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Graduate Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Research information

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How much do graduate research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research in California is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate research?

A graduate research position typically refers to a role held by a graduate student, such as a master's or doctoral candidate, in which they conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty member. These positions are often part of graduate degree programs and may involve laboratory experiments, data analysis, fieldwork, or scholarly writing. The goal is to contribute new knowledge to a specific field while developing advanced research skills. Graduate research positions can also provide financial support through stipends or assistantships.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Researcher, you need a strong academic background in your field, critical thinking abilities, and experience with research methodologies, usually supported by enrollment in a graduate program. Proficiency with data analysis tools (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), academic databases, and referencing software is often required. Strong written and verbal communication, perseverance, and effective time management set standout researchers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality research, meeting deadlines, and contributing meaningfully to academic or scientific advancements.

What are some common challenges faced by individuals in graduate research roles, and how can they be overcome?

Graduate research positions often involve managing complex projects with minimal supervision, which can be challenging for those new to independent work. Balancing research deadlines, coursework, and potential teaching responsibilities can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong time management skills, proactively seek feedback from advisors, and collaborate with peers for support and idea exchange. Building a network within your department can also provide valuable guidance and resources throughout your research journey.

Is a graduate research assistant a job?

Yes, a graduate research assistant is a paid position typically held by graduate students to support research projects. It involves tasks such as data collection, analysis, and reporting, often requiring specific skills and adherence to a schedule set by the supervising faculty or institution.

What jobs can you get with a graduate research degree?

A graduate research degree can qualify you for roles such as research scientist, data analyst, research associate, or university faculty. These positions often require strong analytical skills, familiarity with research methodologies, and proficiency with tools like statistical software or laboratory equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Research jobs in California?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Research jobs in California?

For Graduate Research jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,673 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Chicana/o Studies - Graduate Research Assistant for the Central American Research and Curriculum ...

California State University

Fullerton, CA

$3.8K/mo

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


California State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Chicana/o Studies - Graduate Research Assistant for the Central American Research and Curriculum Observatory and Lab (CARACOL)

Apply now Job no: 560539
Work type: Graduate Assistant
Location: Fullerton
Categories: Unit 11 - UAW - California Alliance of Academic Student Workers, Temporary, Part Time, Student Services

Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies
Graduate Research Assistant for the

Central American Research and Curriculum Observatory and Lab (CARACOL)

POSITION

The Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies at CSU Fullerton invites applications for its Graduate Research Assistant for the Central American Research and Curriculum Observatory and Lab (CARACOL).

We welcome applications from current CSUF graduate students in the Chicano/a department to apply to the position of Graduate Research Assistant.

The Graduate Research Assistant will conduct, present, discuss and analyze academic research in the field of Central American Studies to develop curriculum for the Department's Area 6 course proposals focused on Central American Studies. Graduate Research Assistant is an active collaborator in all CARACOL planning, research and curriculum meetings. Graduate Research Assistant is also required to attend, facilitate and participate in the successful development of CARACOL events and programming such as but not limited to curriculum workshops, recorded interviews, speaker lectures and annual symposium. The Graduate Research Assistant will also present their research at the Lab annual symposium, provide peer review for their colleagues and complete a written report of their work for publication in the LatinxLab.Studio website. 

Other duties include office clerical tasks such as document organization, assisting with Lab events, fielding questions about CARACOL, attendance at zoom meetings with projects such as the Isthmus and Borderlands podcast and other projects. 

Work schedule/ hours per week: 10 hours per week, M-F. Exact schedule to be determined in coordination with Latinx Lab Director, Latinx Lab Project Coordinator, and CARACOL Faculty Leads. The position is funded by the Department of Chicana/o Studies. 

This is a pool of Graduate Assistants for the department to draw on as necessary.

APPOINTMENTS FROM THE POOL ARE TEMPORARY AND OFTEN MADE JUST PRIOR TO THE START OF THE ACADEMIC TERM. APPLICANTS MAY BE OFFERED EMPLOYMENT ON VERY SHORT NOTICE. 

REQUIRED
QUALIFICATIONS

  • Candidates must be an enrolled graduate student in the Chicana/o department in good academic standing and not on academic probation
  • Strong background in writing and editing skills
  • Experience in researching topics in Latinx Studies and Central American Studies. Collaborative team member and timely project management. Highly organized with documents and time management. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Candidates should demonstrate their ability to interact and work effectively with a wide and culturally diverse range of students, including first-generation college students.

HOW TO APPLY

A complete online application must be submitted in order to receive consideration. Please provide the following materials as it relates to your application requirements:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of interest or Cover letter. In your cover letter (2-3 paragraphs), you should be sure to address the following:
    --why are you interested in a GA position in the department;
    --any relevant experience you have re: teaching, grading, researching, writing, editing, experience with archives or databases, or other pertinent skills;
    --What courses you have taken so far in your M.A. program, and what courses you will be enrolled in;
    --whether you have a preference for grading or research, or no preferences (please note that we cannot guarantee that if you are hired, you will be placed according to your preference)

Applications will be reviewed as needed. Please direct all questions about the position to: Dr. Mario Obando, maobando@fullerton.edu

COMPENSATION

All Graduate Assistant appointments are made under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the CSU system and the United Auto Workers.  Initial appointments are for one semester only. 

Classification Range: $3,245 to $6,072 per month
Anticipated hiring range depending on qualifications, not to exceed $3,800

The full-time monthly base salaries indicated above are prorated to the time base assigned.

MANDATED REPORTER PER CANRA

 

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse And Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017, as a condition of employment.

OUT-OF-STATE EMPLOYMENT POLICY

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and requires hiring employees to perform CSU related work within the State of California.

TITLE IX

Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator

EDUCATION CODE 89521 REQUIREMENTS

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Advertised: 29 Jul 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 28 May 2027 Pacific Daylight Time

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

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