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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Butner, NC (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Raleigh, NC

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

... Assistant Anticipated Hiring Range $48,547 - $51,000 Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm Job ... Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands ...

Research Assistant

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

... Assistant Anticipated Hiring Range $55,000 - $58,000 Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm ... Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands ...

Research Assistant III Location: Onsite at Morrisville, NC Duration: 6 Months Only W2 candidates are eligible for this position. Third-party or C2C candidates will not be considered Description:

Posting Information Department Health Policy and Management - 461001 Career Area Research ... They will train and mentor incoming graduate assistants to ensure progress of the project in order ...

Research Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Coordinate hourly and graduate research assistant's project activities. You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this ...

As the leader in civilian dive safety research, DAN employs and collaborates with dive science experts to conduct research regarding all aspects of dive safety. Successful SkillBridge applicants will ...

Asthe leader in civilian dive safety research, DAN employs and collaborates with dive scienceexperts to conduct research regarding all aspects of dive safety. Successful SkillBridge applicants will ...

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Graduate Research Assistant information

See Butner, NC salary details

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$14

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How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Butner, NC is $14.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.30 and $17.45 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 Butner, NC are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Butner, NC with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Butner, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,423 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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North Carolina State University rating

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Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194815EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Research Assistant Anticipated Hiring Range $48,547 - $51,000 Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Entomology and Plant Pathology About the Department
As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a varied portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. Collectively, these strengths serve our clientele and our science, providing a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be tailored to students' career interests in basic and translational science or extension. Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with over 2 million vouchered insects, Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhance our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners. Our strategic plan, Growing Our Future 2023-2030 is accessible here https://units.cals.ncsu.edu/cals-strategic-plan/.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Research Assistant plays a key role in advancing the Turfgrass Entomology Program's laboratory, greenhouse, and field research. Working in collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI), this position independently coordinates multiple concurrent research projects, exercises scientific judgment, and ensures research activities are implemented with quality, accuracy, and efficiency. The position supports externally funded research and Extension programming by coordinating field trials, evaluating research data, maintaining research operations, and contributing to the communication and dissemination of findings.
Key Responsibilities

Applied Research & Field Trial Coordination
  • Independently coordinate laboratory, greenhouse, and field research, including scheduling seasonal field operations, implementing experimental protocols, and monitoring trial quality and integrity.
  • Collect, validate, organize, and interpret research data; perform preliminary statistical analyses and recommend modifications to improve research quality and methodology.
  • Serve as the primary field coordinator for multiple concurrent research projects, ensuring timely implementation of experiments and resolving novel research challenges.
Laboratory & Research Operations
  • Maintain laboratory and field equipment, inventories, insect colonies, and research materials while ensuring adherence to laboratory safety, quality assurance, and EHS requirements.
  • Coordinate pesticide applications and equipment calibration and support field operations using appropriate pest management practices.
Research Communication & Extension Support
  • Prepare research summaries, presentations, online educational materials, manuscripts, grant reports, and Extension publications in support of program activities.
  • Support field days and stakeholder demonstrations and contribute to the dissemination of research findings.
Training & Program Support
  • Train undergraduate employees and supervise temporary workers in established research procedures and practices.
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), research documentation, and other materials that support consistent and compliant program operations.
  • Contribute intellectually to publications and grant development and assist the PI with research direction, methodology, and interpretation of complex scientific data.
If you are a research professional with hands-on experience in turfgrass entomology, a strong understanding of insect pests affecting turfgrass ecosystems, and the ability to apply scientific judgment to laboratory, greenhouse, and field research, we invite you to apply. If you enjoy solving research problems, coordinating complex field activities, and contributing to research that supports both scientific discovery and Extension programming, this position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Other Responsibilities
In collaboration with PI and oversight:
  • Exercises independent scientific judgment, not just implementation.
  • Makes decisions affecting research direction or methodology.
  • Interprets complex scientific data.
  • Solves novel research problems.
  • Contributes intellectually to publications and grant development.
  • Requires specialized knowledge gained through an advanced scientific degree (or equivalent professional expertise).
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • Masters Degree
OR
  • Bachelors Degree with three years of relevant experience
Other Required Qualifications
  • Turfgrass Entomology Lab Operations: 1+ years of hands-on experience working within a turfgrass entomology laboratory setting, including standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
  • Insect Pest Complexes Identification: Practical knowledge of insect pest complexes specifically affecting turfgrass ecosystems, including identification, life cycles, and damage assessment.
  • Field Operations & Licensing
  • Pesticide/Chemical Application: Knowledge of proper ground application techniques for pest control in turf management.
  • Ground Applicator Licensure (Preferred): Possession of (or the ability to readily obtain) a valid commercial ground applicator license for pesticide and chemical distribution.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 1+ year of experience working in a turfgrass entomology lab with knowledge of insect pest complexes. Commercial ground applicator license holder preferred.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)
  • North Carolina driver's license
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 08/13/2026 Anticipated Close Date Open until filled Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00112261 Position Type EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 0.85 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887