ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY

Fermilab

Graduate Research Assistant

Batavia, NY

$20 - $35/hr

About the Role Fermilab is seeking motivated and enthusiastic Graduate Research Assistant to join our team for a temporary seasonal employment opportunity. Summer Students provide administrative ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

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

Graduate Research Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$6

$19

$30

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Rochester, NY is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $22.79 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 popular job titles related to Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:

Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,664 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Graduate Research Assistant

Fermilab

Batavia, NY

$20 - $35/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Fermilab rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is:

$20.00-$35.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About the Role
Fermilab is seeking motivated and enthusiastic Graduate Research Assistant to join our team for a temporary seasonal employment opportunity. Summer Students provide administrative, technical, or service support across a variety of laboratory divisions, support groups, and administrative functions. These assignments are designed to assist with seasonal workload demands, special projects, and operational needs while providing students with valuable, hands-on experience in a world-class scientific and research environment.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop professional skills, gain practical work experience, and contribute to meaningful projects that support Fermilab's mission.

What Your Day-to-Day as a Graduate Research Assistant at Fermilab Will Look Like:

  • Perform administrative, technical, or service-related duties within an assigned department or support group.

  • Assist with temporary projects and seasonal initiatives as directed by the supervisor.

  • Support daily operations during periods of increased workload or employee absences.

  • Complete assigned tasks accurately, efficiently, and within established deadlines.

  • Collaborate effectively with team members and other laboratory personnel.

  • Follow established procedures, policies, and work practices applicable to the assigned area.

  • Perform additional duties and special projects assigned by the supervisor.

  • Adhere to all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulations, policies, and practices applicable to the position.

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Relevant education, coursework, or experience applicable to the assigned department, function, or support group is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Basic knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures related to the assigned work area.

  • Ability to learn new tasks and adapt to changing priorities.

  • Strong organizational and time management skills.

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently with supervision and as part of a collaborative team.

  • Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to quality work.

  • Basic computer proficiency is appropriate for the assigned role.

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

  • Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia Office.

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Pre-Employment Screening:


Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

HSPD-12

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

What Fermilab employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply