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Graduate Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kansascity

Graduate Research Assistant

Joplin, MT

Student (Fixed Term) The Graduate Research Assistant will be recruited, trained, and assigned for various research lab projects. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Obtain training in biosafety ...

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How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in the United States is $19.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $23.08 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.

What is the role of a graduate research assistant?

A graduate research assistant supports faculty or research teams by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports or publications. They often work in academic or research settings, using specialized tools and methods relevant to their field of study. The role may also involve attending meetings, presenting findings, and developing research skills.

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.

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 requires strong academic performance, relevant research experience, and good recommendations. Competition can be high, especially for funded positions, and applicants often need to demonstrate skills related to the research area and sometimes pass interviews or assessments.

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.

Can grad students be research assistants?

Yes, graduate students are commonly employed as research assistants in academic and research institutions. These positions often involve supporting faculty with data collection, analysis, and literature reviews, and may require specific skills or coursework related to the research area.

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.
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Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,200 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Graduate Research Assistant - Academic Year

Graduate Research Assistant - Academic Year

MyFlorida

Tallahassee, FL

$15/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

State Of Florida rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 182 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 50 rated states

Job description

Do not click the Apply button. Apply at GovernmentJobs.com

Graduate Research Assistant - Academic Year

The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) is a research unit of the Florida Legislature that conducts studies of Florida agencies and programs to assist the Legislature in its policy and budget deliberations. OPPAGA's academic year graduate research assistant position provides a compensated hands-on learning experience for 25 hours per week.

Responsibilities include the following.

  • Working in a team environment with professional legislative analysts to complete research projects
  • Collecting, analyzing and interpreting data
  • Conducting interviews with state agency staff, stakeholders, and other information resources
  • Conducting surveys or focus groups, or using other qualitative research methods

Preference will be given to applicants with the following knowledge, skills, and experience.

  • Graduate degree course work in qualitative or quantitative analysis and research fields, such as public administration, public policy, business administration, economics, demography, statistics, finance, education, social work, planning, management, accounting, and the social sciences
  • Understanding of principles of governmental organization, budgeting, and accountability
  • Understanding of research methods, descriptive and inferential statistics, and financial analysis
  • Experience using Microsoft Excel and SPSS or similar statistical packages
  • Experience as an effective contributor to a work team
  • Interest in pursuing a career in government policy analysis and program evaluation

The 2026-27 academic year graduate research assistant position is a part-time position for at least 30, and up to 35 weeks, and is paid at a rate of $15.00 per hour. The program provides an opportunity to work in a state legislative office with a highly qualified, multidisciplinary staff that includes public administrators, social scientists, MBA graduates, attorneys, and others. Travel expenses incurred by the intern in the conduct of an approved OPPAGA project will be reimbursed as allowed by s. 112.061, Florida Statutes.

To apply, submit the following.

  • Legislative application
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover letter that details graduate school status, expected graduation date, and a brief description of the research topics and methods used for at least two team or individual graduate-level research projects that the applicant completed
  • Transcript(s) of all graduate and undergraduate credits (unofficial copies are acceptable for review)

For questions, contact Jim Clark at (850) 717-0519. If an accommodation is needed for a disability, please notify Human Resources at (850) 488-6803. OPPAGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The application deadline for consideration is June 1, 2026 or until the position is filled.

Do not click the Apply button. Apply at GovernmentJobs.com

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