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Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

... of Graduate Research Assistants in the execution of their research and assists in their training ... Research Associate 5 Manage and maintain the advanced materials characterization equipment ...

Research Associate 4 Position Type:Other Academic Department:LSUAM Engineering - LTRC - Sustainable ... of Graduate Research Assistants in the execution of their research and assists in their training ...

$64K - $80K/yr

Assists research associates from sponsoring organizations, providing study explanations and reports ... Graduate of an accredited nursing program. * Current RN licensure in the state of Missouri and/or ...

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Graduate Research Associate information

See Missouri salary details

$7

$22

$41

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Missouri is $22.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $27.21 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.

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 Missouri? The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Missouri are:
Research Associate 4 or 5

Research Associate 4 or 5

Louisiana Workforce Commission

Louisiana, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated).If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.Job Posting Title:Research Associate 4 or 5Position Type:Other AcademicDepartment:LSUAM Engineering - LTRC - Sustainable and Resilient Pavement Materials and Technologies Center (Louay N Mohammad (00009649))Work Location:0101 Louisiana Transportation Research CenterPay Grade:Job Description:

Research Associate 4

Conducts advanced transportation materials research testing utilizing advanced materials characterization equipment such as the Materials Testing System (MTS), Universal Testing Machines, Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT), and Superpave asphalt binder equipment.

45% Conducts advanced scientific research related to transportation materials research. Analyze the data collected, which involves the development of complex mathematical models for the estimation of engineering properties of highway materials. Use advanced knowledge, abilities and skills to provide advanced computer analysis and to assist other researchers in obtaining, analyzing, and interpreting results

20% Directs the usage of and maintains advanced materials characterization equipment. This involves the operation of Materials Testing System (MTS) equipment, Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT), Superpave asphalt binder equipment, and development of specialized software (requiring advanced computer skills) for the conduct of various standard and research type test procedures, and data acquisition and analysis.

10% Management of Graduate Research Assistants in the execution of their research and assists in their training.

10% Development and writing of research proposals for external funding in the area of pavement engineering/transportation materials characterization; prepares technical reports and publications; disseminates study results and research findings in journal and professional meetings; present at technical conferences and seminars.

5% Management of the use of the advanced test equipment at the Sustainable and Resilient Pavement Materials and Technologies Center

5% Provides advanced technical expertise on related research projects; trains technicians and graduate students in the use of specialized dynamic test equipment and related engineering test methods and softwares.

5% Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Civil Engineering or related field with 2 years of experience in pavement engineering/transportation materials characterization and transportation material research in asphalt mixture design. Demonstrated knowledge in the use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools, and statistical software and analysis.

LSU is dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individuality. If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications as listed but has substantial experience in the key job responsibilities, we encourage them to apply.

Research Associate 5

Manage and maintain the advanced materials characterization equipment, conducting multiple transportation engineering research projects as a Co-Principal/Senior Investigator, and managing Graduate Research Assistants. Provides specialized technical expertise for ongoing and newly initiated research projects.

30% Conducts advanced scientific research related to transportation materials research. Responsible for planning, organizing and directing the daily operations. Responsible for directing long range planning and policy development activities.

20% Develops and writes research proposals for external funding in the area of pavement engineering/transportation materials characterization; prepares technical reports and publications; disseminates study results and research findings in journal and professional meetings; present at technical conferences and seminars. Provides direct management support in initiating and developing contacts with grant/contract agencies and sources and in developing funding sources.

15% Maintains advanced materials characterization equipment. This involves the operation and training of the highly specialized Materials Testing System (MTS) equipment, Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester, Superpave asphalt binder equipment, and development of specialized software (requiring advanced computer skills) for the conduct of various standard and research type test procedures, and data acquisition and analysis.

10% Oversees the management of Graduate Research Assistants in the execution of their research and assists in their training.

10% Analyze the data collected, which involves the development of complex mathematical models for the estimation of engineering characteristics of highway materials. Calibrate and verify the developed mathematical models with laboratory experimental and field performance data

10% Prepare technical reports and publications. Disseminating study results and research findings in journal and professional meetings and conduct presentations at technical conferences and seminars and provide expert testimony, represent the project/program, and resolve significant issues which may impact or result from the research.

5% Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification:

Master's in civil engineering or related field with 2 years of experience in pavement engineering/transportation materials characterization and transportation material research in asphalt mixture design. Demonstrated knowledge in the use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools, and statistical software and analysis. A Ph.D. will substitute for experience.

Degree Substitute: Bachelor's degree in a related field and six years of related experience OR a terminal degree (Ph.D.) in a related field.

Additional Job Description:Special Instructions:Please include a cover letter, resume, and three professional references in your application. Official transcripts required prior to hire. For questions regarding the position, please reach out the the hiring manager, Dr. Louay Mohammad, at louaym@lsu.edu.Posting Date:March 30, 2026Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):September 26, 2026Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university's ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.


Louisiana Workforce Commission logo

About Louisiana Workforce Commission

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Louisiana Workforce Commission’s vision is to make Louisiana the best place in the country to get a job or grow a business, and our goal is to be the country's best workforce agency. Our mission is simple and straightforward – we put people to work. Today, the LWC is ideally positioned and structured to support and serve Louisiana’s employers, job seekers and workforce partners.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

2008