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Graduate Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MIT Human Resources

Research Scientist 2

Cambridge, MA · On-site

... graduate students and postdoctoral associates; contribute original research to the PSFC program ... scientific journals and present at scientific conferences. It is expected that some research ...

Kansascity

Graduate Research Assistant

Kansas City, KS · On-site

Student (Fixed Term) The Graduate Research Assistant will help to recruit babies and conduct ... Computer Science or Statistical background * Experienced with a programming language (in R, Python ...

Institute for Business and Home Safety

Position Summary The Research Project Scientist/Engineer is an early-career position responsible ... Graduate research and/or 1-2 years of hands-on experimental research required. * Proficiency with ...

NTENT

Research Scientist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

Research Scientist Position: Full time Location: Carlsbad office About Us: NTENT provides a ... Graduate degree (PhD preferred) in Computer Science, Linguistics, Statistics, Computational Social ...

NTENT

Research Scientist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

Research Scientist Position: Full time Location: Carlsbad office About Us: NTENT provides a ... Graduate degree (PhD preferred) in Computer Science, Linguistics, Statistics, Computational Social ...

UAB NOVA RENT

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Birmingham, AL · On-site

General Responsibilities A Research Scientist conducts advanced studies in a specific field ... Supervising and mentoring undergraduate/graduate lab students. * Writing manuscripts and grants ...

UAB

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Tampa, FL · On-site

General Responsibilities A Research Scientist conducts advanced studies in a specific field ... Supervising and mentoring undergraduate/graduate lab students. * Writing manuscripts and grants ...

Rice University

Research Scientist

Houston, TX · On-site

This position communicates the results of scientific research through presentations, mentors undergraduate/graduate student researchers, and maintains a safe and efficient work environment. This is a ...

Rice University

Research Scientist

Houston, TX · On-site

This position communicates the results of scientific research through presentations, mentors undergraduate/graduate student researchers, and maintains a safe and efficient work environment. This is a ...

Massgeneralbrigham

Research Scientist

Cambridge, MA

$60K - $96K/yr

No Licenses and Credentials Experience Previous Research experience (inclusive of graduate and ... This position is ideal for a scientist who can work independently, take ownership of experimental ...

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All JobsGraduate Research Scientist Jobs

Graduate Research Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do graduate research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate research scientist?

Graduate Research Scientists are advanced degree students, typically pursuing a master's or doctoral program, who conduct scientific research under the supervision of faculty or principal investigators. Their work involves designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to academic publications in their field of study. These scientists often work in university labs, research institutes, or partnered industry projects, gaining essential skills for future academic or industry careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate research scientist?

To thrive as a Graduate Research Scientist, you need a solid background in scientific research methods, data analysis, and a relevant academic degree (typically a master's or Ph.D. in a scientific field). Familiarity with statistical software, laboratory equipment, and research databases is commonly required, along with knowledge of protocols and compliance standards. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for presenting findings and collaborating with peers. These competencies are vital for producing rigorous research, driving innovation, and contributing meaningfully to scientific advancement.

What are some common challenges faced by graduate research scientists when transitioning from coursework to independent research?

Graduate Research Scientists often encounter challenges such as managing the shift from structured coursework to self-directed research, developing effective time management skills, and coping with the uncertainty inherent in experimental work. Balancing multiple responsibilities like teaching, publishing, and attending seminars can also be demanding. Building strong relationships with advisors and peers is crucial for receiving guidance and feedback, which helps in navigating these challenges and progressing toward research milestones.

What is the difference between Graduate Research Scientist vs Research Associate?

AspectGraduate Research ScientistResearch Associate
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in relevant field, research experienceBachelor's or Master's, research experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research institutions, industry R&DAcademic, industry, or government research settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, biotech, pharma, tech companiesUniversities, research institutes, corporate R&D
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Graduate Research Scientist and a Research Associate lies in their experience and educational background. Graduate Research Scientists typically hold advanced degrees like a Master's or PhD and are involved in more independent research projects. Research Associates often have a Bachelor's or Master's and support research activities under supervision. Both roles are common in academic and industry research environments, but Graduate Research Scientists usually engage in more specialized and autonomous research tasks.

Are research scientists in high demand?

Research scientists are in high demand across various industries such as healthcare, technology, and academia due to ongoing innovation and the need for specialized expertise. Employment growth is expected to be steady, especially for those with advanced degrees and skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, or programming.

Are research scientists paid well?

Research scientists' salaries vary depending on the industry, experience, and location, but they generally earn competitive wages that reflect their specialized skills and advanced education. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced scientists with advanced degrees and research expertise can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits and research funding. Salary data from industry sources indicates that research scientists in fields like biotech, pharmaceuticals, and academia tend to have median salaries ranging from moderate to high levels compared to other scientific roles.

Do I need a PhD to be a graduate research scientist?

A graduate research scientist typically holds a master's degree or higher in a relevant field; a PhD is often preferred for advanced research roles, but some positions may accept candidates with a master's degree combined with research experience. The specific educational requirements depend on the employer and the complexity of the research involved.
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Graduate Research Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Research Project Scientist/Engineer

Richburg, SC • On-site

Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safetyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The Research Project Scientist/Engineer is an early-career position responsible for supporting IBHS research into how wildfire exposures affect homes, businesses, and communities. Working with IBHS researchers and Research Center teams, this position helps plan and conduct laboratory and field research focused on structure ignition, fire spread, building materials, and practical wildfire mitigation strategies.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Support the planning and execution of laboratory, full-scale, and field research projects.
  • Conduct experiments involving wildfire exposures such as wind-blown embers, radiant heat, and direct flame contact.
  • Assist with developing research scopes, test plans, experimental procedures, schedules, and technical documentation.
  • Coordinate with laboratory, instrumentation, construction, and safety teams to prepare and conduct testing.
  • Collect, organize, analyze, and quality-check experimental and field data.
  • Use programming, statistical, or data-visualization tools to analyze research findings.
  • Participate in field studies and post-wildfire investigations.
  • Prepare technical reports, presentations, figures, and research summaries.
  • Support the translation of research findings into practical wildfire-resilience guidance.
  • Follow all research, laboratory, and safety requirements.

Requirements

  • Master's degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering, materials science, forestry, atmospheric science, or a closely related field required.
  • Graduate research and/or 1-2 years of hands-on experimental research required.
  • Proficiency with at least one analytical tool, such as Python, MATLAB, R, LabVIEW, GIS, or C++, required.
  • Eligible to work in the United States required.
  • Graduate research involving wildfire, fire science, building performance, experimental testing, heat transfer, combustion, or data analysis preferred.
  • Experience with instrumentation and sensor-based testing is a plus.
  • Experience with experimental design, statistical analysis, data visualization, and QA/QC of research data is a plus.

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development

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