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Graduate Research Associate information

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$15

$31

$45

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Ames, IA is $31.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.62 and $36.20 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 Ames, IA?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Graduate Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Graduate Research Associate job openings:

Graduate Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,209 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbiology, Antimicrobial Discovery, and Diagnostic Technolo...

Ames, IA • On-site

Iowa State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 622 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Iowa State Universityexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbiology, Antimicrobial Discovery, and Diagnostic TechnologiesAppointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Rued Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to several innovative research projects focused on microbial pathogenesis, antimicrobial discovery, and diagnostic assay development. Research areas include investigating the regulation of streptococcal peptide systems, applying artificial intelligence approaches to design novel antimicrobial peptides targeting Salmonella and Campylobacter, and validating a rapid minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for designing and conducting experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, preparing manuscripts for publication, and presenting research findings. The successful candidate will be expected to independently manage multiple research projects and provide regular updates regarding scientific progress and project outcomes. In addition, the individual will supervise and mentor graduate students and summer veterinary scholars supported through these research programs.

We seek a highly motivated scientist with a strong record of research productivity who is interested in advancing interdisciplinary research at the intersection of microbiology, antimicrobial development, artificial intelligence, and diagnostic technologies.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, or related

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience performing molecular biology techniques, including DNA isolation, RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, and gene expression analysis.
  • Experience operating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and/or Raman spectroscopy instrumentation.
  • Experience working with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) bacterial organisms, including Streptococcus, Salmonella, and/or Campylobacter.
  • Experience isolating, characterizing, or evaluating small peptides.
  • Record of authorship on peer-reviewed scientific publications and experience mentoring student researchers.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine (VMPM) at Iowa State University is dedicated to advancing animal and public health through excellence in research, teaching, and service. Department faculty conduct innovative research on infectious diseases, host-pathogen interactions, and microbial biology while contributing to the education and training of veterinary and graduate students

Department Unit/Website:
Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine - Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:September 14, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:Time Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:August 13, 2026Posting Close Date:August 20, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19763

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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