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Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Supervising graduate research assistants. 25% - Collaborate with other functional teams to develop ... The Research Associate will provide technical skills in research design, management, and ...

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Graduate Research Associate information

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$7

$22

$42

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Kansas is $22.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.13 and $27.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Kansas?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Graduate Research Associate jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Graduate Research Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,637 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Research Associate

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the design, planning, and implementation of learning map projects, including representing formal learning structures and adjusting maps based on feedback and research findings.

  • Collaborate with research, implementation, and content teams to develop high-quality, accessible map-based educational materials and review instructional guides and professional development materials related to mathematics education.

  • Conduct research syntheses in K-12 education, evaluate empirical literature, and prepare written reports.


University Of Kansas rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

40% - Support the design, planning and implementation of learning map projects. Activities may include: 
  • Representing formal learning structures using diagramming applications or in proprietary map-building software in response to program priorities. 
  • Collaborating with research, implementation and content teams to coordinate internal and external reviews of learning maps. 
  • Reviewing internal and external panel feedback and adjusting maps in response to feedback and new research findings. 
  • Producing technical documentation of map development projects.
  • Supervising graduate research assistants.
25% - Collaborate with other functional teams to develop high-quality, accessible, map-based educational materials to support teaching and learning of mathematics for all learners. Responsibilities may include using K-12 academic content education knowledge to review instructional guides, professional development materials and other documents to support teaching and learning mathematics. 
20% - Conduct research syntheses in K-12 education. Evaluate empirical literature including summarizing results and preparing written reports. 
5% - Communicate with external audiences including state departments of education and professional organizations. Present information related to learning maps to technical and non-technical audiences. 
5% - Contribute to the development of proposals for funded research projects.  
5% - Special projects/other duties as assigned.,Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking a Research Associate to support the development of cognitive learning map models that represent students' knowledge, skills and understandings with a focus on K-12 mathematics instruction and assessment. The Research Associate will provide technical skills in research design, management, and dissemination for projects focused on developing models of mathematics learning, and will collaborate with internal and external partners on product development, project design, and implementation. Additional responsibilities will include collaborating with other functional teams to develop high-quality assessments and instructional and professional development materials.
ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students, with a focus on students with disabilities and struggling learners. ATLAS creates technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous. Dynamic research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development informs the center's map-based learning systems.
With a diverse portfolio of grant-funded research projects and operational alternate assessments, ATLAS is a leader in educational research and innovation. ATLAS drives progress through partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share its focus and commitment.
ATLAS is committed to creating policies and practices that foster a culture in which all employees feel they belong and can succeed.
Visit the ATLAS website to learn how the center improves the learning landscape for all students.
KU employees have great benefits!
  • 176 hours of paid vacation per year
  • 96 hours of sick leave per year
  • 10 paid holidays
  • Medical and dental insurance
  • Retirement program
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Educational and professional development opportunities
Visit the KU benefits website for more information.
KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
KU is not able to provide immigration sponsorship for this position.
Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California, Delaware, Idaho, and Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

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