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

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$25.50 - $34.50/hr

The Health Center at Research Park is a post-acute care facility with long-term care, short-term ... Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program Hold a current and active State ...

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Graduate Research Assistant information

See Madison, AL salary details

$5

$17

$27

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Madison, AL is $17.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $20.67 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 are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Research jobs in Madison, AL? The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Madison, AL are:
What cities near Madison, AL are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Madison, AL with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Madison, 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 $36,018 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Research Assistant Professor Food and Nutritional Sciences

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

Normal, AL • On-site

$71K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Salary: $71,650.00 - $84,063.00 Annually
Location : Normal
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300816
Department: Food & Animal Sciences
Opening Date: 06/15/2026
Description
This is a 9-month, federal-funded, non-tenure track, and full benefit-eligible faculty position with 100% research responsibilities. The Research Assistant Professor will conduct and support research in nutritional biochemistry and functional food development in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases with special emphasis on health disparities
The Research Assistant Professor will conduct and support innovative research at the intersection of nutritional biochemistry and functional food development. This position focuses on elucidating the biochemical mechanisms of nutrients and bioactive compounds, and translating these findings into the design, formulation, and evaluation of functional food products that promote health and prevent disease. The role is primarily research-focused, with expectations for external funding, scholarly output, and collaboration across disciplines.
Examples of Duties
• Design and conduct independent and collaborative research in nutritional biochemistry, including metabolism of macro- and micronutrients, bioactive compounds, and phytochemicals.
• Develop and evaluate functional food products with targeted health benefits (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, metabolic health) at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.
• Develop and submit competitive grant proposals to federal agencies (e.g., NIH, USDA), foundations, and industry partners.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
• Ph.D. in Food Science with a concentration in Nutritional Biochemistry and experience in Functional Food Product Development
• Demonstrated graduate research experience in nutritional biochemistry and functional food development.
• A desired preference is publications in Peer-reviewed scientific journals and evidence of training in securing extramural funding.
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as chromatography, biochemistry, chemical analysis, physiochemical analysis cell culture, concept and prototype and product development (Subjective and objective testing,.
Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Expertise in nutritional biochemistry especially related to chronic disease prevention, and functional ingredient chemistry.
• Ability to translate laboratory findings into real-world food products and community interventions.
• Record of comprehensive food science skills displayed through projects, publications, internships, presentations etc.
• Concentration/Focus in Food product development and Working knowledge of food chemistry, ingredient technology , consumer and sensory science,
• Collaborate in an interdisciplinary research activity and academic program to promote food science that is self-sustaining; and submit grants for funding.
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 a Ph.D. in Food Science with a concentration in Nutritional Biochemistry and experience in Functional Food Product Development?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have demonstrated graduate research experience in nutritional biochemistry and functional food development?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have familiarity with laboratory techniques such as chromatography, biochemistry, chemical analysis, physiochemical analysis cell culture, concept and prototype and product development? (subjective and objective testing)
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question