1

Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Athens, AL (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Research Assistant information

See Athens, AL salary details

$6

$18

$30

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Athens, AL is $18.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $22.26 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 cities near Athens, AL are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Athens, AL with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Athens, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,797 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Assistant Associate Professor of Communications

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

Normal, AL • On-site

$68K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Salary: $68,250.00 - $80,063.00 Annually
Location : Normal
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300746
Department: Visual, Performing & Communication Arts
Opening Date: 02/17/2026
Description
Summary:
This position is in the Department of Visual, Performing and Communication Arts within the College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences. The position is a full-time (9-month) faculty position. In addition, in this position the candidate will help find funding resources, maintain, update equipment and software, and find ways to incorporate new technologies into the program. We are looking for an innovative and dynamic educator with a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service. The rank and tenure-status of position is negotiable based on qualifications.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Teaches graduate courses in communication and media production
• Active participant in program building activities such as recruiting, advising, and mentoring students.
• Supervise student projects and graduate internships.
• Revise, update, and assess curriculum to reflect best practices in the field
• Participates in research projects and has an active research/publication agenda
• Provides service to the university, community, and profession.
• Helps find funding resources, maintain, and update equipment and software, and incorporate new technologies into the curriculum
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Minimum Position Requirements (including years of experience, certifications, licenses, etc.):
• An earned doctorate in Communications, Telecommunications, Mass Communication, Mass media or closely related fields. MFAs in these fields will also be considered.
• Professional or significant teaching experience in media production, including film, television, and/or journalism.
• Documented commitment to excellence in teaching and service at the University level.
• Evidence of research and grant writing
• Experience in teaching a wide variety of courses in different modalities
• Knowledge of emerging trends in communications media
• Proficiency in the use of technology in the classroom (Blackboard, Adobe products, or other technology relevant to the field)
• Expertise and willingness to teach at both graduate and undergraduate levels.
Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Software Certifications relevant to the field preferred, but not required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the university level
• Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively with university colleagues within a diverse environment
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at
01
Do you have an earned doctorate in Communications, Telecommunications, Mass Communication, Mass media or closely related fields? MFAs in these fields will also be considered.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have professional or significant teaching experience in media production, including film, television, and/or journalism?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have documented commitment to excellence in teaching and service at the University level?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have evidence of research and grant writing?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have experience in teaching a wide variety of courses in different modalities?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Do you have knowledge of emerging trends in communications media?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you have proficiency in the use of technology in the classroom (blackboard, adobe products, or other technology relevant to the field)?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Do you have expertise and willingness to teach at both graduate and undergraduate levels?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question