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Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Lincoln, NE (NOW HIRING)

Veterans Health Administration

Registered Nurse

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$38K - $228K/yr

... research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements or receiving VA Health ... Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and ...

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All JobsGraduate Research Associate JobsGraduate Research Associate Jobs in Lincoln, NE

Graduate Research Associate information

See Lincoln, NE salary details

$14

$28

$40

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Lincoln, NE is $28.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $32.21 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.

Graduate Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Lincoln, NE as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,928 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead multiple research projects on EPN and/or EPF, including projects targeting corn rootworm in corn and red sunflower seed weevil and head moth in sunflower.

  • Contribute to grant proposal preparation, project reporting, presenting research results at scientific conferences, and manuscript drafting and publishing.

  • Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and assist with extension programming and material development if interested.

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
EEO Statement
Working Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Department
Entomology-0834
Requisition Number
F_260080
Posting Open Date
07/30/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
09/01/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
The Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is seeking applications for a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral research associate. This 12-month (calendar year), special appointment will lead multiple research projects on EPN and/or EPF, including but not limited to projects targeting corn rootworm in corn and red sunflower seed weevil and head moth in sunflower. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to grant proposal preparation, project reporting, presenting research results at scientific conferences, manuscript drafting and publishing, as well as mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. The postdoctoral research associate will have opportunities to assist with extension programing and material development if interested. The apportionment is 100% research. This position will be located in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.Research may require frequent travel to research sites throughout western Nebraska. The initial appointment is for a one-year term with the possibility to extend depending on performance and funding availability.
The postdoctoral research associate will be working under the supervision of the principal investigator, Dr. Pin-Chu Lai in the Crops IPM Entomology Lab at Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center (PREEC). The program focuses on research in applied ecology, arthropod pest biology and management in major crops in the central high plains including sugar beets, dry beans, winter wheat, sunflower, corn, and alfalfa. Please visit the lab website for more information.
In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.
Recognizing that collaboration and participation in teams enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Department of Entomology are committed to creating learning, research, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. At IANR we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Entomology, Microbiology, Ecology, or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated expertise in IPM or applied ecology research.
  • Demonstrated expertise or experience working with EPN and EPF.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to meet University driving criteria.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Scholarly experience and productivity (presentations, publications, grantsmanship).
  • Experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate students.
  • Experience working in row crops.
  • Extension and outreach experience.

Work Location (City, State)
Scottsbluff, NE
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Criminal History Background Check Required
Posted Salary
How to Apply
Click "Apply for this Job" and complete the faculty information form. Attach the following documents:
  1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the position and career aspirations, as well as your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments where every person and every interaction matters. See https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance in writing this statement.
  2. Your curriculum vitae.
  3. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Marci Sturek
msturek2@unl.edu
Job Category
Job Category (old)
Post Docs & Other Academic
Job Type
12 Month (Faculty Only)
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
Yes
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date
Appointment End Date
Organizational Location
Default Location

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