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Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Duarte, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Research Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$29.75 - $37.25/hr

The Senior Research Associate will be an integral member of the laboratory alongside the lab manager, technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students to ensure efficient laboratory ...

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - West Region 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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Graduate Research Associate information

See Duarte, CA salary details

$17

$34

$49

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Duarte, CA is $34.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.50 and $38.85 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 Duarte, CA?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Duarte, CA are:

What cities near Duarte, CA are hiring for Graduate Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Duarte, CA with the most Graduate Research Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Duarte, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,068 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

$79K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the city's largest private employer. USC is consistently ranked among the nation's most prestigious universities, and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology features one of the world's best degree and research programs in gerontology. TheUSC Leonard Davis Schoolof Gerontology has an international reputation as a hub of aging research and, with additional strong programs throughout the university, leads the way in defining and advancing the field of gerontology:https://gero.usc.edu

The Leonard Davis School of Gerontology seeks a reliable and self-motivated individual to join the Nation Lab. The Nation Lab at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology investigates brain vascular disease and its role in risk for dementia in older adults. This research entails studying aging adults recruited from the community for brain MRI scans, cognitive testing, and blood-based biomarker assessments over time.

The Research Associate will perform independent research in the laboratory, including synthesis and design of new research projects, carrying out independent experiments, and managing several students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Perform cell culture studies from participant blood samples.
  • Assist with brain MRI scans.
  • Assist with bioassays.
  • Assist in the management of study data.
  • Conduct independent data analysis and drafting of manuscripts and conference abstracts.
  • Manage and maintain undergraduate and graduate research assistants.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will have training in the biomedical or related field with a minimum of a Ph.D. + 1 year of postdoctoral research experience or equivalent. Previous experience with brain MRI, cell culture, and statistical analysis is strongly preferred. The successful candidate should have a strong training record, the ability to learn and work independently, and the capability to collaborate effectively with trainees and staff within the lab. Knowledge and experience in higher education are preferred.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Plan and conduct highly technical and complex research projects, procedures, and analyses in collaboration with the PI and other lab members.
  • Maintain detailed records of experiments, analyses, and outcomes.
  • Contribute to the development of new research protocols and procedures or adapt existing protocols to the model.
  • Contribute to the publication of findings and present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences.
  • Play a key role in data management.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
  • Apply for and acquire grant funding.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. degree with 1 year of research experience at the postdoctoral level.
  • Background and training in biomedical or related field.
  • Experience working in the higher education field is ideal.

This is a full-time position with work expected fully on campus. The work schedule would be M-F (usual hours of operation with flexibility as needed; some after-hours and weekends may be required). Benefits include a competitive salary and a rich array of USC benefits, including healthcare (including dental and vision), 403(b), tuition reimbursement, national holidays, paid vacation, and more.

This position is funded by a researchcontract/grantand may be supported by a subsequentcontract/grant. Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequentcontract/grantto continue employment.

The salary range for this position is $70,745.28 - $79,356.01 . When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Join us and contribute to pioneering research in aging and age-related diseases. If you are interested, please submit your completed application, including a cover letter and resume with contact information for three references.

Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate
Minimum Experience: 1 year
Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$152161.htmld