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$6

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$32

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Bellingham, WA is $20.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $23.99 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.
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Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Bellingham, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,783 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Student Program Coordinator III_On-Campus FWS

GW Student

Mount Vernon, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

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 Program Coordinator III_On-Campus FWS Level of Support Student Support III Position Type On-Campus FWS Number of Openings 1 Work Hours During Standard Business Hours (M-F 8am-5pm) Wage Per Hour 20.00 Division/School Academic Affairs Department Name 122048 WOMENS LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS Department Bio
The Elizabeth J. Somers Women's Leadership Program (WLP) is a selective year-long living learning community for first year students at the George Washington University.
Position Specific Summary
International Arts & Culture X Corcoran Studio Arts: Work-StudyProposal 

This initial proposal outlines a potential graduate student appointment to work alongside Professor Bella Maria Varela in the Women's Leadership Program, within the International Arts & Culture cohort. The position is structured as a Pedagogy and Studio Research Assistant, supporting the praxis and pedagogical research for Women and the Creative Process (Fall 2026) and Artist-Activist (Spring 2027). Within studio arts, praxis refers to the iterative relationship between theory and practice, where conceptual frameworks are tested, embodied, and refined through studio based art-making assignments.

In Fall 2026, within Women and the Creative Process, the student's primary role will be to take the assignments that Professor Varela creates and engage with them as a practitioner-working through the full scope of each project, from the initial description to the final execution of the art project. This includes assessing assignments for clarity, feasibility, and alignment with course objectives, as well as identifying gaps between instruction and the student experience. For example: Is it possible to complete this wearable project in two weeks? What steps need to be clearly outlined for students, and where can there be room for interpretation? What tools or maker spaces can students access to complete the project? The student will also attend select class sessions to present project demonstrations and provide additional support on instructional days.

Additionally, their role will include coordinating future collaborations with the Fabric Maker Space on the Vern, the Maker Space in Tompkins Hall, and the Black Box Theater in West Hall. This includes coordinating access to facilities and  testing project feasibility within the constraints of each space. Example: Inquire about using the Fabric Maker Space for a sewing demonstration connected to a costume-based project. 


In Spring 2027, within Artist-Activist, the student will work with Professor Varela to develop scaffolded writing exercises that prepare students for a 10-12 page research paper. Similar to the fall semester, they will collaborate on the design and testing of assignments, with attention to clarity, sequencing, and alignment with course objectives.

It is important to note that this student will not serve in a grading or evaluative capacity and will not function as a teaching assistant of record. While they may occasionally support in-class demonstrations or assist students during studio activities, their role remains focused on studio-based testing.

This position will also provide the student with direct experience in curriculum development supporting their long-term goal of teaching in the arts.

Short-Term Goal
Establish a formalized graduate student role to work alongside Professor Bella Maria Varela from Fall 2026 through Spring 2027, funded through Federal Work-Study (Arts Assistant with WLP). The role is anticipated to be approximately 10 hours per week, balancing pedagogical research and studio-based support. 

Long-Term Goal
Develop a sustainable structure for MFA students to collaborate with International Arts & Culture faculty, strengthening the relationship between the Women's Leadership Program and the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design. This model aims to support ongoing interdisciplinary exchange, expand graduate mentorship opportunities, and integrate studio-based research into undergraduate teaching and learning.
Standard Position Description
  • The student will assist in the management and leading of administrative, academic, or experiential education program(s). 
  • Tasks may include: 
    • Leading and organizing programs; designing and implementing program timelines, goals, communications, and budgets.
    • Monitoring, preparing, and maintaining program spaces, creative studios, and/or laboratories.
    • Serving as a primary point of contact and liaison for program leadership, instructors, participants, and campus partners.
    • Coordinating with collaborators and other departments, as well as tracking and reporting updates and outcomes.
    • Training, supervising, and managing lower-level student staff.
    • Special projects or other duties may be assigned related to specific departmental needs.
  • Special projects or other duties may be assigned related to specific departmental needs. 

Professional Outcomes Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, Leadership, Professionalism, Inclusion, Technology and Data, Career Development Required Qualifications
Previous skills, training, or experience is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Posting Detail Information
Job Open Date 08/12/2026 Job Close Date 08/17/2026 Campus Location Mount Vernon Work Type Designation In-Person Hiring Manager Name Lise Shiroma Special Instructions Summary 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.

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