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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Post-graduate experience in a research coordinator, research assistant, or equivalent position . * Proficiency with Microsoft Office. * Independent analytical ability sufficient to accurately utilize ...

... the graduate and undergraduate levels. The University of Maryland College Park is an ... as an Assistant Professor on the professional research track in the School of Public Health ...

Research Project Coordinator

Towson, MD ยท On-site

$20.95 - $31.45/hr

Post-graduate experience in a research coordinator, research assistant, or equivalent position . * Proficiency with Microsoft Office. * Independent analytical ability sufficient to accurately utilize ...

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Graduate Research Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$6

$19

$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 Silver Spring, MD is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $23.85 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 are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Research jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,557 per year, or $20 per hour.

Research Assistant - Market Shaping Accelerator

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Center for Global Development
Social Sciences and Humanities Researchย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

The Center for Global Development (CGD) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organization in Washington, DC, and London, UK that focuses on the issues and institutions that are critical to inclusive development. Through rigorous empirical research and active engagement with the global policy community, CGD focuses on the intersections between the policy and financial priorities of low- and middle-income countries and the governments, institutions, and corporations that can be partners in delivering greater progress.
Founded by Rachel Glennerster, Michael Kremer and Christopher Snyder, the Market Shaping Accelerator (MSA), housed at CGD, aims to catalyze the development of advance market commitments and other market shaping mechanisms to incentivize innovations addressing pressing global challenges including in the areas of global health, pandemic preparedness, climate, AI safety, and drug repurposing. Information on MSA’s current projects can be found on our focus areas webpage. We focus on driving innovation in areas of large social value but incommensurate commercial return in both low- and high-income country settings by identifying promising opportunities, developing high-impact proposals, and engaging with policymakers and funders. 
MSA is hiring for a Research Assistant position based in Washington D.C. The Research Assistant will work with Professor Christopher Snyder of Dartmouth, Professor Rachel Glennerster of the University of Chicago and the Center for Global Development, and other colleagues at the Market Shaping Accelerator to support the development and adoption of high-impact market-shaping proposals designed to incentivize innovations addressing climate change, pandemic threats, global health challenges, and other pressing global problems.
This position offers excellent preparation for graduate study or a future policy career. Our Research Assistants engage with leading scholars and policymakers and contribute directly to the design of market shaping proposals. We expect our Research Assistants to support key workstreams and advance our policy work, not simply conduct isolated analysis. Previous Research Assistants have been admitted to economics Ph.D. programs at Harvard University, Harvard Business School, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Economic appraisal and quantitative modeling of market-shaping proposals (40%)
    • Benefit-cost analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis
    • Estimating the potential benefits of innovation, size of potential markets and cost of market shaping incentives.
    • Microeconomic modeling and related quantitative analysis 
    • Modeling and data analysis in Stata, R, Python, and/or MATLAB
  • Policy and sector analysis related to climate change, global health, and pandemic preparedness (25%) and other global challenges
    • Writing and revising drafts for policymakers and economists
    • Analysis of opportunities in specific sectors. This includes analysis of market dynamics, market structure, regulatory environment and implementation challenges. 
  • Desk research to identify promising candidate problems for market-shaping interventions (25%)
  • Communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders (10%)

Required Qualifications:
 
  • Bachelor’s degree in economics or a related field including coursework in intermediate microeconomics and multivariable calculus or equivalent. 
  • Strong quantitative skills and experience with empirical research methods and/or microeconomic modeling
  • Programming experience in at least one relevant language, such as Stata, R, Python, or MATLAB
  • Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and stay organized in a fast-moving research environment
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced quantitative preparation beyond the minimum requirements. This could include, for example, linear algebra, probability, statistics and econometrics, real analysis, ordinary differential equations, advanced microeconomics etc. 
  • Demonstrated interest in climate change, pandemic preparedness, global health, or related policy areas
Working Conditions
  • Some domestic and possibly international travel may be required.

Application Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)
  • Writing Sample (required)
  • Transcripts (required)
  • Professional References Contact Information (3) (required)

Closing date: October 15 at 11:59 pm ET. We may have an additional hiring round in early 2027 
Salary range: $54,500 - $60,000. Pay commensurate with education, skillset, and experience. 
We manually review applications; no AI or automated filters are used to screen candidates. 
The organization is working in a hybrid environment with all staff required to be in the office at least three days per week. CGD is registered to employ staff living in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Candidates must be able to declare a primary residence in one of these 3 locations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document upon hire. CGD is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.
Read about CGD’s benefits package here.
 

CGD/E is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and celebrates fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work environment. All persons will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, parental status, veteran status, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age or sexual orientation.

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