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Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Umd

Associate Research Professor

College Park, MD · On-site

$130K - $135K/yr

The Associate Research Professor will work with Dr. Tom Porter, Distinguished University Professor ... Supervise, mentor, and train undergraduate and graduate students participating in research ...

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Clinical Research Associate II

Washington, DC · On-site

$91K - $114K/yr

Clinical Research Associate - Cross Therapeutic - Northwest 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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All JobsGraduate Research Associate JobsGraduate Research Associate Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Graduate Research Associate information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$16

$33

$48

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Silver Spring, MD is $33.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.07 and $38.27 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 Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Graduate Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Graduate Research Associate job openings:

Graduate Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,972 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Research Associate I/Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago

Job description

Odyssey Systems has an exciting new opportunity for a Research Associate supporting the WRAIR – Department of Diarrheal Disease Research (DDR).  Diarrheal diseases, notably Shigella, are a major source of morbidity among deployed U.S. military and a significant threat to readiness. To that end, BDB aims to develop a safe and effective vaccine against multiple Shigella strains to protect personnel overseas and keep Soldiers in the fight. This position is perfect for a recent college graduate who is interested in getting great training from a top notch team.


Duties include, but not limited to: 

  • Provide support in multiple areas of Enteric pathogen research.
  • Conduct bench research on Shigella (or other enteric pathogens) subunit or live vaccine candidates.
  • Perform or assist in routine molecular genetic techniques, including nucleic acid purification, restriction enzyme digestion, agarose electrophoresis and gel purification, electroporation/transformation methods, DNA ligation, subcloning, and recombination of DNA fragments
  • Assist in the evaluation of Shigella vaccines in clinical and pre-clinical studies to include immunizing small animals, collecting blood, lymph nodes, mucosal washes, and determining immune responses elicited after vaccination.
  • Perform day-to-day maintenance and operations of the laboratory, including media preparation, glassware and hazardous waste management, and administrative duties such as ordering supplies and periodic lab inventories.
  • Assist in the development of laboratory procedures and analysis of research data.
  • Utilize professional knowledge of theories, principles, methods, and techniques of cell biology, and microbial pathogenesis, cell culture, small animal handling (such as mice or guinea pigs), and aseptic technique.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Citizenship:   Must be a US citizen or Green Card Holder with residency in the U.S. for the past 3 out of 5 years

Clearance: Ability to obtain NACI

Education: Bachelor of Science in a Biologic Scientific Discipline

Years of Experience: Recent college graduate with exposure and interest in biological sciences related to human infectious diseases.

Certifications: N/A

Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: NACI

Education: Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Molecular Biology or similar

Years of experience: 1-3 years

Certifications: N/A

Technical Skills

  • Familiarity with the following research equipment such as centrifuges, scales, microscopes, gel electrophoresis systems, cell counters, PCR and qPCR techniques. 
  • Familiarity with the following typical procedures such as aseptic technique, small animal handling, cell culture, nucleic acid extraction, and immunological functional assays.

Interpersonal Skills

  • Attention to detail, communication, multitasking, reliability, critical thinking, troubleshooting, enthusiasm, teamwork.

Additional Information

Location: Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Travel: None

Remote, Onsite, or Hybrid: Onsite

#LI-JC1


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


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

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