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Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

ICON

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Knoxville, TN · On-site +1

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Knoxville, TN ICON is a global healthcare ... A graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or equivalent, or a qualified RN * Eligible to ...

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All JobsGraduate Research Associate JobsGraduate Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee

Graduate Research Associate information

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$8

$25

$48

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Tennessee is $25.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.44 and $31.54 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

Graduate Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,314 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Meharry Medical College

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Designs and conducts experiments utilizing basic and sophisticated research techniques such as cell culture, PCR, molecular cloning, Northern, Southern, Western, flow cytometry, and imaging. The Post Doctoral Research Associate must contribute to the training of graduate students and technicians in fundamentals of biomedical research as well as molecular biological techniques. Performs independent research in several specialized areas and collects research data for inclusion in manuscript submission to refereed scientific journals.
Essential Functions:
  • Be responsible for planning and execution of experiments pertaining to molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and molecular virology.
  • Performs on a routine basis complex molecular biology experiments involved in research on understanding the biology of HIV/AIDS.
  • Involved in research on understanding the biology of HIV/AIDS
  • Writes manuscripts for submission to scientific journals and publications
  • Maintains the documentation and records of experimental protocols, laboratory procedures and results.
  • Participates in training of students and technicians
  • Design and plan-research in consultation with the principal investigaton.
  • Independently performs research experiments
  • Analyzes and interprets experimental results
  • Prepare professional presentations, reports, and publications
  • Engages in collaborative work and coordinators activities with other members of the lab and/or with collaborators from other departments or institutions
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of research principles, methodology, and procedures in the area of specialty
  • Thorough knowledge of operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments
  • Ability to perform experiments in a timely manner
  • Ability to safely handle biohazardous materials
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work effectively with others

Education and Experience Required:
  • PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, virology

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