ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Waterloo, IA

U.S. Navy

DESIGN & COMMUNICATION MANAGER

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Conduct research and identify target audiences, analyze data and provide feedback to leadership ... Conduct ship and base tours for high−profile individuals and foreign dignitaries * Assist and ...

IDEX Corporation

CNC Programmer

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$24.75 - $33.75/hr

Whether you're an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX ... Conduct special studies, assist with capital research, serve on special teams, and provide support ...

IDEX Corporation

CNC Programmer

Cedar Falls, IA

$24.75 - $33.75/hr

Whether you're an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX ... Conduct special studies, assist with capital research, serve on special teams, and provide support ...

IDEX

CNC Programmer

Cedar Falls, IA

$24.75 - $33.75/hr

Whether you're an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX ... Conduct special studies, assist with capital research, serve on special teams, and provide support ...

All JobsGraduate Research JobsGraduate Research Assistant JobsGraduate Research Assistant Jobs in Waterloo, IA

Graduate Research Assistant information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$5

$17

$28

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Waterloo, IA is $17.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $21.39 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.

How much do GTAs get paid?

Graduate Research Assistants (GTAs) typically receive stipends that range from $10,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the institution, field of study, and location. In addition to stipends, they often receive tuition waivers or stipends for teaching or research duties performed during the academic year or summer.

What are some common challenges faced by Graduate Research Assistants 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.

Can you be a research assistant after graduation?

A graduate research assistant position is typically tied to ongoing academic projects and may require enrollment in a graduate program. After graduation, individuals can often transition to research roles in industry or pursue postdoctoral positions, but the specific title of 'research assistant' is less common outside academic settings. Skills such as data analysis, laboratory techniques, and familiarity with research tools remain valuable in related roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Research Assistant, and why are they important?

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.

How hard is it to get a graduate assistantship?

Securing a graduate research assistantship typically depends on academic performance, relevant skills, and research experience. Competitive applicants often have strong GPAs, relevant coursework, and demonstrate research or technical abilities. The application process may include interviews and requires a proactive approach to faculty research opportunities.

What are Graduate Research Assistants?

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 do graduate research assistants do?

Graduate research assistants support 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 tools like statistical software and research methodologies, and may assist with grant writing or project management.
More about Graduate Research Assistant jobs
What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Waterloo, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,285 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Graduate Assistant Health and Human Performance (Sports Science; Part-time)

Wartburg College

Waverly, IA • On-site

$34K - $44K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Wartburg College
Title of Position - Graduate Assistant Health and Human Performance (Sports Science; Part-time)
Wartburg College is dedicated to challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning. Founded in 1852, Wartburg College is a selective liberal arts college internationally recognized for its community engagement and academic excellence.
The institution is at an exciting moment as it embarks upon "Our Brightest Days: Realizing Purpose, Leading Change," the College's new strategic plan. As indicated in the newly adopted vision statement, "Wartburg College is called to be the leading institution in education of the whole person. Together, we create an inclusive community combining diverse curricular and co- curricular experiences to prepare students to be resilient leaders of positive change through service in a complex world."
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Human Performance Support & Coaching
  • Assist the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach in the design and implementation of training programs for various athletic teams.
  • Provide direct supervision of the weight room to ensure student-athlete safety, proper technique, and adherence to program protocols.
  • Assist in the administration of physiological and performance testing (e.g., force plates, GPS tracking, heart rate variability, or velocity-based training).

2. Data Management & Analysis
  • Lead the daily collection and cleaning of performance data.
  • Create visualization reports (dashboards) for the Director and Coaching staff to track athlete readiness, fatigue, and long-term development.
  • Assist the Program Director in gathering data for internal research or program-wide performance audits.

3. Administrative & Academic Support
  • Manage scheduling for the performance facility and assist with the maintenance and calibration of sport science equipment.
  • Serve as a peer-leader for undergraduate interns or student workers within the health and human performance department.
  • Assist the graduate studies faculty and staff with recruitment and outreach events.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Requires a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Data Science, Statistics, or related field.
  • Must be enrolled in the prescribed MS in Sport Science courses each term.
  • Requires relevant experience with data software (e.g., excel, R, SPSS, JASP, Python) and familiarity with common human performance technologies.
  • Possession of (or immediate plan to sit for) a nationally recognized certification such as the NSCA-CSCS (other certifications will be considered).
  • Requires clear communication skills and desire to work with college-age students.
  • Candidate must have excellent project management skills, including flexibility, problem solving and leadership development skills.
  • Must maintain an overall grade point average of 3.00 while in the GA program.
  • Must meet the eligibility requirements for employment within the United States.
  • Must successfully complete a background screening.

Application Procedure:
Please upload the following by selecting the "Apply for this Position" below: 1) resume 2) a letter of interest including a statement regarding qualities within the context of the Wartburg College mission 3) contact information for three references.
For specific inquiries contact cameron.mackey@wartburg.edu. Please note before an offer of a graduate assistantship can be extended, a student needs to be fully admitted to the Master of Science in Sport Science. Application information can be found here and questions regarding the application can be sent to gradstudies@wartburg.edu. See www.wartburg.edu for further information about the college. Screening begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.

Apply