1

Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Stillwater, OK

Graduate Research Associate information

See Stillwater, OK salary details

$15

$30

$44

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Stillwater, OK is $30.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.62 and $34.76 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 Stillwater, OK?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Stillwater, OK are:

What cities near Stillwater, OK are hiring for Graduate Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Stillwater, OK with the most Graduate Research Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Stillwater, OK as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,567 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Position in Proteomics and Parkinson's Research BF9461

Stillwater, OK โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Postdoctoral Position in Proteomics and Parkinson’s Research

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Oklahoma State University

(Aryal Lab)

A post-doctoral position is available in the Aryal lab at Oklahoma State University for a motivated researcher with a Ph.D. in a life sciences field. The fellow will work on aging and neurodegeneration, on proteomics and mass spectrometry analysis of brain tissues with emphasis on region- and cell-type specific analyses, and particularly on understanding the molecular mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease.

Position Description 

Our lab focuses on understanding the role of biomolecular condensates formed by liquid-liquid phase separation, especially nuclear bodies in aging and neurodegeneration. We combine state-of-the-art mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, and other omics tools to explore how cells and tissues remodel their molecular composition during senescence. This position involves multidisciplinary work combining analytical, biochemical, and biological techniques.

The successful candidate is expected to:

  1. Develop and refine quantitative proteomics and post-translational modification (PTM) workflows 
  2. Investigate the molecular mechanisms of Parkinson's disease.
  3. Engage in collaborative research with academia and industry.

This position provides access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, a collaborative working environment, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

PhD in biology, biochemistry, cell/molecular biology, mass spectrometry, proteomics or any related disciplines. Experience in tissue culture, biochemistry, molecular biology, basic immunology methods, proteomics sample preparation, and downstream data analysis proteomics pipeline software.

Employment Conditions

This is an 11-month, temporary, non-tenure track position.  Initial appointment will be for one-year term, with the possibility of renewable for two more years depending on satisfactory performance. All positions are contingent on available funding. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled with a suitable applicant.

Application instruction:

Applications must be submitted online at: https://jobs.okstate.edu

Applicants should submit: 1) a 1–2-page cover letter summarizing their experience and research expertise related to the above project goals and required qualifications, 2) detailed curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information for three references.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Dr. Uma Aryal

Oklahoma State University

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

765-427-2338

uaryal@okstate.edu

About the Department

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) provides exceptional undergraduate and graduate programs that produce students who are successful in multiple endeavors, from matriculation into medical and life science graduate research programs, to finding research positions in academe, industry and government. Faculty in the department also conducts research in numerous areas such as plant biochemistry, microbiology, science education, bioinformatics, and cancer and cell biology.

The Department of BMB’s mission is to add to and disseminate understanding of science related to the molecular basis of life in support of the missions of DASNR and OSU. It does so in three ways. First, BMB contributes the expertise of its members to research endeavors in DASNR-supported projects. Though sometimes the contribution is through informal consultation, often it is by full collaborative participation in these projects. Second, BMB maintains facilities, equipment, and services essential for modern molecular biological research and makes these available to all DASNR-supported researchers and researchers throughout the university. Third, through its formal teaching program and its workshop program, BMB provides training in the molecular analysis of life processes that prepares students to join active research teams or health professions as productive members. BMB sees itself at the center of life science research, able to bring together diverse interests for the advancement of society and humankind. For more information, visit: https://agriculture.okstate.edu/departments-programs/biochemistry/?Forwarded=biochemistry.okstate.edu/

To learn more about Stillwater and OSU, visit these websites.

  • https://www.okstate.edu
  • https://www.visitstillwater.org
  • https://www.stillwaterchamber.org