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How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Iowa is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $21.68 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:
Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,758 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Research Assistant - Anesthesia, Obal's Lab

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 613 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of Anesthesia is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to participate in a cardiovascular research project. The research primarily utilizes patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes to model cardiac disorders. The successful candidate must have experience in human cell culture techniques, genomic and protein expression molecular techniques with an excellent record keeping ability and organization skills. Prior experience with induced pluripotent stem cell research is highly desired, but not a requirement. A minimal part of the project will include animal experiments and prior experience working with mice is desired. The candidate must exhibit a great deal of independence and be able to independently design experiments, carry them out and assist with analyzing and presenting data.

 Position Responsibilities:
    Research
o    Induced pluripotent stem cell culture and maintenance.  
o    Cardiomyocyte, smooth muscle cell, and endothelial cell differentiation from human iPSCs.
o    Perform cardiomyocyte, smooth cell,  and endothelial cell phenotype and molecular evaluation protocols.
    Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations
o    Read and understand existing experiments and protocols in support of ongoing research projects based on knowledge of scientific theory.
o    Set up and operate research materials or equipment. Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols. 
o    Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines. Collect, record, and consolidate data as directed by the PI. Track the progress of research activities. Adhere to Quality Assurance protocols to maintain the validity and integrity of research data. 
o    Subcutaneous injection of drugs in pregnant mice.
o    As individual skills develop: troubleshoot, analyze, and propose modifications to protocols; perform complex techniques per protocol; test and evaluate current procedures; develop and implement procedures for monitoring data integrity; and present results at lab meetings
    Collect, Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications
o    Interpret and perform analyses of results with the help of postdocs, research staff, and PI.
o    Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and related research.
o    Offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols 
o    Maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes
o    Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals
    Administrative and Project Management
o    Assist with general lab maintenance as needed; assist with maintaining lab stock, assist with management of chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed
o    Assist with IRB, IACUC, or similar protocol submission. Assist in documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines
    Facilities and Equipment Management
o    Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment. Assist with the procurement of supplies and materials. May initiate purchasing requests, monitor accounts/expenditures, and reconcile statements.
    Supervision/Staffing
o    As skills develop, may train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of students and newer employees.
    Other duties as assigned

For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.

About The Department of Anesthesia:
The Department of Anesthesia provides exceptional patient experiences and a positive work environment through excellence, compassionate care, continuous improvement, innovative research, and collaborative learning.

Education Requirements:
   Bachelor's degree in related scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience Requirements:
   General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
   Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work. 
   Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
   General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
   Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance. 
   Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
Desired Qualifications:
   A Bachelor of Science in molecular biology or related discipline or equivalent experience
   Two year's experience
   Technical writing experience in SOP's, protocols, and reports
   Proficiency with human cell culture techniques, experience with iPSC is highly valued
   Experience with laboratory animal experiments, in particular, s.c. injection of drugs
   Experience with tissue homogenization and single cell preparation from various tissues, primarily cardiomyocytes
   Proficiency with basic molecular biology techniques, such as gel electrophoresis, PCR, and recombinant DNA techniques
   Routinely perform cardiomyocyte and endothelial cell differentiation experiments using human iPSCs
   Possess initiative, ability to multi-task and a desire to acquire new technical skills
   Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
   Ability to communicate effectively with team members and collaborators
   Experimental design, execution of plan and presentation of data to team
   Utilization of good documentation practices

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 for calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. 

Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact Joseph Mulangaliro at joseph-mulangaliro@uiowa.edu.

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Research Assistant
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 3A
Contact Information
  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Joseph Mulangaliro
  • Contact Email: joseph-mulangaliro@uiowa.edu

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