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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Romeoville, IL

The University of Chicago

Research Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... assist with the daily technical and project associated duties. The laboratory does basic, pre ... Train and collaborate with incoming graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral fellows ...

Sralab

Research Scientist II

Chicago, IL · On-site

Summary Consistent with the rank of Assistant Professor, the Research Scientist II assists with ... Mentors graduate students in own laboratory along with other mentors. Has Ph.D. students.

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Graduate Research Assistant information

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$6

$19

$31

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Romeoville, IL is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $23.51 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 cities near Romeoville, IL are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Romeoville, IL with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:
Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Romeoville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,988 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Assistant Scientist (RD2)/ Scientist (RD3) - Coherent X-ray Scattering of Geochemical Interfaces

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

$116K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering (CSE) Division at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications from talented and motivated candidates with backgrounds in Physics, Materials Science, Interfacial Chemistry, or Geochemistry. We are seeking an early-career researcher who is excited to advance the understanding of molecular-scale processes governing geochemical reactivity at mineral-water interfaces through the application, use, and development of coherent X-ray scattering techniques. The position will be filled at either the Assistant Scientist or Scientist level, commensurate with the successful candidate's experience and qualifications.

In this role, you will lead and contribute to innovative experimental research usinghigh-brilliance synchrotron radiation. You will design and develop novel experimental apparatus and conceptual approaches, analyze and interpret complex data, and communicate findings throughpeer-reviewed publicationsand presentations atscientific conferences. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and help shape new directions in interfacial and geochemical science.

Position Requirements

  • Ph.D.inPhysics, Materials Science, Interfacial Chemistry, Geochemistry or equivalent in the scientific application of this knowledge and practical laboratory experience

  • Strong knowledge ofcoherent X-ray scatteringand its scientific applications

  • Strong background ininterfacial scienceormaterials science, including relevant experimental methods

  • Experience withsynchrotron-based X-ray scattering techniquesforin situandoperandostudies

  • Proficiency inprogramming and data analysis algorithmsfor experimental interpretation

  • Expertise inwet chemistry, including experimental design and the synthesis ofnanophase minerals

  • Demonstrated ability to conceive, perform, and evaluate innovative research involvingoperando observations

  • Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in amultidisciplinary research environment

  • Excellentoral and written communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team

  • A strong record ofpublicationsand growing recognition in relevant research areas

  • Skill in the use and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and in technical communication

  • Ability to help guide and supervise the work ofstudents and graduate researchers

  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Additional Information

This position may requiretravel to out-of-state synchrotron facilities, as needed to support research activities.

If you are passionate about advancing cutting-edge science in a collaborative national laboratory environment, we encourage you to apply and join us at Argonne.

RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years of experience, Masters and 3+ years, or PhD and 0+ years, or equivalent

The expected hiring range for this position is $94,486 - $147,399 annually

RD3: Bachelors and 8+ years of experience, Masters and 5+ years, PhD and 4+ years, or equivalent

The expected hiring range for this position is $116,250 - $181,350 annually

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Chemistry 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94.

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 as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne 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. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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