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Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Phoenix, AZ

$18.25 - $25.25/hr

High School Diploma Graduate and related college or certification course work * Previous experience in a health care setting Preferred * Associates Degree * Previous clinical research experience

New

Clinical Research Coordinator - Cancer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$24.25 - $32.25/hr

HS Diploma with at least 5 years of clinical research coordination/related experience OR Associate ... Graduate or diploma from a study coordinator training program is preferred. One year of clinical ...

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Research Associate information

See Arizona salary details

$7

$24

$46

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Arizona is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $30.34 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 Arizona? The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Graduate Research Associate jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Graduate Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,281 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate I-II, Sarver Heart Center

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


University Of Arizona rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

384th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

  • Perform independent multi-disciplinary research experiments under the direction of the principal investigator.
  • Develop, design, and conduct complex research projects.
  • Develop and maintain detailed records of experiments, analyzing and writing findings.
  • Perform scientific data collections, reductions, and analyses involving routine procedures characterized by use of independent judgment.
  • Develop and implement protocols as dictated by experimental results.
  • Participate in grant writing, including generating preliminary data, submitting grant applications, and preparing progress reports.
  • Present results at laboratory meetings and conferences.
  • Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Contribute to maintaining a safe, compliant lab environment, including remaining up-to-date on mandatory safety training.
  • May provide occasional guidance or briefly oversee graduate/undergraduate students working in the lab.
  • Oversee maintenance of hazardous/chemical waste records and disposal as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Demonstrated research experience in cardiovascular biology, particularly in cardiac regeneration and/or cardiomyocyte biology.
  • Ability to perform laboratory techniques with mouse models and/or human iPSC culture into cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs).

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