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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Topeka, KS (NOW HIRING)

University of Kansas

Assistant Researcher

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$41K - $45K/yr

This component of the position will include involvement in all phases of execution of research ... graduate program and/or fellowships to support the next career stage; or identifying and ...

University of Kansas

Assistant Researcher

Lawrence, KS · On-site

Share expertise and contribute to a collaborative and dynamic research environment. * Other duties as assigned by the supervisor. ,A full-time Assistant Researcher position is immediately available ...

University of Kansas

Research Associate

Lawrence, KS · On-site +1

Supervising graduate research assistants. 25% - Collaborate with other functional teams to develop high-quality, accessible, map-based educational materials to support teaching and learning of ...

University of Kansas

Postdoctoral Fellow

Lawrence, KS · Hybrid

$46K - $62K/yr

Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate research assistants, including co-leading and leading assessment team meetings. * Train students and staff in structured clinical interview ...

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Graduate Research Assistant information

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How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Topeka, KS is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $21.73 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 Topeka, KS look for?

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What cities near Topeka, KS are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

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Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Topeka, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,832 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Assistant Researcher

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS • On-site

$41K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

University Of Kansas rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

50% - Contribute to General Laboratory Support Functions
  • This component of the position will include a wide range of activities that sustain the basic functioning of our laboratory, such as: purchasing and receiving supplies, coordinating shipments of samples, installing and setting up equipment, performing routine maintenance and minor repairs on instruments, assisting with environmental health and safety compliance, and contributing to laboratory recordkeeping.
40% - Provide Technical Research Support to Individual Projects
  • This component of the position will include involvement in all phases of execution of research projects, such as: plant propagation under controlled conditions and/or collection of plant samples in the field; characterization of environmental conditions in the lab and/or field; characterization of photosynthetic performance at the chloroplast, leaf, plant, or ecosystem level; characterization of photosynthetic pigments and proteins, at corresponding scales; maintenance of detailed project records; and analysis, visualization, and communication of research results.
10% - Engage in Professional Development Activities
  • This position includes protected time that is to be dedicated to an individual's educational and/or career development. The specific focus will depend on the individual, but may include activities such as: identifying and applying to graduate program and/or fellowships to support the next career stage; or identifying and participating in supplemental training activities to build specific skills/abilities relevant to the current career stage.
,The Johnson lab within the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas is recruiting 1-2 candidates to fill Assistant Researcher positions supporting research in plant ecophysiology. The Johnson lab focuses on questions related to photosynthesis and respiration, ranging from how these processes work at a molecular level to how to monitor their aggregate global activity. We develop new instrumentation and methods, conduct both laboratory- and field-based studies, and use mathematical modeling for synthesis.
The responsibilities for this position combine (1) general laboratory support, ranging from purchasing, to maintenance of instruments and equipment, to recordkeeping, and (2) technical research support, including both independent and collaborative execution of experiments. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in plant ecophysiology; enthusiasm for learning new techniques for environmental, ecophysiological, and biochemical measurements; and the problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills required to successfully execute research projects.
The initial appointment will be for a period of one year, with the possibility for renewal depending on performance and funding. This is a regular unclassified professional staff position with a salary range of $41,800 to $45,800, depending on qualifications, and comprehensive benefits. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who has recently completed a BA or BS degree and is interested in gaining basic research experience in an exciting area that has many practical applications to social, economic, and environmental issues. This position requires the ability and enthusiasm for periodic regional, national, and international travel to collaborating laboratories and/or to field sites in support of research projects.

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