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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MI

Jobot

Attorney, Labor & Employment

Detroit, MI

$150K - $250K/yr

Conduct thorough and high-quality legal research Assist with all areas of discovery including, but ... be a graduate of an accredited law school Admitted to the Michigan State Bar, or eligible to ...

Oakland University

Assistant Professor

Rochester, MI · On-site

... research. The candidate should be able to teach and develop courses in robotics related subjects at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. An earned doctorate in Mechanical or a closely related ...

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Clinical Research Associate

Detroit, MI

Document site progress and escalate risks or issues to the clinical team * Assist in tracking site ... A graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or equivalent, or a qualified RN * Eligible to ...

ICON

Clinical Research Associate

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

Document site progress and escalate risks or issues to the clinical team * Assist in tracking site ... A graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or equivalent, or a qualified RN * Eligible to ...

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All JobsGraduate Research JobsGraduate Research Assistant JobsGraduate Research Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MI

Graduate Research Assistant information

See Rochester, MI salary details

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How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Rochester, MI is $17.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $21.25 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 job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Rochester, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Rochester, MI are:
What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, MI with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:
Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Rochester, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,002 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Research Technician I (Temporary) - Department of Physiology

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 8 days ago

Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

288th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Research Technician I (Temporary) - Department of Physiology
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Technician I (Temporary) - Department of Physiology at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
The Research Technician I will provide technical support for laboratory research focused on genetically engineered mouse models and molecular biology. Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate will participate in mouse colony management, perform routine molecular biology experiments, maintain laboratory operations, and support ongoing research projects. This position is ideal for a motivated individual seeking hands-on research experience in a collaborative academic laboratory.
Essential Responsibilities:
    • Maintain transgenic and knockout mouse colonies, including breeding, weaning, ear tagging, tissue collection, genotyping, and colony record management.
      • Perform routine molecular biology techniques including genomic DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, plasmid preparation, molecular cloning, and related laboratory procedures.
      • Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, media, and other research materials. Sterilize equipment and supplies using established laboratory procedures.
      • Maintain laboratory inventory by organizing supplies, monitoring stock levels, ordering reagents, and maintaining laboratory equipment.
      • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in accordance with institutional biosafety, chemical safety, and animal care (IACUC) guidelines.
      • Assist with research experiments by preparing samples, collecting and organizing data, maintaining accurate laboratory records, and documenting experimental procedures.
      • Assist in organizing experimental results and preparing figures, tables, and summaries for laboratory meetings, manuscripts, grant applications, and scientific presentations.
      • Collaborate effectively with the Principal Investigator and other laboratory members to support ongoing research activities.
    • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Unique duties:
The successful candidate will join a collaborative research team investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer biology using genetically engineered mouse models and molecular approaches. This position offers extensive opportunities to develop technical expertise in mouse genetics, molecular biology, and experimental research while working closely with experienced scientists in an academic research environment. This position is particularly well suited for recent graduates seeking one to three years of full-time research experience before pursuing graduate or professional training.
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
Experience:
Previous laboratory experience obtained through undergraduate research, internships, laboratory courses, or employment is preferred but not required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
      • Ability to work independently following training while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative research team.
      • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
      • Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and follow established experimental protocols.
      • Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
      • Commitment to scientific integrity, reproducibility, and laboratory safety.
      • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; experience with Excel for data organization is preferred.
    • Willingness to learn new experimental techniques and contribute to a dynamic research environment.

Preferred qualifications:
Experience with one or more of the following is desirable: Laboratory mouse handling and colony management Mouse genotyping DNA/RNA extraction PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis Plasmid preparation and molecular cloning Preparation of laboratory reagents and buffers Sterile laboratory techniques Laboratory inventory management
School/College/Division:
H06 - School of Medicine
Primary department:
H0606 - Physiology
Employment type:
  • Temporary Employee
  • Job type: Fractional Time
  • Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Hourly Wage
Working conditions:
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
  • Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

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