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Graduate Research Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

BillionToOne

Research Associate

Menlo Park, CA

$104K/yr

Whether your ambition is to grow here at BillionToOne or ultimately pursue graduate studies, this position would be a solid foundation for your scientific career. The Research Associate is an on-site ...

BillionToOne

Research Associate

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

Whether your ambition is to grow here at BillionToOne or ultimately pursue graduate studies, this position would be a solid foundation for your scientific career. The Research Associate is an on-site ...

UCLA Health

Staff Research Associate I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$28.69 - $34.21/hr

Description This is an exciting opportunity for a full-time Staff Research Associate I (SRA I) to ... Interpersonal skill to interact and collaborate effectively with scientist coworkers, graduate ...

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All JobsGraduate Research Associate JobsGraduate Research Associate Jobs in California

Graduate Research Associate information

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.

What are Graduate Research Associates?

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 California? The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Research Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Research Associate job openings:
Graduate Research Associate jobs near you
Research Associate

Research Associate

University of South Carolina

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Posting Summary
Logo Posting Number RTF00109PO26 USC Market Title Research Associate Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156386 Business Title (Internal Title) Research Associate Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division College of Engineering and Computing Department CEC Mechanical Engineering Anticipated Hiring Range $52,526 - $75,000 Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 40 Work Schedule
  • Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Schedule may change to meet the needs of the college
Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP) Basis 12 months Job Search Category Other Professional
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below

The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

South Carolina Retirement Yes State Insurance Programs Yes Annual Leave Yes Sick Leave Yes
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
A research associate will investigate and develop autonomous systems, such as unmanned surface vessels. Design and develop sensors (camera and lidar), guidance, navigation, and control systems onboard unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Implement guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous vehicle operation in the littoral environment. Maintain and operate the USVs in littoral environments to acquire measurements required to meet research goals. Analyze data acquired using MATLAB or other programming languages. Documenting technical results and presenting the results in project meetings and conferences. Assistance in proposal preparations, journal article preparation, and supervising undergraduate and graduate students.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
  • Requires a master's degree in area of research specialty.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials Preferred Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Engineering, Physical Sciences, or related field, OR  a Master's degree in a relevant engineering field of study with more than 3 years of experience.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • MATLAB and Python programming. 
  • C++, Hardware, and software experience in developing autonomous systems.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Design and develop autonomous systems for unmanned surface vessels. This includes perception systems (camera, Lidar, radar, and INS) and guidance, navigation, and control systems, implemented using ROS or directly in Python, MATLAB, or C++. A reliable collection of testing data is required from the autonomous system. Perform simulation of autonomous surface vessels in the maritime environment
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 40 Job Duty
Process and analyze collected data and sensor readings from the littoral environment using MATLAB or other computer languages. Identify and develop computer vision methods or other relevant approaches to process environmental data for situational awareness, such as ocean currents, wave states, and other variables. Identify and develop algorithms to analyze the data for autonomous vehicle navigation and control.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty
Create technical documentation of project results. Contribute to the monthly report required by the project sponsor. Prepare slides, videos, and demos for the quarterly project reviews. Present the research outcomes in internal meetings and conferences and to sponsors.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty
Oversee students in using the sensor system and simulation of the autonomous systems. Guide students in troubleshooting the sensors and program (e.g., SDK) and simulation. Assist in instructing the students in autonomous surface vessel deployment and data acquisition in the littoral environment.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10
Position Attributes
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 08/16/2026 Position End Date 08/15/2027 Job Open Date 05/18/2026 Job Close Date 07/16/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicant
Applicants must provide a copy of their C.V and a list of at least 3 contacts/references

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. 
 
We are only accepting applications submitted by July 16, 2026.
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/206508 EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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