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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - P. Wu Lab

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20.67 - $25.06/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research ... Research Assistant I POSITION SUMMARY: The Research Assistant will be involved in immunology ...

RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - P. Wu Lab

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20.67 - $25.06/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research ... Research Assistant I POSITION SUMMARY: The Research Assistant will be involved in immunology ...

Research Assistant Position Overview: This position will perform experiments and AI modeling for ... Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the ...

RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - Badran Lab

San Diego, CA

$20.67 - $25.06/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Research Assistant I POSITION SUMMARY: Dr. Ahmed H. Badran's Laboratory at The Scripps Research Institute seeks to hire a highly motivated full-time Research Assistant I. The Badran Lab is interested ...

RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - Badran Lab

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20.67 - $25.06/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Research Assistant I POSITION SUMMARY: Dr. Ahmed H. Badran's Laboratory at The Scripps Research Institute seeks to hire a highly motivated full-time Research Assistant I. The Badran Lab is interested ...

Research Assistant

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

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Graduate Research Assistant information

See California salary details

$6

$19

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How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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 a graduate research assistant?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a graduate research assistant?

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.

What challenges do graduate research assistants face 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.

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.

Can you be a graduate research assistant with a master's degree?

Yes, a master's degree is often sufficient to qualify for a graduate research assistant position, which typically requires strong research skills, familiarity with relevant tools, and academic coursework. Some positions may prefer or require additional qualifications such as a related bachelor's degree or specific technical expertise.

Is being a graduate research assistant worth it?

A graduate research assistant role provides valuable research experience, skills in data analysis and academic writing, and networking opportunities within a university environment. However, it often involves low pay and a demanding schedule, so its worth depends on individual career goals and financial needs.
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 cities in California are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Graduate 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 $39,673 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Chicana/o Studies - Graduate Research Assistant for the Central American Research and Curriculum ...

California State University

Fullerton, CA

$3.8K/mo

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 21 days ago


California State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Chicana/o Studies - Graduate Research Assistant for the Central American Research and Curriculum Observatory and Lab (CARACOL)

Apply now Job no: 560539
Work type: Graduate Assistant
Location: Fullerton
Categories: Unit 11 - UAW - California Alliance of Academic Student Workers, Temporary, Part Time, Student Services

Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies
Graduate Research Assistant for the

Central American Research and Curriculum Observatory and Lab (CARACOL)

POSITION

The Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies at CSU Fullerton invites applications for its Graduate Research Assistant for the Central American Research and Curriculum Observatory and Lab (CARACOL).

We welcome applications from current CSUF graduate students in the Chicano/a department to apply to the position of Graduate Research Assistant.

The Graduate Research Assistant will conduct, present, discuss and analyze academic research in the field of Central American Studies to develop curriculum for the Department's Area 6 course proposals focused on Central American Studies. Graduate Research Assistant is an active collaborator in all CARACOL planning, research and curriculum meetings. Graduate Research Assistant is also required to attend, facilitate and participate in the successful development of CARACOL events and programming such as but not limited to curriculum workshops, recorded interviews, speaker lectures and annual symposium. The Graduate Research Assistant will also present their research at the Lab annual symposium, provide peer review for their colleagues and complete a written report of their work for publication in the LatinxLab.Studio website. 

Other duties include office clerical tasks such as document organization, assisting with Lab events, fielding questions about CARACOL, attendance at zoom meetings with projects such as the Isthmus and Borderlands podcast and other projects. 

Work schedule/ hours per week: 10 hours per week, M-F. Exact schedule to be determined in coordination with Latinx Lab Director, Latinx Lab Project Coordinator, and CARACOL Faculty Leads. The position is funded by the Department of Chicana/o Studies. 

This is a pool of Graduate Assistants for the department to draw on as necessary.

APPOINTMENTS FROM THE POOL ARE TEMPORARY AND OFTEN MADE JUST PRIOR TO THE START OF THE ACADEMIC TERM. APPLICANTS MAY BE OFFERED EMPLOYMENT ON VERY SHORT NOTICE. 

REQUIRED
QUALIFICATIONS

  • Candidates must be an enrolled graduate student in the Chicana/o department in good academic standing and not on academic probation
  • Strong background in writing and editing skills
  • Experience in researching topics in Latinx Studies and Central American Studies. Collaborative team member and timely project management. Highly organized with documents and time management. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Candidates should demonstrate their ability to interact and work effectively with a wide and culturally diverse range of students, including first-generation college students.

HOW TO APPLY

A complete online application must be submitted in order to receive consideration. Please provide the following materials as it relates to your application requirements:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of interest or Cover letter. In your cover letter (2-3 paragraphs), you should be sure to address the following:
    --why are you interested in a GA position in the department;
    --any relevant experience you have re: teaching, grading, researching, writing, editing, experience with archives or databases, or other pertinent skills;
    --What courses you have taken so far in your M.A. program, and what courses you will be enrolled in;
    --whether you have a preference for grading or research, or no preferences (please note that we cannot guarantee that if you are hired, you will be placed according to your preference)

Applications will be reviewed as needed. Please direct all questions about the position to: Dr. Mario Obando, maobando@fullerton.edu

COMPENSATION

All Graduate Assistant appointments are made under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the CSU system and the United Auto Workers.  Initial appointments are for one semester only. 

Classification Range: $3,245 to $6,072 per month
Anticipated hiring range depending on qualifications, not to exceed $3,800

The full-time monthly base salaries indicated above are prorated to the time base assigned.

MANDATED REPORTER PER CANRA

 

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, revised July 21, 2017, as a condition of employment.

OUT-OF-STATE EMPLOYMENT POLICY

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and requires hiring employees to perform CSU related work within the State of California.

TITLE IX

Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator

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.

Advertised: 29 Jul 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 28 May 2027 Pacific Daylight Time

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