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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Graduate Assistant

College Park, MD ยท On-site

$26K - $27K/mo

... Graduate Assistant to provide administrative support to the undergraduate office and general ... research and learning activities into new innovations that benefit millions. Required ...

Higher education research projects to assist staff with support current projects as needed ... Must be a registered graduate student in good standing enrolled in a degree program at the ...

Conduct legal and other research * Assist with tracking of new legislation * Assist with compiling ... Graduate with an associate or bachelor's degree in any field * At least one year plus of legal ...

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Graduate Research Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$7

$21

$35

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Washington is $21.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $26.15 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 Washington?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,530 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Student Research Assistant II _Non-FWS

GW Student Employment Center for Career Services

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site, Remote

$19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Fill out your application carefully and completely, including attaching the correct documents as requested. You will NOT be able to withdraw and reapply if you make a mistake.
Positions may close unexpectedly if they reach a high number of applicants. It is in your best interest to apply promptly to any positions that interest you.
If this position title includes the label On-Campus FWS or Off-Campus FWS, it is for students with a Federal Work Study (FWS) award for the current school year ONLY. Applicants to these positions will be required to verify this by attaching their FWS Program Student Statement as a required document. Do not apply unless you meet this criterion.
Position Title
Student Research Assistant II _Non-FWS
Level of Support
Student Support II
Position Type
Non-FWS
Number of Openings
1
Work Hours
During Standard Business Hours (M-F 8am-5pm)
Wage Per Hour
19.00
Division/School
Milken Institute School of Public Health
Department Name
872212 EXERCISE SCIENCE OPERATING
Department Bio
This position is with the Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance, which is located in the Exercise and Nutrition Science department within the Milken Institute School of Public Health. The STOP Obesity Alliance is made up of a diverse group of business, consumer, government, advocacy, and health organizations dedicated to reversing the obesity epidemic in the United States. STOP conducts research, makes policy recommendations, and develops hands-on tools for providers, advocacy groups, policymakers, and consumers. The STOP Obesity Alliance values racial, ethnic, and lived experience diversity.
Position Specific Summary
The research assistant will devote their time and effort to carrying out research, analysis and other activities for the STOP Obesity Alliance's various research projects related to adult obesity prevention and treatment including our monthly newsletter. Responsibilities include the following activities:
  • Draft monthly article for Director to be published in the monthly newsletter, assemble and publish monthly newsletter using Emma software
  • Update STOP website and draft and post on STOP social media accounts
  • Research and stay up to date on obesity policy issues, including treatments, access to care and other topics
  • Preparation of literature reviews, data analysis, and background reports

Standard Position Description
The student will perform administrative and research tasks with some discretion under direction of faculty member or research coordinator. Tasks may include: assisting with experiments, coding, data entry, data cleaning, and data analysis, preparing research and drafts for articles, reports, and/or presentations. Students may also complete literature reviews, draft summaries, and create graphs and figures. Special projects or other duties may be assigned related to specific departmental/faculty needs.
Professional Outcomes
Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, Leadership, Professionalism, Inclusion, Technology and Data, Career Development
Required Qualifications
Some applicable educational, technical, or professional experience required, some training will be provided.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Excellent writing and research skills;
  • Knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures related to health policy;
  • Ability to manage time and prioritize work;
  • Experience with writing newsletters, editing websites and posting on social media;
  • Taking graduate level courses at Milken Institute School of Public Health

Posting Detail Information
Job Open Date
08/03/2026
Job Close Date
09/07/2026
Campus Location
Foggy Bottom
Work Type Designation
Hybrid (mixture of in-person and virtual work)
Hiring Manager Name
Maggie Sampson
Special Instructions Summary
You will be given a writing prompt related to our newsletter and asked to submit a writing sample in response.
EEO Statement
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer committed to maintaining a nondiscriminatory, harassment-free, diverse work and education environment. The university does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law in any of its programs, activities, or employment practices.
For more information on this policy and its purpose, please read the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.
Background Check
The student employee will:
In this position, the student will not perform any functions and/or have access to any financially, safety, or security sensitive items listed above. - Background check not required.