.
The expected pay for this position is $25.55 per hour, in alignment with departmental equity and market data.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .
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