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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

YLabs

Research Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking a Research Assistant to support our Climate x SRHR project and to ... The ideal candidate will have graduate-level training or equivalent experience in public health ...

YLabs

Research Assistant

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$21 - $29/hr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking a Research Assistant to support our Climate x SRHR project and to ... The ideal candidate will have graduate-level training or equivalent experience in public health ...

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 ...

panoramic

Clinical Research Assistant

Concord, CA

... graduate or healthcare professional looking to build a career in clinical research? Do you enjoy ... As a Clinical Research Assistant, you'll play an important role in supporting study operations ...

New

Howard

Research Assistant

Seeley, CA

$20/hr

... graduate study or careers in research, healthcare, or related fields. SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY ... PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: * Assist in the design and execution of research experiments, surveys ...

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Research Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Calibr

RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - Dik Lab

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20.67 - $25.06/hr

Research Assistant I POSITION SUMMARY: The successful candidate will join the early-stage discovery research team at Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and contribute to both drug ...

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Graduate Research Assistant information

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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:

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For Graduate Research Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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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 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.

Research Assistant (Part Time)

MKS2 Technologies

Monterey, CA

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

MKS2 Technologies, LLC, an award-winning high growth small business, creates innovative and customer-centric technology solutions in the areas of Cyber Security, Instructional Design and Training, Software Engineering and IT Support Services to improve the security and well-being of our clients. Our commitment to excellence and our "Mission First" orientation has resulted in steady growth and an expanding client base across government agencies. We have employees nationwide and for the past three consecutive years were named one of the fastest growing Veteran-owned companies in the nation. Please take a moment to browse through our website and learn more about what it means to serve with MKS2.

Research Assistant – Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV)

Location: Monterey, CA – Naval Postgraduate School (Onsite)
Position Title: Research Assistant / Engineering Research Scientist

Salary: $55,000-$60,000 Part Time 20 hours a week.

Position Overview

The Research Assistant – UUV supports the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Physics Department in conducting advanced experimental research on unmanned underwater vehicle technologies. This role contributes directly to Navy‑sponsored research by executing experiments, analyzing data, developing optimized designs, and producing high‑quality scientific documentation. The position requires hands‑on laboratory and field work, technical rigor, and the ability to operate independently in a government research environment.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Conduct research studies evaluating UUV feasibility, performance characteristics, and system features
  • Execute experimental research in both laboratory and field environments
  • Perform data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of experimental results
  • Develop optimized designs, geometries, and engineering recommendations
  • Produce scientific reports, research documentation, and academic papers
  • Support UUV laboratory operations, equipment preparation, and field testing activities
  • Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and technical teams to refine methodologies and outputs
  • Ensure all research deliverables meet established quality, accuracy, and technical standards
  • Part‑time position: 20 hours a week.

Required Qualifications

Experience

  • Minimum 1 year of experience in STEM‑based experimental research
  • Minimum 1 year of experience with:
    • Computer‑Aided Design (CAD) and/or 3D printing
    • Designing and executing research experiments
    • Writing scientific reports, articles, or papers
  • Minimum 6 months of experience with:
  • Laboratory work involving Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)
  • Field testing of UUV systems

Education

  • Master's degree in one of the following fields:
  • Physics
  • Applied Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering

Clearance / Eligibility

  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Ability to work onsite in a government laboratory environment

Other Required Skills

  • Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD tools
  • Strong experimental design and data analysis capabilities
  • Ability to operate independently within a non‑personal services environment
  • Strong technical writing, documentation, and analytical skills

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: MKS2 Technologies is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.