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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Needham, MA (NOW HIRING)

Harvard University

Research Assistant III

Cambridge, MA · Hybrid

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division ... This Research Assistant works within the Ramanathan lab, alongside graduate students and ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant III

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$54/hr

Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division ... This Research Assistant works within the Ramanathan lab, alongside graduate students and ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant I

Cambridge, MA

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division ... The research assistant may work on an independent project, but within specific guidelines. Strong ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant I

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$52/hr

Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division ... The research assistant may work on an independent project, but within specific guidelines. Strong ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant I

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division ... Additionally, the employee will assist with other tasks that support the operation of the overall ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant I

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$52/hr

Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division ... Additionally, the employee will assist with other tasks that support the operation of the overall ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant I Lab

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$52/hr

Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division ... Job Summary: Full-time Research Assistant (RA) wanted for an exciting, largescale project in the ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant I Lab

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division ... Job Summary: Full-time Research Assistant (RA) wanted for an exciting, largescale project in the ...

Danaher

Research & Development Graduate Intern

Waltham, MA · On-site

$35 - $38/hr

Collaborate with scientists and engineers on research and development activities. * Assist with ... Laboratory experience through coursework, undergraduate research, graduate research, or internships ...

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Graduate Research Assistant information

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How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Needham, MA is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $25.14 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 job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Needham, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Needham, MA are:

What cities near Needham, MA are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Needham, MA with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:

Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Needham, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,792 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT 2, School of Medicine, Anatomy & Neurobiology

Boston University

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Boston University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Research Assistant will support an NIH-funded research study on the impact of psychosocial stress and cardiorespiratory fitness on brain health and mental health in Black emerging adult college/university students. The role is primarily focused on the organization, processing, and analysis of research data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and readiness for downstream use. Responsibilities include managing and cleaning datasets; performing data entry, validation, and quality checks; maintaining research databases and data repositories; and preparing data for submission to external archives. In addition, the role supports data collection activities, including cardiorespiratory fitness testing, actigraphy data collection and processing, and structured interviews on mental health, trauma history, and perceived discrimination, as well as conducting informed consent and screening. The position also includes providing technical support through equipment maintenance and assisting with outreach and community engagement activities, as needed. The role may also include providing guidance to undergraduate or trainee staff on routine tasks and contributing to the refinement of data processing procedures and protocols in collaboration with the study team. This individual will work closely with the postdoctoral fellow and study team to support day-to-day research activities and ensure high-quality data management and analysis. A background in public health, neuroscience, kinesiology, or related fields is preferred but not required.


Required Skills

Bachelor's and 1-3 years of work experience.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. 


Required Experience

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About Boston University

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Boston University is an international, comprehensive, private research university, committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world. Boston University is committed to generating new knowledge to benefit society. We remain dedicated to our founding principles: that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity, in its tradition and standards of excellence, and in its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world. Boston University comprises a remarkable range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs built on a strong foundation of the liberal arts and sciences. With the support and oversight of the Board of Trustees, the University, through our faculty, continually innovates in education and research to ensure that we meet the needs of students and an ever-changing world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1839

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