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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Saco, ME (NOW HIRING)

Sage

Corporate Communications Intern

Portland, ME · On-site

Conduct research that will bring new insights to communications, including research on industry ... Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited college or university.

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Graduate Research Assistant information

See Saco, ME salary details

$6

$20

$32

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Saco, ME is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $24.18 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 cities near Saco, ME are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Saco, ME with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:

Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Saco, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,091 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Research Analyst II - Substance Use Research and Evaluation Team (SURE)

Maine's Public Universities

Portland, ME • On-site

$55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The Catherine Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine is seeking a Research Analyst II to work with the Substance Use Research and Evaluation Team (SURE).   

The Research Analyst II works with the Substance Use Research and Evaluation Team (SURE) to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use and behavioral health challenges. The Research Analyst II works in a team environment and supports the implementation of technical assistance, research, and evaluation activities across a portfolio of projects. Job duties include participating in study design, data collection, data management, qualitative and quantitative analysis, reporting, and dissemination activities as well as supporting project management components necessary for a variety of research activities. The Research Analyst II exercises professional judgment in selecting and applying research methods, contributes to project planning and proposal development, and serves as a liaison with external partners and stakeholders.

The position regularly develops research protocols and data collection instruments, analyzes and interprets findings, prepares reports and presentations for diverse audiences, and contributes to grant writing activities. The Research Analyst II works collaboratively with the Principal Investigator and Project Director while independently carrying out project responsibilities and providing guidance to research assistants, students, and other project staff as appropriate.

This is a grant funded position with a starting annual salary up to $55,000.  This is an in person, full-time position located on our Portland Campus.   

The University of Southern Maine offers highly competitive benefits for full-time and eligible part-time employees that includes (but is not limited to):

  • 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation time and sick time.
  • Health, dental and vision insurance.
  • Low-cost short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
  • Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance.
  • A tuition waiver program for employees and their spouse or dependent child(ren).
  • A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution.
  • Free access to the METRO system, including the Husky Line with service between our Portland and Gorham campuses.

To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary.  

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.  USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University. 

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement.  We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness. 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and five years relevant experience or Master's degree and one year relevant experience.
  • Knowledge and understanding of U.S. health care system, health policy and/or public health.
  • Demonstrated project management skills.
  • Demonstrated competence in the use of Microsoft software applications.
  • Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative analysis skills.
  • Demonstrated organizational, work management, and group process skills, ability to take initiative to identify and propose new tasks and procedures.
  • Communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Knowledge of rules governing confidential data and requirements of the University IRB processes.

To apply, click on the 'Apply Now' button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of the names and contact information for references. 

For full consideration please submit all required materials by August 23, 2026. 

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. View the University's Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.

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