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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Shannon Crawford Barniskis, a faculty member from the School of Information Science, is hiring an hourly graduate student research assistant. Responsibilities include assisting with: Planning and ...

Shannon Crawford Barniskis, a faculty member from the School of Information Science, is hiring an hourly graduate student research assistant. Responsibilities include assisting with: Planning and ...

Shannon Crawford Barniskis, a faculty member from the School of Information Science, is hiring an hourly graduate student research assistant. Responsibilities include assisting with: • Planning and ...

$20.66/hr

Research Assistant 1 The University of Miami/UHealth Department of Surgery has an exciting ... Collaborate with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty investigators in a ...

$70 - $90/hr

What the Program Offers Competitive salary commensurate with experience (USC postdoc / USC-ISI graduate research assistant scales). Access to USC-ISI cleanroom facilities, the broader USC research ...

$70 - $95/hr

... * Assist with developing research scopes, test plans, experimental procedures, schedules, and ... Graduate research and/or 1-2 years of hands-on experimental research required. * Proficiency with ...

$150 - $190/hr

Motivated applicants are sought to join VTNSI as Research Assistant Professor to support rapid ... graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a ...

$65 - $90/hr

Co-mentors graduate research assistants contributing to the agentic AI and MCP workstreams. * Participates in the annual program meeting and represents the project's technical progress to ...

$85 - $115/hr

Candidates are expected to be self-motivated and to contribute substantively to the design, implementation, interpretation and reporting of investigational studies in humans. Duties and ...

New

$100 - $134/hr

... Research Assistant Professor We are seeking a research faculty member with a strong program in ... These training programs support graduate students, post-docs, and medical students/residents with a ...

$100 - $130/hr

The TCU Department of Psychology is hiring a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor ... graduate and undergraduate researchers. Within the Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science ...

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Graduate Research Assistant information

See Kentucky salary details

$5

$16

$27

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Kentucky is $16.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $20.05 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 Kentucky?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Kentucky?

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

What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,914 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Research Assistant

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Job Title Research Assistant Requisition Number DU15031 Department Name 8M500:School of Information Science Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range $20 per hour Type of Position Student Position Time Status Part-Time Required Education
N/A
Required Related Experience
N/A
Required License/Registration/Certification
N/A
Physical Requirements
Occasional lifting object up to 25lbs.
Sitting for long periods of time at a computer.
Shift
15-20 (flexible) hours per week.
Job Summary
Are you interested in mixed methods research, and/or participatory design? Do you want to work on a vital issue that has implications for the information that is available in our community libraries, especially information for marginalized populations? Do you have 15-20 hours a week available to be a research assistant?
Shannon Crawford Barniskis, a faculty member from the School of Information Science, is hiring an hourly graduate student research assistant. Responsibilities include assisting with:
Planning and implementation of a research symposium for 20 participants
Analyzing qualitative data, both visual and verbal data
Potentially, writing and/or presenting reports of the findings as a co-author/co-presenter
And other duties as assigned.

Your input and voice will matter in this project, which examines public library boards of trustees: how they are selected and trained, and the decisions they make around issues such as censorship, budgets, and information policy.

It is expected that this position will take 15-20 (flexible) hours per week. There will be occasional on-site activities in Lexington, so the ideal candidate lives nearby. This is a 9-month position, and will start September 2026. The research project will continue until June 2028.

Please note that that this position is entirely reliant on continued federal grant support, and current student workers or international students may not be eligible to work this number of hours. Please find out if you are eligible before applying.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience
N/A
Deadline to Apply 09/30/2026 Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

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The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865