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Graduate Research Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Forensic Science Program at The Pennsylvania State University seeks to fill a Graduate Research ... Any other relevant research-related tasks as determined by the supervisor The qualified candidate(s ...

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Graduate Research Supervisor information

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$50K

$98.6K

$173.5K

How much do graduate research supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 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 3% Internship, 64% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,569 per year, or $47.4 per hour.
Graduate Research Assistant II - BRI (M.Sc. Candidate)

Graduate Research Assistant II - BRI (M.Sc. Candidate)

Sul Ross State University

Alpine, TX • On-site

$18K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Instructions to applicants
PLEASE NOTE: All applications should contain complete job history entries, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes and curriculum vitae do not take the place of this required information.
Job Title
Graduate Research Assistant II - BRI (M.Sc. Candidate)
Location
Alpine
Department
Borderlands Research Institute
Job No.
G98221
Posting Date
07/06/2026
End Date
05/31/2029
Until Filled
No
Appointment Date
09/01/2026
Salary
$18,000/year + fringe
Required
Bachelor's degree, working on master's degree; must be enrolled in 9 sch in fall/spring and 6 sch in summer.
Preferred
Complete tasks with minimal supervision. Learn new skills as necessary. Comfortably operate Microsoft Office software. Support students, faculty and administration in a positive and professional manner. Exhibit excellent communication skills, attention to details and be solution oriented. Uphold FERPA and other confidential matters. Ability to work 20 hours per week.
Primary Responsibilities
All graduate Research assistants will coordinate with a faculty mentor to guide and direct activities. Additionally, Graduate Research Assistant II will assist faculty members with collecting and analyzing data and reporting results on various research projects and are expected to assist other students as part of the research team. The Graduate Research Assistant II will take ownership in all aspects of the research project, including planning, data collection, data analysis, reports, and publications. The Graduate Research Assistant II will communicate project status to the faculty mentor as requested and will help communicate with stakeholders. The Graduate Research Assistant II is required to mentor an undergraduate student. Responsible for personal safety and safety of others; must exercise caution and practice safe work habits at all times.
This position is security sensitive.
Other Information
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action EmployerIt is the policy of Sul Ross State University to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons in accordance with their individual, job related qualifications and without consideration of race, creed, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and ancestry. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded in all personnel actions or decisions including, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, demotion, termination and salary. Retaliation is prohibited against a person who opposes a discriminatory practice, files a charge, testifies, assists or participates in an investigative proceeding or hearing.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security & Fire Safety ReportThe Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at https://srinfo.sulross.edu/udps/
The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.
A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can contact the Office of Student Life, located on the Alpine Campus in the Morgan University Center, Room 211 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 432-837-8424 or emailing stulife@sulross.edu
About SRSU
Our campuses span a fascinating part of Texas-Alpine, in the heart of the beautiful Big Bend area, and Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Uvalde along the vibrant, bicultural Texas/Mexico border.
What you've heard is true - there is something very special about the areas we serve in our great State, and Sul Ross State University is vital to the continued growth and progress of our students and the communities we serve.
Sul Ross State provides students with the education they need to translate their passions into a fulfilling career. This life-changing experience has a multi-generational impact, transforming the lives of our students, their families and positively impacting the communities in which they reside. We value learning and strive to provide high quality education in a welcoming, supportive environment. We take pride in serving many first-generation college students as well as non-traditional students, international students, student-athletes and graduate students.
From teaching, coaching and law enforcement, to science, ranch management and the Fine Arts, SRSU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Known as the Frontier University of Texas, Sul Ross encourages each student to explore their own frontiers and to exceed their educational, personal and professional goals.
For more information visit www.sulross.edu