1

Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Memphis, TN (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Graduate Research Associate information

See Memphis, TN salary details

$15

$31

$45

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Memphis, TN is $31.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.43 and $35.96 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 Memphis, TN?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Memphis, TN are:

What cities near Memphis, TN are hiring for Graduate Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Memphis, TN with the most Graduate Research Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Memphis, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,754 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hematology

Memphis, TN • On-site


St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 1,063 rated hospitals

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


$72K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the Weiss lab.
Healthy individuals produce billions of red blood cells each day in a process called "erythropoiesis". The postdoctoral fellow will study the physiology and gene regulation of erythropoiesis using a number of different model systems, including tissue culture cells, mouse models and blood forming cells from deidentified human subjects. Understanding erythropoiesis better will allow us to develop new cures for common blood diseases that affect many individuals across the world.
Position Responsibilities:
1. Analyze gene expression during erythropoiesis through molecular biology and informatics.
2. Develop new cellular models for human blood disorder including sickle cell disease.
3. Study roles for hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF1) during erythropoiesis with Work with lab scientist Dr. Ruopeng Feng.
The postdoctoral fellow will develop all aspects their independent research project, including conception and planning, experiments, interpretation and publication. Dr. Weiss and a local advisory committee will advise the fellow and oversee progress.
There may be opportunities to mentor appropriate students or interns.
Postdoctoral fellow is expected to write grants, give talks and prepare manuscripts under Dr. Weiss' guidance.
Minimum Education and/or Training:
PhD or MD/PhD
Special Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
Required skills: Passion for science and thirst for knowledge. Strong laboratory skills in molecular biology and tissue culture. Collaborative personality, willingness to help others, team player.
Desired skills: Bioinformatic skills, animal husbandry skills.
About the lab and St. Jude:
Dr. Weiss's most important goals are to perform creative, transformative biomedical research and to train the next generation of top biomedical researchers. He has trained more than 45 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from all over the world, most of whom have advanced to independent careers in academia or industry. Postdoctoral fellows will develop and execute their projects independently but with support from lab colleagues and Dr. Weiss. Fellows will learn to perform hypothesis driven research in a collaborative environment, write grants and publications and give presentations at national or international meetings.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world-class research institution dedicated to pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases of childhood. The first and only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Our 300 faculty work across the spectrum of basic, translational, clinical, and population science in a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment that includes a Nobel laureate and members of the National Academy of Science and the National Academy of Medicine. St. Jude is ranked on Fortune Magazine's "Best Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma" and Glassdoor's "Best Places to Work," and is located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, a vibrant and friendly city at the historic American crossroads of music, trade, food and culture.
We are in pursuit of the brightest minds in biomedical sciences, individuals poised to contribute to our research progress. Other than access to top-quality scientists and mentors, as a postdoctoral trainee at St. Jude, you will have:
  • A Blend of Academic Freedom and Industrial Efficiency: Access to shared resources and facilities led by expert scientists, coupled with cutting-edge technology, accelerates research productivity.
  • Customized Professional and Career Growth: Experience specifically designed programs to enhance professional growth and career readiness empowering postdocs for success beyond their training. This includes access to grant writing workshops, individual development plans, teaching and mentoring opportunities, non-research career advancement programs, professional development allowance, and so much more.
  • Competitive Compensation: Embark on your journey with a competitive salary starting at $72,500 a year, comprehensive benefits and generous relocation assistance, reflecting our commitment to recognize and invest in talent.
  • A Sense of Community: St. Jude fosters a vibrant postdoc community that supports a well-balanced life. A dynamic environment promotes connections and camaraderie among postdocs from all backgrounds.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.


What St. Jude Children's Research Hospital employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom