ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

NCIRE

Staff Research Associate III

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Maintain a detailed written record of work performed * Assist with the composition of grant ... Rigorous basic and translational research experience/training during graduate/research training.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGraduate Research JobsGraduate Research Assistant JobsGraduate Research Assistant Jobs in Novato, CA

Graduate Research Assistant information

See Novato, CA salary details

$7

$22

$36

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Novato, CA is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $27.12 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 Novato, CA are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Novato, CA with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:

Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Novato, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,197 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Assistant Professional Researcher - Okada lab

University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Application Window
Open date: August 11, 2026
Most recent review date: Wednesday, Aug 26, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Friday, Feb 11, 2028 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Assistant Professional Researcher - Okada lab
The Okada lab in the Department of Neurological Surgery at UCSF seeks a highly motivated Assistant Professional Researcher to provide scientific leadership in the development and implementation of innovative research programs advancing therapies for malignant brain tumors. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with faculty, trainees, and national and international research partners to accelerate the translation of discoveries in brain tumor immunotherapy into improved patient care.
The primary objective of this position is to advance breakthrough therapeutic strategies for brain tumors through integrated studies of tumor immunology, genetics, epigenetics, and mechanisms of treatment resistance. The incumbent will provide scientific leadership within multidisciplinary, grant-funded research programs, identify actionable therapeutic vulnerabilities, and develop innovative therapeutic approaches. This position serves as a senior scientific collaborator, contributing to strategic planning, project management, experimental design, data interpretation, and research program development across multiple concurrent initiatives.
The Professional Researcher will work closely with faculty and staff across UCSF to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, while playing a leading role in large national and international research consortia. The incumbent will also mentor graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and research staff, providing scientific guidance, technical training, and oversight of laboratory and computational research activities.
Essential Responsibilities:
Specific job expectations include, but are not limited to:
  1. Provide scientific leadership and project management for funded collaborative research programs focused on brain tumor immunology, metabolism, and immunotherapy.
  2. Participate in weekly one-on-one meetings with the PI, weekly laboratory meetings, and project-specific meetings, except when laboratory responsibilities require otherwise.
  3. Train and mentor new laboratory members in laboratory safety, cell culture techniques, specimen processing, spectral flow cytometry, bioinformatics, data management, data security, and other laboratory methodologies as needed. Provide ongoing feedback, evaluate trainee progress, and communicate progress to the PI.
  4. Promote a culture of scientific rigor, laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, and research integrity, serving as a role model and resource for laboratory personnel.
  5. Coordinate multiple collaborative projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of milestones, accurate documentation, and effective communication among collaborators.
  6. Work flexible hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays, as needed to accommodate time-sensitive experiments or the processing of clinical specimens.

Required Qualifications:
  • MD, PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree.
  • Clinical experience or a strong understanding of the clinical management of patients with malignant brain tumors, including neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, and contemporary molecular neuropathology.
  • Demonstrated expertise in cancer biology and cancer immunology, including immunotherapeutic approaches.
  • Extensive knowledge of genetics and epigenetics, including experimental design, execution, data analysis, interpretation, and scientific reporting.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and analyze experiments using: 1) spectral flow cytometry; 2) real-time cell killing assays; 3) CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing; 4) PCR/qPCR; and 5) relevant preclinical experimental models.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, operate, troubleshoot, and analyze high-throughput sequencing studies, including 1) bulk RNA-seq; 2) single-cell RNA-seq (including GEX/VDJ); 3) single-cell ATAC-seq; 4) single-cell spatial transcriptomics; 5) long-read sequencing technologies.
  • Proficiency in computational biology and scientific programming (R and/or Python) within Linux-based high-performance computing environments.
  • Experience with version control and collaborative coding platforms (e.g., GitHub).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MD/PhD is preferred.
  • Board certification (U.S. or international) preferred.
  • Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding through grants or research awards.
  • Strong publication record demonstrating sustained research productivity in the relevant research field.
  • At least 5 years of experience supervising, mentoring, and training scientists in an academic research laboratory.

Candidates must meet all required qualifications at the time of application, and application materials must clearly document how these qualifications are met.
See Table 13B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $96,700 - $126,400.
Click here to apply .
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
  • Cover Letter (Optional)
  • Statement of Research (Optional)
  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Job location
San Francisco, CA

What University Of California San Francisco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply