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Doctoral Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Fellow

Charlestown, MA · On-site

$33.65 - $38.46/hr

Job Summary The doctoral research fellow will be a member of the Learning and Development (LEAD ... The fellow will also train and mentor research assistants and assist with regulatory compliance ...

$45K - $65K/yr

Some independent research or research assistantship experience is preferred. Candidates go on to ... Former pre-doctoral fellows have been admitted to the Berkeley, Chicago, Columbia, Duke, Harvard ...

$45K - $65K/yr

Some independent research or research assistantship experience is preferred. Candidates go on to ... Former pre-doctoral fellows have been admitted to the Berkeley, Chicago, Columbia, Duke, Harvard ...

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Doctoral Research Assistant information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do doctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for doctoral research assistant in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a doctoral research assistant?

Doctoral Research Assistants are graduate students, typically pursuing a PhD, who work on research projects under the supervision of faculty members. Their responsibilities can include conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, performing literature reviews, and assisting in the writing of academic papers or grant proposals. This role allows students to gain hands-on research experience in their field of study, develop technical and analytical skills, and contribute to advancements in their discipline. Doctoral Research Assistants often receive a stipend or tuition remission as compensation for their work.

What are some typical challenges doctoral research assistants face when balancing research and coursework responsibilities?

Doctoral Research Assistants often juggle multiple demanding tasks, including conducting research, attending classes, and sometimes teaching or grading. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, especially during peak periods such as project deadlines or exam seasons. Effective time management and proactive communication with supervisors are essential for staying on track. Many find success by setting clear priorities, using project management tools, and seeking support from peers or university resources when needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a doctoral research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Doctoral Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, advanced research methodologies, and typically enrollment in or completion of a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), citation management tools, and laboratory or field-specific equipment is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills distinguish standout candidates. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality research, effectively communicating findings, and contributing to successful academic projects.

What is the difference between Doctoral Research Assistant vs Research Associate?

AspectDoctoral Research AssistantResearch Associate
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a PhD or equivalentUsually holds a PhD or master's degree
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, labs, universitiesResearch institutions, industry labs, universities
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academic and university research projectsAcademic, government, or industry research projects
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for research roles in academiaMore senior, project-focused research roles

In summary, a Doctoral Research Assistant is typically a PhD candidate or recent graduate working on research projects within academic settings, often assisting with data collection and analysis. A Research Associate usually has a completed PhD and takes on more independent, project-driven research roles, often with greater responsibilities and a focus on publishing or industry applications.

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What cities are hiring for Doctoral Research Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Doctoral Research Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Doctoral Research jobs?

The most popular types of Doctoral Research jobs are:

What states have the most Doctoral Research Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Doctoral Research Assistant jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Doctoral Research Assistant jobs look for?

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Infographic showing various Doctoral Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Research Assistant - Student Worker

National University

Remote

$20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Compensation Range:
: $20.00 - $20.00
Position Description
The Cause Research Institute (CRI) at National University seeks applications for a part-time, project-based Doctoral Research Assistant to support applied research and evaluation initiatives. This role is designed for doctoral students seeking to deepen their research skills through hands-on, real-world projects.
The Research Assistant will work under the mentorship of the Faculty Principal Investigator (PI), supporting all aspects of project implementation. Current work will support the United 4 Youth (U4Y) Learning and Evaluation Project, a collaborative, equity-centered initiative focused on improving outcomes for youth through systems alignment, data-informed decision-making, and continuous learning.
This role emphasizes participatory, mixed-methods research, including qualitative inquiry, process evaluation, and collaborative data interpretation.
Essential Functions:
  • Support implementation of mixed-methods evaluation activities, including interviews, focus groups, surveys, and observations.
  • Assist with data management, including data cleaning, organization, and preparation for analysis.
  • Conduct qualitative coding and thematic analysis under mentorship of the PI.
  • Support quantitative analysis, including descriptive statistics and basic trend analysis.
  • Contribute to process mapping and documentation of workflows and partnership dynamics.
  • Assist in synthesizing findings aligned with evaluation learning questions.
  • Contribute to development of reports, learning briefs, and data visualizations.
  • Translate research findings into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.
  • Participate in team meetings, partner convenings, and sensemaking sessions.
  • Maintain organized documentation and ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and deliverables.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Requirements:
Education & Experience:
  • Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution, preferably in psychology, organizational leadership, public administration, or education.
  • Currently enrolled in a doctoral program, preferably in psychology, organizational leadership, public administration, or education, at National University.
  • Experience with graduate-level research methods (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) required
  • Prior experience in program evaluation, applied research, or community-based research preferred.
  • Experience working in education, workforce development, public health, or nonprofit settings preferred.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills:
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking ability.
  • Ability to collect, organize, and interpret data and draw valid conclusions.
  • Familiarity with qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo) and/or quantitative tools (e.g., SPSS, R, or similar) preferred.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a collaborative environment.
  • Knowledge of equity-centered, participatory, or community-engaged research.
  • Experience working with diverse or underserved populations.
  • Ability to translate complex findings into accessible formats for non-technical audiences.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Student employees are in part-time positions hired for short-term projects not to exceed one thousand (1,000) hours per year. Unless otherwise stated or as prescribed by law, National University does not provide student employees with benefits including accrued sick and vacation, health and life insurance, or other benefits. Student employee positions are available to the following.
  • Students enrolled and attending courses
  • Undergraduate and graduate students in any school or program
  • Full-time or part-time students

#LI-DNI
Candidate receiving offers will be offered a salary/pay rate commensurate with experience that vary based on a candidate's qualifications, skills, and competencies. Absent exceptional circumstances, candidates will be offered a salary within this range for this position. The minimum salary will be offered based on the minimum exemption threshold based on state of residency. Base pay is one component of National University's total rewards package, as we are dedicated to supporting the needs of the "whole you" with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family. For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit benefits.nu.edu. For Part-time benefits, please click here.
National University is committed to maintaining a high-quality workforce representative of the populations we serve. National University employs more than 4,500 faculty and staff and serves over 45,000 students. We are united in our mission to meet the global education demands of the 21st Century and are dedicated to creating a supportive academic and work environment that allows students, faculty and staff to develop their interests and talents while experiencing a sense of community. With programs available both online and at our many campus locations, National University is a leader in creating innovative solutions to education and meeting the needs of our student population, including adult learners and working professionals.
National University (NU) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws. At NU, a mix of highly talented, innovative and creative people come together to make the impact of a lifetime for each of our student learners. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University.