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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Research Assistant

Claremont, CA ยท On-site

$18.90/hr

Research Assistant Position Overview: This position will perform experiments and AI modeling for ... Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the ...

Graduate Assistant

Claremont, CA ยท On-site

$22/hr

Graduate Assistant ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE: Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is ... research and leadership opportunities. Pomona is a member of The Claremont Colleges. JOB PURPOSE:

Graduate Assistant

Claremont, CA ยท On-site

$22/hr

Graduate Assistant ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE: Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is ... research and leadership opportunities. Pomona is a member of The Claremont Colleges. JOB PURPOSE:

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Graduate Research Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$6

$20

$32

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Riverside, CA is $20.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $24.09 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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Riverside, CA are:
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What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA 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 $41,939 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Graduate Student Research Assistant - Aerospace - #721870615

CAL POLY POMONA FOUNDATION

Pomona, CA โ€ข On-site

$20/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description
Cal Poly Pomona Foundation Employment Services
ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
JOB POSITION: Graduate Research Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Aerospace
DATE Available: Immediately
ABOUT US: As the largest employer of students on the Cal Poly Pomona campus, the Foundation offers valuable work experience and hands-on training to approximately 1,500 Cal Poly Pomona students each year. The Foundation offers positions in various fields; whether it is in the area of technology, science, retail, culinary arts, hospitality 1500 management, leadership or research grants, this student employees participate in Cal Poly Pomona's learn-by-doing philosophy and acquire practical skills in their designated field of study.
The Foundation also contributes operating support to nearly 1,100 Foundation and scholarship programs every year, including Bronco Athletics and the Norman J. Priest Scholarship. In addition, the Foundation administers grants and contracts, contributes to campus security, and supports several university publications. The Foundation contributes over $1 million annually to Cal Poly Pomona.
SUMMARY: The Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises is currently searching for two Part-Time Graduate Research Assistants for a structural vibration experimental and numerical project under the supervision of Dr. Zahra Sotoudeh.
SOME OF THE THINGS THAT YOU WILL GET TO DO (this is just a small sampling of work variety):
  • Use ANSYS for structural analysis, experimental structural analysis, and machine learning.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must be a current Cal Poly Pomona either in undergraduate or graduate level

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Familiarity with ANSYS
  • Passed a Vibration course
  • Hands-on experience and willingness to learn experimental structural analysis

CSU along with Cal Poly Pomona Foundation require faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare an exemption from doing so. The systemwide policy can be found at COVID-19 Vaccination Interim Policy and any questions may be sent to fdnhr@cpp.edu
Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc. may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.