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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Automotive Research Assistant

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$52.37K - $56.69K/yr

Description The City of Detroit's Department of Transportation is currently accepting applications for an Automotive Research Assistant for their Vehicle Maintenance division. Under general ...

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Graduate Research Assistant information

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$5

$16

$27

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Michigan is $16.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.

More about Graduate Research Assistant jobs
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Michigan? For Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Michigan as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,038 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Research Graduate Assistant

Research Graduate Assistant

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Eastern Michigan University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Graduate Assistant

Apply now Job no: 495461
Work type: Graduate Assistant
Location: Ypsilanti
Categories: Academic & Student Affairs

Title: Research Graduate Assistant

Employee Classification: GS - Graduate Student - Stipend

Pay Grade: AC 11

Division: Academic and Student Affairs

Subdivision:ย Marketing

Department: College of Business

Campus Location: Main Campus

General Summary

The Department of Marketing in the College of Business anticipates hiring one new graduate assistants starting the fall 2026 semester. Candidates must have the necessary qualifications to assist the department's faculty with research projects, teaching help, and related activities within the department's academic specialties. Specifically, students enrolled in COB's IMC Master or MBA with a focus on marketing, supply chain management, or international business or closely related areas should apply.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist department's department/faculty/staff with projects or assignments that require the skill of
    graduate students in the department's academic programs in conducting research, administering online survey research, library work, literature reviews, data entry, database, statistical analysis, editing/proofing, formatting bibliographies, and other research-related activities in support of department initiatives.
  • Assist Department Head/faculty/staff in teaching-related materials (e.g., photocopying, department workroom management).
  • Take and pick up objective (computer-scored) exams to/from the computer center. Monitor/administer make-up exams.
  • GAs in this position may also assist faculty in designing and deployment of research-based pedagogical programs, such as new course design, online course development, moving existing course material into online course management systems, and workshops for academic and general audience consumption.
  • Assist department head/faculty/staff in activities such as covering the office, organizing the conference/work room as needed, preparation of materials/data needs/support for departmental, committees, and Advisory Board meetings and student clubs
  • Additionally, assist in the production and dissemination of departmental letters.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ability to work up to 20 hours per week if full-time; 10 hours for part-time is required.
A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
Admission and enrollment in a graduate program at EMU is required.ย 
Maintenance of a 67% course completion is required.

Enrollment in at least 6 credits for Fall and Winter semesters is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

N/A

Special Instructions:

Must submit resume highlighting experience, area of academic interest, familiarity with the different statistical analysis software, and two references.

Appointment Percentage:

100%

Advertised: 12 Feb 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:

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