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Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Encinitas, CA

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Graduate Research Associate information

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$17

$34

$50

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Encinitas, CA is $34.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.12 and $39.76 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 Encinitas, CA?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Encinitas, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,700 per year, or $35 per hour.

$70K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
Odyssey is looking for a Research Associate to support the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE), to support the execution of clinical research efforts under the supervision of the project lead(s). In this role, you will participate in aspects of research including but not limited to recruiting and consenting participants in the clinic or in operational field settings, data collection and organization, literature reviews, structured interviews, analysis and interpretation of basic data, and preparation of data files, technical reports, summaries and protocols. This job is onsite in San Diego, California.
***Contingent upon contract award***
Responsibilities
Duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Supports the execution of clinical research efforts and investigations under the supervision of the project lead(s).
  • Participates in recruiting and consenting participants, data collection and organization to include quality checks/quality control activities, literature reviews, structured interviews and providing basic data analysis.
  • Assists with the preparation of data files, technical/analytic reports, and summaries.
  • Maintains clear and accurate records, inventories, and documentation.
  • Verifies and corrects data entry for research projects, supports senior staff in quality control and provides troubleshooting.
  • Provides written and verbal updates to senior leadership.
  • Assists the team on program/project improvement initiatives, implementation science study, and may support the development, reporting and analysis of study/ program performance through relevant methods.
  • Prepares requests for actions/proposals to include assisting with grant proposal applications and associated documentation and requirements. Facilitates the flow and approval processes for relevant projects as needed.
  • May contribute to poster/presentations/manuscript.

***Contingent upon contract award***
Qualifications
Minimum Required Qualifications
Citizenship: Must be a US citizen
Clearance: Ability to Obtain Secret
Education: Bachelor's degree required, Master's Degree preferred. Extensive research experience may be considered in lieu of a graduate degree. Must complete CITI/ HIPAA training.
Years of Experience: 2-4 years of experience in social science, health, or neurological research required; human subjects preferred. Prior experience within the DoD/VA systems of care preferred.
Certifications: Current certification in Basic Life Support if working in a hospital environment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of standard qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques.
  • Ability to work well independently and with a team; familiarity with social science research methodology is required.
  • Ability to follow detailed instructions.
  • Excellent communication, writing, and analytical skills required.
  • Ability to work comfortably with computer software, including Microsoft Office and basic statistical or data entry software.
  • Adherence to legal, professional and ethical codes with respect to confidentiality and privacy.
  • Provides research guidance to junior research staff.
  • May encounter patients who are confused, agitated or abusive. Must be available to travel locally, regionally and nationally.

Additional Information:
Location: 34800 Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA
Travel: some required.
Remote, Onsite, or Hybrid: Onsite
#LI-JC1
***Contingent upon contract award***
Company Overview
Odyssey is a world-class technical, engineering, and integration company serving the warfighting ecosystem with airborne integration, ISR, C2, and warfighter readiness capabilities. Odyssey meets the military's operational needs by integrating layered defense systems from equipment, technology, and services to data, information, and business operations. We streamline defense acquisition and sustainment, engineering the technical battlefield with domain-specific proficiency to ensure lethality. Odyssey is dedicated to excellent contract execution, peak organizational performance, and fostering a workplace built on employee care.
Odyssey is proud to live out our core values of commitment, ambition, and respect in our work and communities through OdysseyCares, a philanthropic group focused on giving back through direct donations, an employer match program, and volunteering events.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Please Note:
Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.
This position is filled through continuous recruitment and will remain open until a sufficient pool of applications has been received.
Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Tricare supplement, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, employee assistance program, learning and development benefit, paid time off, and holidays.
Odyssey Benefits