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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Manchester, CT

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Graduate Research Assistant information

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How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Manchester, CT is $19.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $23.32 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 job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Manchester, CT look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Manchester, CT are:

What cities near Manchester, CT are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Manchester, CT with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Manchester, CT 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 $40,601 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Research Assistant 2 or 3 (Technician)

University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


University Of Connecticut rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Assistant 2 or 3 (Technician)
Search #: 499571
Work type: Full-time
Location: UConn Storrs
Categories: Research
JOB SUMMARY
The R. O'Neill lab and the J. Wegrzyn lab, both in the Institute for Systems Genomics at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, are looking for two Research Assistants to join our teams of scientists, at either the Research Assistant 2 or 3 level. The labs specialize in broad genomic applications, with a focus on data generation for assessing genome integrity and performing genome assembly, annotation and comparative genomics. Our goal is to sequence endangered species across a broad range of taxonomic groups, including mammals (eutherian, prototherian, and metatherian), birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and plants, providing telomere-to-telomere genomes for comparative analyses.
The primary role of the positions will focus on both short- and long-read data generation across multiple sequencing platforms (ONT, PacBio, Illumina) and broad sequencing applications (whole genome shotgun, targeted sequencing, Omni-C/Hi-C, CUT&RUN, and new protocols developed in our research programs. Extensive knowledge and practical experience in high molecular weight DNA extractions and ultra-long ONT sequencing is preferred.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Isolate nucleic acids from a variety of sample types, including tissues, blood, and cell cultures
  • Perform next generation sequencing applications
  • QC and library preparation
  • Run standard and UL Oxford Nanopore Technologies flow cells
  • Manage sequencing data in a HPC environment
  • Assess sequence quality metrics
  • Support training new students
  • Oversee sample processing and data production
  • Assist in general laboratory management
  • Independently perform and modify established methods
  • Maintain positive working relationships with other staff, faculty and students
  • Demonstrate and practice lab safety precautions
  • Attend annual safety courses required by UConn and other agencies
  • Maintain accurate records for protocols, samples, and data reporting
  • Follow manufacturer's guidelines regarding the handling and maintenance of all lab equipment
  • Maintain working knowledge of equipment operation manuals and procedure manuals
  • Facilitate the documentation of and reporting to collaborators regarding research efforts; facilitate progress reports, manuscript submissions and grants preparation

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  1. RA 2 only: Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or a related area of study and two to three years of relevant post-degree experience; OR Master's degree in molecular biology or a related area of study and up to one year of relevant post-degree experience.
  2. RA 3 only: Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or a related area of study and four to five years of relevant post-degree experience; OR Master's degree in molecular biology or a related area of study and two to four years of relevant post-degree experience.
  3. Both levels: Experience analyzing, interpreting, and troubleshooting experiments independently and with colleagues.
  4. Both levels: Demonstrated experience communicating in a professional environment in written and oral format.
  5. Both levels: Experience with NGS library preparation and/or sequencing.
  6. Both levels: Experience with other NGS and library preparation methods.
  7. Both levels: Demonstrated experience with the practices and principles of NGS.
  8. Both levels: Demonstrated organizational skills, including accuracy and attention to detail while performing a high volume of work.
  9. Both levels: Demonstrated laboratory and instrumentation skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  1. Both levels: Experience in a multi-disciplinary research environment.
  2. Both levels: Experience with bioinformatic analytical tools and genome assembly.
  3. Both levels: Experience with nuclei preparation from frozen cells/tissue.
  4. Both levels: Experience with genomics data analysis/computational pipelines/bioinformatics.

APPOINTMENT TERMS
These are full-time, 12-month, end-dated positions, subject to renewal based on funding and performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/.
Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors UConn Chapter (AAUP).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499571 and submit the following application materials: resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
The review of applications is anticipated to begin in June 26, and the position will be posted until filled.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee's unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.
Advertised: Jun 29 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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