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

... quality research mentorship to trainees in the Department of Psychiatry, including medical students, residents, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty. Primary ...

... quality research mentorship to trainees in the Department of Psychiatry, including medical students, residents, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty. Primary ...

... quality research mentorship to trainees in the Department of Psychiatry, including medical students, residents, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty. Primary ...

... research mentorship to trainees in the Department of Psychiatry, including medical students, residents, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty. The faculty member will also ...

Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. * Assist in the ... Train, mentor, and supervise graduate and undergraduate students in molecular biology, plant ...

Research Technician I

Durham, NC · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

The Conejo-Garcia laboratory at Duke University is seeking a motivated recent graduate for the ... assist in the development of new research procedures and techniques, in coordination with other ...

Research Technician I

Durham, NC · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

The Conejo-Garcia laboratory at Duke University is seeking a motivated recent graduate for the ... assist in the development of new research procedures and techniques, in coordination with other ...

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Research Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$6

$18

$30

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Raleigh, NC is $18.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $22.45 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,077 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Department Psychiatry - Research - 412250 Posting Open Date 07/06/2026 Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes Position Type Permanent Faculty Working Title Open Rank Appointment Type Open Rank Vacancy ID FAC0006010 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Permanent Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Dependent on Experience and Qualifications Proposed Start Date 10/05/2026
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.
Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
Education: We prepare tomorrow's healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.
Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.
Position Summary
The UNC Department of Psychiatry at the UNC School of Medicine is seeking an exceptional scientist for a full-time, tenure-track faculty researcher focused on the neural and molecular mechanisms of geriatric mental health disorders, cognitive aging, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. The Department of Psychiatry provides an outstanding environment for translational neuroscience, basic and clinical research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and career development. Under the new Chair, Dr. Warren Taylor, the Department of Psychiatry is growing its clinical and research expertise in geriatric mental health and strengthening ties between the Department and the UNC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.
This new faculty member will lead an innovative research program investigating mechanisms underlying geriatric mental health disorders, cognitive aging and AD vulnerability, with a particular emphasis on longitudinal course, depression and anxiety, neural circuitry, and molecular biomarkers. The successful candidate will develop an independent program of externally funded research; contribute to collaborative initiatives within Psychiatry, Neurology, Neuroscience, and the broader UNC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center; and leverage multimodal methodologies such as neuroimaging, molecular assays, and ecological data. Ideally, the candidate will serve as a resource for other investigators in the Department on computational psychiatry approaches.
In addition to developing a robust independent research program, the faculty member will also provide high-quality research mentorship to trainees in the Department of Psychiatry, including medical students, residents, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty. Primary responsibilities include designing and executing research studies; building team science collaborations; conducting data analysis; disseminating results; publishing in high-impact scientific journals; and securing extramural grant funding. This position represents a critical investment in UNC's strategic vision to transform research and care for older adults, improve mental health outcomes in later life, and reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease through precision neuroscience.
The UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of research excellence partnered with expert clinical care. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians, and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service.
OUR VISION
The vision of UNC is to be the nation's leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
  • PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Psychology, Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.
  • Evidence of research excellence and productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and a strong record of scholarship.
  • Demonstrated expertise in neuroimaging, cognitive aging, geriatric mental health disorders, Alzheimer's disease mechanisms, or related neural circuitry processes.
  • Evidence of potential to obtain and sustain extramural research funding.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills and commitment to interdisciplinary, collaborative science.
  • Commitment to mentorship and to fostering inclusive excellence in research training.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
  • Postdoctoral training in geriatric mental health, neuroimaging, cognitive aging, or Alzheimer's disease research. Expertise in computational neuroscience is of particular interest.
  • Demonstrated success with independent or collaborative grant funding (e.g., NIH K/R mechanisms, foundation funding).
  • Experience conducting research on aging, clinical neuroscience, or biomarkers relevant to geriatric mental health or Alzheimer's risk.
  • Experience mentoring students, fellows, or junior investigators.
  • Ability to contribute to the department's growing precision-medicine, computational psychiatry, and neuroscience initiatives.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/321737
Department Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Ammie Senn, HR Consultant Department Contact Telephone or Email ammie_senn@med.unc.edu Academic Personnel Office Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.
Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status. 
If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789