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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Calibr

RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - Dik Lab

San Diego, CA

$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 ...

ProSciento, Inc

Research Assistant

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) as well as experience as a Medical Assistant, EMT, LVN, Phlebotomist, Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG), or Corpsman in a clinical or laboratory ...

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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:

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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

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$22.75 - $31.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description


The Research Assistant will provide research and administrative support to the principal investigator(s) (PI) of the assigned project(s). The incumbent will assist the PI in meeting the objectives of a HRSA-funded curricular development grant within the Division of General Internal Medicine, including data collection through review and analysis of qualitative and quantitative educational data, creating educational materials and presentations, assistance with writing study reports and IRB applications, and assistance in preparing scholarly articles and presentations. The incumbent will help manage applications for new funding opportunities. The incumbent will also provide administrative support to the PI, including scheduling, processing reimbursements and assisting with submitting manuscripts for publication.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in public health, psychology, sociology, epidemiology or related area; and / or equivalent experience / training.
  • 1+ years related experience.
  • Advanced academic writing and editing skills.
  • Knowledge of design software (i.e. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator; Power Point; etc.)
  • Knowledge of statistical analysis software (i.e. Stata; SPSS; R; etc.)
  • Ability to work with electronic data collection tools (i.e. REDcap; Qualtrics; Dedoose)
  • Well-developed organizational and documentation skills; ability to attend to details.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills; excellent organizational skills; and excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively in a diverse team.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to work effectively in team-based environment; ability to prioritize tasks and meet multiple deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications
  • College coursework in public health, psychology, or related field.
  • Master's degree in public health, psychology, or related field.
  • CITI Program - Human Subjects Research

About Us
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

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