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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RadNet

Research Assistant

Anaheim, CA

$23 - $24/hr

When you join us as a Research Assistant , you will be joining a dedicated team of professionals ... High school graduate (some college preferred) We Offer: * Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision ...

RadNet

Research Assistant

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$23/hr

When you join us as a Research Assistant , you will be joining a dedicated team of professionals ... High school graduate (some college preferred) We Offer: * Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision ...

RadNet

Research Assistant

Anaheim, CA

$23 - $24/hr

When you join us as a Research Assistant , you will be joining a dedicated team of professionals ... High school graduate (some college preferred) We Offer: * Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... Research Assistant Academic Year Summer 2026 Term or Semester Summer - Fall Is this Role for an ... Interest in pursuing research, graduate studies, or a related career field Special Instructions to ...

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Research Assistant

Los Angeles, CA

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Job Summary The Research Assistant assists the Associate Director of Dissemination and External ... The ideal candidate will be a graduate student with a strong working knowledge of Spanish and a ...

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All JobsGraduate Research JobsGraduate Research Assistant JobsGraduate Research Assistant Jobs in California

Graduate Research Assistant information

See California salary details

$6

$19

$30

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in California is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Graduate Research Assistant vs Research Intern?

AspectGraduate Research AssistantResearch Intern
Required CredentialsGraduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) often requiredUndergraduate or graduate students, less formal credentials needed
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institution, often part of a universityResearch labs, industry, or academic settings, usually temporary
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesCorporations, research firms, academic labs

In summary, a Graduate Research Assistant typically holds a graduate degree and works within academic or research institutions, focusing on long-term research projects. In contrast, a Research Intern is often a student or early-career individual gaining practical experience, usually on a temporary basis in various research settings.

How much do GTAs get paid?

Graduate Research Assistants (GTAs) typically receive stipends that range from $10,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the institution, field of study, and location. In addition to stipends, they often receive tuition waivers or stipends for teaching or research duties performed during the academic year or summer.

What are some common challenges faced by Graduate Research Assistants when balancing research projects with coursework?

Graduate Research Assistants often juggle multiple responsibilities, including research tasks, coursework, and sometimes teaching duties. Time management is a frequent challenge, as research projects may have unpredictable workloads or urgent deadlines that overlap with academic requirements. Clear communication with your advisor and setting realistic expectations can help manage these demands. Many assistants find that developing strong organizational skills and seeking support from peers or mentors aids in maintaining a healthy balance between research and academic obligations.

Can you be a research assistant after graduation?

A graduate research assistant position is typically tied to ongoing academic projects and may require enrollment in a graduate program. After graduation, individuals can often transition to research roles in industry or pursue postdoctoral positions, but the specific title of 'research assistant' is less common outside academic settings. Skills such as data analysis, laboratory techniques, and familiarity with research tools remain valuable in related roles.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Research Assistant, you need a solid academic background in your field, strong analytical skills, and experience with research methodologies. Proficiency with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), literature databases, and possibly laboratory equipment is often required. Excellent organization, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set candidates apart in collaborative research environments. These skills are essential for producing high-quality research, meeting project deadlines, and contributing effectively to academic teams.

How hard is it to get a graduate assistantship?

Securing a graduate research assistantship typically depends on academic performance, relevant skills, and research experience. Competitive applicants often have strong GPAs, relevant coursework, and demonstrate research or technical abilities. The application process may include interviews and requires a proactive approach to faculty research opportunities.

What are Graduate Research Assistants?

Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) are graduate students who work under the supervision of faculty members to assist with academic research projects. Their responsibilities can include data collection, literature reviews, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and helping to prepare research publications or presentations. These positions often provide students with hands-on experience in their field of study and may offer a stipend or tuition waiver as compensation. GRAs play a crucial role in advancing university research while developing skills for future academic or professional careers.

What do graduate research assistants do?

Graduate research assistants support faculty or research teams by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, reviewing literature, and preparing reports or presentations. They often work in laboratories or academic settings, using tools like statistical software and research methodologies, and may assist with grant writing or project management.
More about Graduate Research Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Research jobs in California? The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Research Assistant jobs in California? For Graduate Research Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:
Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,673 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Graduate Assistantship - Human Performance and Health Research

University of South Carolina

Los Angeles, CA

$4.5K/wk

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Posting Summary
Logo Posting Number STU00022PO24 Job Title Student Employee Internal Title Graduate Assistantship - Human Performance and Health Research Campus Upstate College/Division USC Upstate College/Division Level Department UPS Human Performance & Health Advertised Salary $2,250 per term - two terms ($4,500 total) Location of Vacancy USC Upstate, Spartanburg, SC Part/Full Time Part Time Hours per week 10 Work Schedule
Monday-Friday (Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department)
Job Search Category Student Employee
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The graduate assistant will be responsible for assisting with data collection and data analysis. This will involve using inertial measurement units to collect kinematic data to determine spatial and temporal characteristics of movement changes before and after an exercise intervention. Shoe insoles will also be used to determine force displacement and postural control before and after the intervention. Cognitive-motor data will also be assessed using integrated computer software. The student will also lead the weekly exercise intervention sessions with the visually impaired/blind students at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind. After all data is collected, the student will assist with the analysis of the data, which includes statistical analysis. The student will also be responsible for performing a literature review and assisting with manuscript preparation after all data is collected/analyzed. The student will also take part in preparing/presenting research findings at conferences related to the field of interest. The student will also assist with literature reviews for other potential funding opportunities. 
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: 
         Bachelor's degree in biology, engineering, exercise science, kinesiology, nursing, physiology, or a related field. 
         Current graduate student, preferably exercise science or nursing student. Must be a currently enrolled graduate student
         Current graduate students are required to have a 3.0 GPA
         Newly admitted graduate students must have an undergraduate 2.75 GPA
         To maintain the position, graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA                                                                                    
Preferred Qualifications: 
         Experience working as a group fitness instructor or personal trainer. 
         Experience collecting and analyzing biomechanics data. 
         Experience conducting statistical analyzes. 
         Experience reading scholarly research and preparing research manuscripts for scholarly publication. 
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 08/16/2024 Job Open Date 07/22/2024 Job Close Date 08/20/2024 Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicant
This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/172223 EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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