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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Rochester, 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 ...

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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Graduate Research Assistant information

See Rochester, MI salary details

$5

$17

$28

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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:

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.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 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

293rd of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Purpose: The purpose of the Postdoctoral Scholar positions is to provide individuals, who have recently (within the past 6 years) completed a doctoral degree, with a full-time program of advanced academic preparation and research training under the guidance of a supervising Faculty Mentor.
Postdoctoral appointments are temporary by nature and are designed to develop the Postdoctoral Scholar/Fellow as an independent scientist and to enhance their professional skills. 
Postdoctoral Scholars are considered to be in training for future faculty teaching/ research positions or for a position suited to their desired career outcomes and recognized for their dual status as trainees and employees.   
Postdoctoral Scholars provide leadership in the design and management of research programs. They additionally assist their Faculty Mentor(s) in designing protocols as well as training and/or supervising technical research staff to complete research projects.  With the assistance of the Faculty Mentor, postdoctoral scholars/fellows write research grants with the goal of obtaining additional research grants.  They conduct independent research that is expected to result in scholarly publications and presentations for research funding at scientific meetings. 
The postdoctoral scholars complete technical laboratory and/or field experimental procedures. They conduct independent research with grant funding they were responsible for obtaining. Postdoctoral scholars /fellows, with permission and supervision of their mentor(s), may also be involved with the training of undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory, which is another key aspect towards their preparation for future academic and non-academic positions.
The title of Postdoctoral Scholar applies to those who are paid a salary by WSU. Their salary is usually charged to a grant or contract secured by their faculty mentor.  This position is time-limited and typically expires after completing
6 years of research training.
Essential Functions: 
Perform scientific techniques or research protocols.  Assist the Principal Investigator in designing and performing protocols. Design and perform experiments. Collect and log research data.  Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines.  Assist other lab members with experiments as required.  May mentor research assistants and students
With the assistance of the mentor, find and write research grants with the goal of obtaining additional research grant funding. Responsibilities may also include coordinating correspondence with applicants and grantees, acknowledging receipts of proposals, and maintaining a system to track proposals.  
Evaluate and perform preliminary analysis of the data using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated.
Prepare and present presentations regarding research project results for professional, scientific and academic conferences.  Summarize and organize data results for submittal to academic and scholarly, peer-reviewed journals.  Write scientific manuscripts and other documents for publication. Fact-check, proofread, and edit research documents to ensure accuracy.
Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required.  Order and organize required research supplies and records.  Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station. 
Perform other related duties as assigned.

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