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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

CALS Research Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Agriculture / Life Science, Administrative / Clerical Serve as an administrative assistant to the Assistant Dean of Graduate Research Programs ...

Extension and Research Technician

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $21.75/hr

... graduate research education/projects, undergraduate hands-on learning activities and community ... The technician will assist with crop scouting, demonstration plots, on-farm evaluations, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Research Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$6

$19

$30

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Virginia is $19.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $22.88 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.

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 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 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 does a graduate research assistant do?

A graduate research assistant supports 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 specialized tools and methods relevant to their field of study. This role typically requires strong research skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with relevant software or equipment.

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 coursework in the field. Some positions may prefer or require additional qualifications such as a related bachelor's degree or specific certifications.

Is being a graduate research assistant worth it?

A graduate research assistant position provides valuable research experience, skills in data analysis and academic writing, and networking opportunities within a university environment. However, it often involves a low stipend and requires balancing work with coursework, so its worth depends on individual career goals and financial needs.
More about Graduate Research Assistant jobs
What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 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 $39,855 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Clinical Research Assistant

Velocity Clinical Research, Inc.

Hampton, VA • On-site

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Velocity Clinical Research rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Overview
Velocity Clinical Research is an owned and integrated research site organization, providing excellence in patient care, high quality data and fully integrated research sites. At Velocity, we align our values and behaviors to give our employees the best chance of delivering on our brand promise: to bring innovative medical treatments to patients. We are committed to making clinical trials succeed by generating high quality data from as many patients as possible, as quickly as possible while providing exemplary patient care at every step.
As an employee of Velocity, you are the most integral part of our mission. For talented candidates who perform at a high level, Velocity will invest to support career advancement and reward performance. Whether you are new to clinical research or are an industry veteran, we invite you to apply to Velocity.
Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and company holidays, 401(k) retirement plan with company-match, and an annual incentive program.
Summary:
The Clinical Research Assistant assists the Clinical Operations Team in a multi-functional capacity to carry out all assigned tasks associated with the collection, documentation, and maintenance of clinical data including phlebotomy/laboratory, data entry and administrative responsibilities.
Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Assist in the conduct of clinical trials in accordance with the study protocol, GCP, ICH Guidelines, and Velocity's SOPs
  • Perform venipuncture, capillary puncture and/or other fluid collection within scope of the protocol and local law and regulations
  • With supervision, perform clinical assessments (vital signs, phlebotomy, ECG, etc) within scope of the protocol, local law and regulations
  • Process, package and ship laboratory specimens as required per protocol and IATA regulations, if applicable
  • Track, order and maintain inventory of all laboratory and study related supplies throughout course of the clinical trial
  • Enter source data into the sponsor's and/or vendor's data portal and resolve basic queries in a timely manner under the direction of the Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Communicate with coworkers, leadership, study subjects, sponsors, CROs, and vendors under the direction of the Clinical Research Team
  • Understand good documentation practices when collecting, transferring data to sponsor/CRO data capture systems and resolving queries under the direction of the Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Understand the informed consent process with emphasis on ensuring initial and ongoing consent of study subjects
  • Understand basic elements of regulatory documentation required to initiate, maintain and close a clinical research trial
  • Understand and participate in patient recruiting tasks including but not limited to prescreening potential subjects for clinical research trials either via phone or in person
  • Maintain confidentiality of patient protected health information, sponsor confidential information and Velocity confidential information
  • Ability to escalate potential patient safety issues such as adverse events, serious adverse events, and adverse events of special interest to the Clinical Research Team
  • Cleaning, organizing, and disinfecting the patient care, lab and lab equipment areas as needed
  • Prepare source document charts, copy and/or file medical records and study related documents as required.
  • Perform front office duties as needed including but not limited to answering phones, scheduling subjects, making reminder calls and updating patient tracking systems.
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Education/Experience:
  • High School Graduate and/or technical degree with minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in life sciences industry

Required Licenses/Certifications:
  • Phlebotomy if applicable and required by state law
  • Intramuscular dose administration and preparation if applicable and required by state law

Required Skills:
  • Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology
  • Demonstrated ability to use the following technology: Computers, Microsoft Office software, fax, copier, and multi-line telephone.
  • Understanding of verbal, written, and organizational skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work as a team player
  • Demonstrated ability to read, write, and speak English
  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task
  • Demonstrated ability to follow written guidelines
  • Demonstrated ability to be flexible/adapt as daily schedule may change rapidly

Required Physical Abilities:
  • Sit or stand for long periods of time
  • Communicate in person and by a telephone
  • Limited walking required
  • Limited to lifting up to 30 pounds

NOTE: The above Job Description is intended to communicate the general function of the mentioned position and by no means should be considered an exhaustive or complete outline of the specific tasks and functions that will be required. Additionally, specific tasks and duties of the position are subject to change as the Company, the department and circumstances change. All employees are expected to perform their duties within their ability as required by the job and/or as requested by management.

What Velocity Clinical Research employees say

Hours and flexibility

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