ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Riverside, CA

Kelly Services

Research Associate (RA)

Tustin, CA

Research Associate Contract-to-Hire | 2 Openings | Entry-Level Candidates Welcome Kelly is hiring ... This opportunity is ideal for a new or recent graduate looking to launch a career in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGraduate Research Associate JobsGraduate Research Associate Jobs in Riverside, CA

Graduate Research Associate information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$17

$33

$48

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Riverside, CA is $33.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.36 and $38.61 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 Riverside, CA?

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

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

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

Graduate Research Associate jobs near you

Research Associate (RA)

Kelly Services

Tustin, CA

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Research Associate 

Contract-to-Hire | 2 Openings | Entry-Level Candidates Welcome

Kelly is hiring two Research Associates for contract-to-hire opportunities with a biopharmaceutical manufacturing client. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates and early-career scientists with 0–1 year of experience who are interested in building hands-on experience in upstream process development and biologics manufacturing.

The Role

As a Research Associate, you will support upstream process development, including the development and optimization of scalable mammalian cell culture processes and assist with transferring processes into Manufacturing. You will gain hands-on experience with cell culture, bioreactors, process data analysis, and upstream development activities in a biopharmaceutical environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support mammalian cell culture process development and optimization, including recombinant protein production, media/feed screening, cell adaptation, and evaluation of cell growth and productivity.

  • Grow and maintain mammalian cells in shake flasks, wave bioreactors, and stirred-tank bioreactors.

  • Assist with seed train development, production bioreactor inoculation, sampling, feeding, maintenance, and cell culture harvest/clarification.

  • Work with mammalian cell lines such as CHO-GS, CHO-DG44, CHO-M, CHO-S, NSO, and HEK using aseptic techniques.

  • Prepare cell culture media and feed formulations.

  • Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain cell culture equipment, including bioreactors and analyzers.

  • Support scale-up and technology transfer of cell culture and harvest processes to Manufacturing.

  • Analyze cell growth, productivity, and nutrient utilization data using tools such as Excel and JMP.

  • Document experimental data and findings to support traceability and regulatory requirements.

  • Assist with technical reports, summaries, presentations, and scientific discussions.

  • Research and help implement new methods and technologies to improve process operations.

  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Biological Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline.

  • 0–1 year of relevant laboratory, academic, internship, or industry experience. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

  • Foundational understanding of biological and scientific principles.

  • Academic or hands-on exposure to mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, bioreactors, or upstream processing is preferred.

  • Comfortable working with laboratory equipment and analyzing experimental data.

  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel; exposure to JMP or similar data-analysis tools is a plus.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Excellent attention to detail, organization, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Schedule & Work Environment

This is a full-time, contract-to-hire opportunity, typically working Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Based on project and operational needs, occasional overtime, weekend, or holiday work may be required.

The position involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, and hands-on laboratory activities. Candidates may occasionally be required to lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds and work around laboratory equipment, chemicals, vibration, and varying noise levels. Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals.

Why Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for a new or recent graduate looking to launch a career in biopharmaceutical process development. You'll have the opportunity to develop practical upstream processing skills, work with mammalian cell culture and bioreactor technologies, and gain experience supporting the development and manufacturing of biologic products.


As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.