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Graduate Research Mentor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate research assistants. Oversee data management, protocol documentation, and project timelines. * Professional development and training: Pursue ...

$19.25 - $25/hr

Graduate Research Assistants will support one or more of the Center's Working Groups and will be mentored by designated NCEMS research staff. The primary responsibilities of this position are:

You will be directly mentored by a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Bruno Gegenhuber, providing exposure ... This is an ideal position for a recent college graduate interested in preparing for graduate school ...

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Graduate Research Mentor information

What are some common challenges Graduate Research Mentors face when guiding students, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Graduate Research Mentors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse student skill levels, balancing their own research with mentoring duties, and fostering independent thinking without micromanaging. To overcome these, mentors can set clear expectations, establish regular check-ins, and create a supportive environment that encourages questions and collaboration. Utilizing structured feedback and open communication helps mentees grow while allowing mentors to efficiently manage their workload.

What is the difference between Graduate Research Mentor vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate Research MentorResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsGraduate degree or pursuing a graduate programUndergraduate or graduate student, sometimes with relevant coursework
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research centers, universitiesLaboratories, field sites, academic or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, research labs, private companies
Primary RoleMentoring students, overseeing research projects, guiding research designAssisting with experiments, data collection, and analysis

The main difference is that a Graduate Research Mentor typically provides guidance and oversight to students or junior researchers, often holding a graduate degree or pursuing one, while a Research Assistant primarily supports research activities through hands-on tasks. The Mentor role involves leadership and mentorship, whereas the Assistant role focuses on executing research tasks under supervision.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Research Mentor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Research Mentor, you need a strong background in research methodology, subject matter expertise, and typically an advanced degree in your field. Familiarity with data analysis software, citation management tools, and ethical research guidelines is often required. Excellent communication, active listening, and leadership skills help build trust and foster the intellectual growth of mentees. These skills and qualities are essential for guiding students effectively, promoting rigorous research, and supporting academic and professional development.

Can I be a research assistant without a PhD?

Research assistant positions often do not require a PhD and are typically open to individuals with a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. These roles focus on supporting research activities, data collection, and analysis, and may require strong organizational skills and familiarity with research tools. Advanced research roles or those involving independent project design usually require a higher level of education, such as a PhD.

What does a research mentor do?

A research mentor guides and supports students or junior researchers in developing their research skills, designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results. They provide feedback, oversee project progress, and help mentees develop critical thinking and professional skills within a research environment.

What are Graduate Research Mentors?

Graduate Research Mentors are experienced graduate students or professionals who guide and support less experienced students, typically undergraduates or new graduate students, in conducting academic research. They provide advice on research design, methodology, data analysis, and academic writing, as well as general mentorship on navigating graduate school. Their role is to foster a supportive learning environment, help mentees develop critical research skills, and promote academic and professional growth.

What jobs can I get with a PhD in curriculum and instruction?

A PhD in curriculum and instruction prepares individuals for roles such as university professor, educational researcher, curriculum developer, instructional coordinator, or education consultant. These positions often require expertise in research methods, curriculum design, and educational theory, and may involve working in academic, government, or private education settings.

How much should a mentor cost?

The cost of a Graduate Research Mentor varies depending on the institution, funding sources, and whether the position is paid or voluntary. Paid mentorship roles typically offer stipends or hourly wages, often aligned with research assistant or teaching assistant pay scales, which can range from minimum wage to several thousand dollars per month. Unpaid mentorship is common in academic settings where mentors provide guidance as part of their academic responsibilities.
More about Graduate Research Mentor jobs
What cities are hiring for Graduate Research Mentor jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Research Mentor job openings:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Mentor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Mentor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Mentor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Integrated Nanotechnologies Graduate Research Assistants

Integrated Nanotechnologies Graduate Research Assistants

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

What You Will Do
The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (MPA-CINT), is seeking outstanding graduate research assistant candidates to join projects at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Projects combine small and large interdisciplinary teams involved in chemical synthesis, nanodevice fabrication, optical characterization, electron microscopy characterization, nanomechanical characterization, theoretical simulation, and the bio-nano interface to predict, synthesize, and understand nanomaterials through studies that are unique to LANL experimental capabilities (https://cint.lanl.gov).
The successful candidate(s) will contribute to a one-of-a-kind collaborative team environment consisting of accomplished early, mid, and senior career scientists in Quantum Materials Systems, In-Situ Characterization and Nanomechanics, Nanophotonics and Optical Nanomaterials, and Soft, Biological, and Composite Nanomaterials.
Being part of this highly multidisciplinary team, the successful applicant(s) will have the chance to be part of projects with far-reaching implications for leading to high quality publications.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Currently enrolled in an accredited Ph.D. program in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or closely related discipline.
  • Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent). Students preparing to begin a graduate program of study must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an appropriate degree program.
  • Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
  • Relevant research background to CINT scientists seeking students.
  • Strong publication record quantified in terms of impact in the applicant's field.
  • Demonstrated ability to work creatively and independently in collaboration with large interdisciplinary research teams comprising both experimentalists and theorists.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in oral and written English, both technically and interpersonally

Education/Experience: Completion of a bachelor's degree and acceptance into a U.S. graduate degree program in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or a closely related field. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is required.


Desired Qualifications:
  • Strong scientific record in the general area of candidate's research by publication in high impact factor journals.
  • Strong citation of published work quantified through total citation count and h-index.
  • Recognition through national or international honors and awards.
  • Strong potential for attaining national and international stature in her/his field of research.
Note to Applicants:
  • A complete application package consists of a Cover Letter, CV, and names of 3 references. Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter addressing which GRA position they wish to be considered for including their CINT mentor, how they meet the minimum job requirements and relevant desired skills (in bullet point format), and the contact information for at least three professional references.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
§ Dental and vision insurance
§ Free basic life and disability insurance
§ Paid childbirth and parental leave
§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs
§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.

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