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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Woonsocket, RI

JOB TITLE Research Assistant LOCATION Worcester DEPARTMENT NAME Mechanical & Materials Engineering ... graduate students. WPI is located in Worcester, MA, a dynamic and growing city just one hour from ...

Research Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

$41K - $68K/yr

SUMMARY: The Research Assistant supports laboratory-based brain tumor research within the ... graduate study. Experience should include hands-on work with cell culture techniques, basic ...

Research Student PD

Providence, RI · On-site

$18 - $25.82/hr

SUMMARY Summer Student Research Assistants ELIGIBILITY Undergraduate students with strong interest ... Graduate students are accepted under special circumstances. Students may apply for a repeat summer ...

... graduate students and undergraduate research assistants, dissemination of results at conferences and in research publications, as well as grant writing. Successful candidates should have strong ...

Preference will be given to a candidate planning to matriculate at a medical or graduate school in ... -Assist in data interpretation and presentation, contributing to research findings and reports.

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Graduate Research Assistant information

See Woonsocket, RI salary details

$5

$18

$29

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Woonsocket, RI is $18.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $22.12 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 Woonsocket, RI look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Woonsocket, RI are:
What cities near Woonsocket, RI are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Woonsocket, RI with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Woonsocket, RI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,520 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

$21/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

JOB TITLE

Research Assistant

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Mechanical & Materials Engineering - JM

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Multiple PhD Research Assistant positions are available in the Multiscale Thermal Fluids Laboratory (MTFL) within the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). These are immediate openings, and priority will be given to applicants who can begin the program right away.
Compensation: $21/hourly. This position is supported through external funding.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Project 1: Droplet Dynamics

This project involves the experimental study of sessile droplet behavior in shear gas flows, using high-speed imaging and image processing techniques.

Project 2: Energy Analysis of Commercial Buildings

This project focuses on the energy performance analysis of commercial buildings in the region, with the broader goal of promoting clean energy systems.

Both projects fall under the overarching theme of clean energy research.

The Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department at WPI enrolls approximately 1,000 undergraduate and 200 graduate students. WPI is located in Worcester, MA, a dynamic and growing city just one hour from Boston.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Project 1: Applicants must hold a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Chemical Engineering, with experience in experimental fluid dynamics and image processing.

  • Project 2: Applicants must hold a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Architectural Engineering.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should include the following documents: Contact Dr. Mehdi Mortazavi (mmortazavi@wpi.edu) for any inquires:

  • Complete resume (PDF format)

  • BS and MS transcripts

  • GRE and TOEFL scores (for international applicants)

  • Names and email addresses of three references

Additional Information:

Details about Dr. Mortazavi's research can be found at:https://wp.wpi.edu/mtfl/

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status,or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making.It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.