1

Graduate Research Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Graduate Research Supervisor information

See salary details

$50K

$98.6K

$173.5K

How much do graduate research supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate research supervisor in the United States is $98,569.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Graduate Research Supervisor vs Research Coordinator?

AspectGraduate Research SupervisorResearch Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically requires a relevant advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in the fieldOften requires a bachelor's or master's degree, with some roles preferring additional research experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, supervising graduate students' research projectsResearch institutions, labs, or organizations coordinating research activities and logistics
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, research institutesResearch organizations, government agencies, private labs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic supervision roles, mentoring graduate studentsManaging research projects, coordinating research activities

The Graduate Research Supervisor primarily mentors and oversees graduate students' research projects within academic settings, requiring advanced degrees. In contrast, Research Coordinators focus on organizing and managing research activities across various organizations, often with different educational backgrounds. Both roles are essential in research environments but serve distinct functions related to supervision versus coordination.

What are Graduate Research Supervisors?

Graduate Research Supervisors are faculty members or experienced researchers who provide guidance, mentorship, and oversight to graduate students conducting research projects or theses. Their primary role is to support students in developing research proposals, conducting experiments or studies, analyzing data, and writing up results. They help ensure academic integrity, provide feedback, and aid in the professional and academic development of the student throughout their graduate program.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Research Supervisor, you need advanced expertise in your academic discipline, a doctoral degree, and experience in research methodologies. Familiarity with research management software, academic databases, and compliance regulations is typically required. Strong mentorship, communication, and organizational skills help foster student development and manage multiple projects. These skills are vital for guiding graduate students towards successful research outcomes and maintaining academic standards.

Do you need a PhD to supervise a PhD?

Graduate Research Supervisors typically need a PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification to supervise PhD students, as it demonstrates advanced expertise in the field. In addition to a PhD, strong research experience, publication record, and mentoring skills are often required by academic institutions or research organizations.

What does a research supervisor do?

A research supervisor oversees and guides the research process for students or team members, providing mentorship, feedback, and ensuring the project meets academic or institutional standards. They help design experiments, analyze data, and develop research skills, often working in academic or research institutions. Strong communication, subject expertise, and organizational skills are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Graduate Research Supervisors when mentoring students, and how can they be addressed?

Graduate Research Supervisors often encounter challenges such as balancing individualized mentorship with managing multiple students, navigating differing research interests, and supporting students' professional development. Effective communication, setting clear expectations, and fostering an inclusive research environment can help address these challenges. Additionally, supervisors benefit from staying up to date with best practices in research supervision and seeking feedback from students to continuously improve their mentoring approach.

Do PhD supervisors get paid more?

PhD supervisors, often faculty members or senior researchers, typically earn higher salaries than entry-level research staff due to their advanced qualifications and experience. Their pay can vary based on the institution, funding sources, and geographic location, but generally, supervisory roles involve higher compensation reflecting their responsibilities and expertise.

How hard is it to find a PhD supervisor?

Finding a graduate research supervisor can be competitive and depends on the field, available funding, and the supervisor's research interests. Success often requires a strong academic record, relevant research experience, and clear communication of research goals. Building relationships with potential supervisors and demonstrating alignment with their work can improve chances of securing supervision.
More about Graduate Research Supervisor jobs
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Supervisor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,569 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Survey Research Center - Graduate Research Assistant

High Point University

High Point, NC

$12/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


High Point University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

526th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Title: Graduate Research Assistant

Department: Survey Research Center

Supervisor: Dr. J.R. Moller

Starting Rate of Pay: $12.00

Length of Employment: Fall 2026 - Eligible for rehire on a semester-by-semester basis

Department Description:

The HPU Survey Research Center (SRC) completes multiple survey research projects each semester, including the HPU Poll-a national and statewide public opinion survey. The SRC provides professional development opportunities for students. The SRC serves High Point, North Carolina, and the U.S. by publishing important findings about public opinion in North Carolina and beyond, while promoting student, staff, and faculty research. Findings from studies have been reported in numerous publications, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Fox News, Politico, The Raleigh News & Observer, Real Clear Politics, and academic journals.

Job Description:

Candidates from all majors and all graduate academic years are encouraged to apply, train, and serve in the Survey Research Center. Graduate Research Assistants are involved in all aspects of the High Point University Polls and other research projects on behalf of the HPU SRC and other academic departments in an internship-like experience. Graduate Research Assistants will aid in providing research mentorship to undergraduate Research Assistants in the SRC. The Graduate Research Assistant position will report to the Staff Director of the Survey Research Center and may perform research and administrative duties on different research projects, including, but not limited to the responsibilities listed below.

Job Location & Hours:

The student employee will perform most or all job duties at: Remote

Work hours may vary depending on SRC needs; however, student employees are limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week. This position requires up to 10 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

  • Processing and managing data by entering, transcribing, and coding survey data as well as qualitative focus group and interview data using Excel, SPSS, R, ATLAS.ti, and other tools.
  • Analyzing data and reporting findings contributing to summary reports, press releases, articles, and conference presentations.
  • Scheduling, attending, and contributing to research project team meetings.
  • Conducting literature reviews using online databases and tools like Research Rabbit.
  • In coordination with the Directors and other members of the project team, compiling and creating survey, focus group, and interview protocols and materials.
  • Collecting data by creating and deploying surveys using Qualtrics survey software, and scheduling focus groups and interviews.
  • Managing IRB submissions for research projects and completing the necessary IRB training.
  • Attending SRC lab sessions.

Required Qualifications:

  • Graduate Research Assistants must possess the ability to work independently.
  • Graduate Research Assistants must possess high levels of honesty and integrity.
  • Graduate Research Assistants must be High Point University graduate students.
  • Graduate Research Assistants must be in good standing with High Point University.

Desired Skills:

  • Desired skills include time management, coachability, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and working efficiently.
  • Experience with Excel, SPSS, and other research software is a bonus but not required, because it can be taught as part of the role.
  • The desire to mentor undergraduate Research Assistants.

What High Point University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom