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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Ridgefield, WA

Assistant Professor

Portland, OR · On-site

$150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Preference will be given to applicants whose research topics and/or methods complement or augment ... graduate courses, as needed. Preferred Qualifications Key Cultural Competencies • Creates an ...

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Graduate Research Assistant information

See Ridgefield, WA salary details

$6

$20

$33

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Ridgefield, WA is $20.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $24.47 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 Ridgefield, WA are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ridgefield, WA with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Ridgefield, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,655 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The Ruhland Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to investigate the role of dendritic cells in skin homeostasis, tissue immunity, and anti-tumor immune responses. Our research focuses on understanding how specialized dendritic cell populations maintain immune balance in healthy skin and how these same cells regulate immunity during tumor development and cancer immunotherapy. We combine cutting-edge approaches in immunology, mouse genetics, tumor models, single-cell analysis, spatial biology, and human tissue studies to uncover mechanisms governing dendritic cell function in health and disease.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment and will have the opportunity to develop innovative research projects at the intersection of tissue immunology and cancer biology. Specific projects will be tailored to the candidate's scientific interests and expertise while addressing fundamental questions related to dendritic cell biology, immune regulation, and anti-tumor immunity.

Function/Duties of Position

The postdoctoral scholar will serve as a scientific leader on assigned projects and will be expected to independently design, execute, analyze, and interpret experiments. The candidate will participate in collaborative studies within the laboratory as well as with researchers across OHSU and the Knight Cancer Institute. Opportunities for career development, scientific networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration are integral components of this position.

  • Design and conduct independent research projects related to dendritic cell function in skin homeostasis and anti-tumor immunity.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data and present findings at laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, and scientific conferences.
  • Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Contribute to the development of fellowship applications and other funding opportunities.
  • Mentor graduate students, research assistants, and undergraduate trainees as appropriate.
  • Stay current with emerging scientific literature and contribute to the intellectual environment of the laboratory.
  • Maintain accurate research records and comply with institutional research standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
  • PhD in related field.
  • Experience independently performing immunological techniques, including multicolor flow cytometry and immune cell phenotyping.

  • Applied expertise in murine models.

  • Applied expertise in dendritic cell immunoassays.
  • Skills in project management, immunology, cancer biology, and flow cytometry.
Preferred Qualifications
  • PhD in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology.

  • Experience with independently setting up and optimizing dendritic cell vaccination protocols.

  • Experience independently executing human dendritic cell differentiation.

  • Advanced microscopy.

  • Immunofluorescence staining and imaging analysis.
Additional Details

Work is generally 40 hours per week during normal working hours, however, evening and weekend work will be necessary. Additional safety training may be required to work with cell lines/ infectious bacteria or viruses/ working with in a BSL-2 environment/working with research animals.

Benefits 

  • Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
  • $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
  • Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
  • Paid time off - 208 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
  • Extended illness bank - 64 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
  • 9 paid holidays per year.
  • Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Childcare service discounts.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Employee discounts to local and major businesses.
Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887