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Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Auburn University is looking for a TES Research Associate to support research in AI-driven modeling ... Auburn University is an institute of higher learning that offers undergraduate and graduate courses.

Posting Details Position Information Posting Number SF2409P Position Title Postdoctoral Associate ... Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers in relevant projects. * Teach ...

... research animal contact, and/or specimens. * Perform other duties as assigned. Hourly Range : $ 16.50- $ 26.80 Qualifications Qualifications Associate's degree in a related field OR High School ...

This role involves performing standard research tasks, including sample processing, basic data ... Hourly Range : $ 16.50- $ 20.00 Qualifications Qualifications Associate's degree in a related field ...

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Graduate Research Associate information

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$6

$21

$40

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Alabama is $21.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.45 and $26.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate research associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Research Associate, you need a solid academic background in your field, strong analytical skills, and experience with research methodologies, typically supported by enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), literature databases, and possibly lab equipment or coding languages is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and time management are critical soft skills for producing high-quality research and collaborating with faculty and peers. These skills are vital for conducting rigorous research, contributing to academic publications, and advancing both individual and institutional research goals.

Is being a graduate research associate worth it?

A graduate research associate role involves conducting research under supervision, often in academic or laboratory settings, and can provide valuable experience for careers in academia, industry, or further study. The position typically offers a stipend or salary, opportunities to develop technical skills, and networking connections, making it a worthwhile step for those pursuing research-oriented careers.

Do I need a PhD to be a graduate research associate?

A graduate research associate position typically requires at least a master's degree in a relevant field; a PhD is not usually required but may be preferred for advanced research roles. The specific educational requirements depend on the employer and the level of research involved. Skills in research methods, data analysis, and relevant tools are also important for this role.

What is a graduate research associate?

Graduate Research Associates are graduate students, often pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, who assist faculty members or research teams with academic research projects. Their responsibilities can include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, preparing research reports, and sometimes co-authoring publications. These positions help students gain practical research experience and develop skills relevant to their academic and professional careers.

What are some typical challenges graduate research associates face when balancing research responsibilities with coursework or teaching duties?

Graduate Research Associates often juggle multiple commitments, including research, coursework, and sometimes teaching assistantships. Managing time effectively can be challenging, especially when project deadlines and academic requirements overlap. Many associates develop strong organizational and communication skills to handle shifting priorities, and it's common to coordinate closely with advisors to set realistic goals and expectations. Proactively seeking support from peers and utilizing university resources can also help in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What is the difference between Graduate Research Associate vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate Research AssociateResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in a graduate program; may have a bachelor's degreeUsually holds a bachelor's degree; some roles require a master's
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, or industry R&D departmentsResearch labs, academic settings, or fieldwork environments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, and industry R&D teamsUniversities, government agencies, and private companies

The Graduate Research Associate role generally involves advanced research responsibilities within academic or industry settings and often requires enrollment in a graduate program. Research Assistants typically support research projects with less independent responsibility and may have fewer educational prerequisites. Both roles are essential for research projects but differ mainly in educational status and scope of responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Research jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Graduate Research Associate jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Graduate Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,669 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

TES Research Associate

Auburn University

Auburn, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Auburn University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

546th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Summary:
Auburn University is looking for a TES Research Associate to support research in AI-driven modeling of forestry systems. The role involves developing computational models and integrating multi-source datasets to advance understanding in ecological traits and plant physiological processes.
Responsibilities:
• Developing and implementing machine learning and deep learning models to analyze forestry, physiological, and ecological datasets
• Modeling plant growth, carbon allocation, stress response (e.g., drought, salinity), and ecosystem productivity using AI-based approaches
• Integrating multi-modal datasets (remote sensing, UAV /drone imagery, field inventory data, soil and climate parameters, and genomic/trait data)
• Conducting statistical modeling, feature selection, and predictive analytics for forest health, resilience, and biomass estimation
• Supporting data preprocessing, cleaning, normalization, and database organization
• Assisting in the preparation of research reports, manuscripts, and grant proposals
• This position will provide hands-on experience in applying artificial intelligence and computational modeling techniques to complex biological and ecological systems, with applications in forest productivity, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a closely related field.
Company:
Auburn University is an institute of higher learning that offers undergraduate and graduate courses. Founded in 1856, the company is headquartered in Auburn University, USA, with a team of 5001-10000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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