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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Research Assistant information

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$6

$19

$31

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Reno, NV is $19.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $23.03 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.
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What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

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Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,082 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Graduate Research Assistant

Desert Research Institute (DRI)

Reno, NV • On-site

$2.4K/mo

Part-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute.  We want your  application process to go smoothly and quickly.  We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:

  • Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.
  • Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.
  • Please see the application instructions under each posting for information on submittal deadlines.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or recruit@dri.edu.

Job Description

This position is for an identified direct hire. The Desert Research Institute (DRI; www.dri.edu) in Reno, NV, in partnership with the graduate programs at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR) and/or University of Nevada Las Vegas, invite applications for graduate studies (Master's or PhD program. DRI offers graduate research assistantships to work on DRI's campus in a research-related position while completing graduate studies. Graduate research assistants (GRA's) gain the experience of working alongside DRI faculty members on cutting edge research. These joint positions are based at DRI, but coursework, academic advisement and degrees are provided by the University where the individual is enrolled. GRA's work 50% time during the academic year, with the option to work more during summer break.

Required Qualifications

  • Acceptance into UNR's Master's or Ph.D. granting program and registered for a minimum of six graduate credits per semester

  • Ability to work independently and must enjoy interdisciplinary research

  • Strong oral and written English communication skills

  • Other qualifications may vary based on division and position

Conditions of Employment

  • All positions are contingent upon available funding from your DRI advisor's research projects and may be terminated for lack of funding or performance.

Compensation/Benefits

DRI offers a competitive support package, which includes a minimum monthly stipend of $2400 for both MS and PhD students and access to student health services. A grant-in-aid waiver covers about 100% of tuition/per credit costs. Assistantships are 20 hours a week.

Exempt

Yes

Full-Time Equivalent 

50.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please upload the following documents in the specified section:

  • A current curriculum vitae

For more detailed information about DRI and DRI faculty, research projects, and publications, please visit us at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please call the recruiting office at 775-673-7332.

Posting Close Date

Note to Applicant

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.  

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission.

Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment.  Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.

This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).

All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.

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