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Graduate Student Research Assistant Jobs in California

Chapman University

Graduate Student Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... Title Graduate Student Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All ... Review and provide reports on the latest research surrounding first-generation students in higher ...

Chapman University

Research Lab Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$17/hr

... Title Research Lab Assistant Academic Year Fall 2026 Term or Semester Fall Is this Role for an ... to graduate study and scientific careers. Students may also have the opportunity to collaborate ...

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Chapman University

Research Lab Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$17/hr

... Title Research Lab Assistant Academic Year Fall 2026 Term or Semester Fall Is this Role for an ... to graduate study and scientific careers. Students may also have the opportunity to collaborate ...

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Graduate Student Research Assistant information

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How much do graduate student research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student research assistant in California is $16.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate student research assistant?

Graduate Student Research Assistants are graduate-level students who assist faculty or principal investigators in conducting research projects, often as part of their academic training. Their duties may include data collection, analysis, literature reviews, laboratory work, and preparing reports or presentations. These positions provide valuable hands-on research experience and may be funded through grants or university programs. Typically, Graduate Student Research Assistants work part-time while pursuing their graduate degrees, contributing to both their professional development and the progress of the research project.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a graduate student research assistant?

To thrive as a Graduate Student Research Assistant, you need strong analytical abilities, subject-specific knowledge, and enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with research software, data analysis tools (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), and academic databases is typically required. Excellent time management, communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively and balance research with academic responsibilities. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality research, contributing to academic projects, and advancing your academic career.

How does a graduate student research assistant typically collaborate with faculty and other researchers in a university setting?

Graduate Student Research Assistants often work closely with faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, and other graduate students. They may participate in regular lab meetings, contribute to group discussions, and assist in designing and conducting experiments or data analysis. Collaboration is key, as assistants are frequently expected to share findings, provide feedback on others' work, and sometimes co-author papers or presentations. This teamwork not only enhances the research itself but also provides valuable mentorship and networking opportunities for career development.

What is the difference between Graduate Student Research Assistant vs Research Intern?

AspectGraduate Student Research AssistantResearch Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, relevant coursework or degreeUndergraduate or graduate student, often less specialized
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, university settings, ongoing research projectsResearch labs, industry settings, short-term projects
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, academic research institutionsCorporations, research firms, industry R&D
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic research roles, career developmentIndustry experience, internship opportunities

The main difference is that Graduate Student Research Assistants are enrolled students working on academic research projects within universities, often as part of their degree requirements. Research Interns are typically students or early-career individuals gaining industry experience through short-term internships. While both roles involve research tasks, the setting, credentials, and career focus differ.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Graduate Student Research Assistant job openings:

Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Student Research Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,013 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Graduate Student Assistant

Chapman University

Orange, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Student Title Classification Information
Quick Link https://chapman.peopleadmin.com/postings/40461 Job Number SE218124
Position Information
Department or Unit Name Cross Cultural Center Position Headcount 1 Position Title Graduate Student Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Grad Anticipated Pay Range $20.00 - $20.00 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
On which Campus will this work be done? Orange Approved Supervisor Misty Levingston Supervisor Email levingston@chapman.edu
Scheduling

Please use dates within Chapman Academic Calendar
(https://www.chapman.edu/academics/academic-calendar.aspx)

Desired Start Date 08/24/2026 Projected End Date 05/24/2027 Average number of hours per week Up to 19 Hrs
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
The Office of First Generation and Promising Futures Programs (FGPFP) Graduate Assistant (GA) is responsible for general administrative, office and programming support for FGPFP Office.
Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of the Director, the GA will provide assistance in developing and overseeing programs, events, and special initiatives for the FGPGP Office
  • Attend and participate in university wide events, trainings, and workshops
  • Support colleagues across campus (for example Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, etc.) to encourage the implementation or fulfillment of institutional goals and strategic priorities
  • Lead small group meetings or focus groups as needed
  • Facilitate presentations requiring public speaking as needed
  • Assist with the Office of First Gen & Promising Futures Programs, Early Outreach Initiatives by leading campus tours, participating in student panels, and inspiring K-12 students to pursue higher education.
  • Serve as the office liaison at university events both on and off campus
  • Participate in recruitment and yielding events in collaboration with the Office of Admission
  • Review and provide reports on the latest research surrounding first-generation students in higher education
  • Develop and disseminate marketing materials for the Office of FGPGP
  • Provide assistance with updating the Office of FGPFP social media pages to include Panther Connect and Instagram
  • Provide assistance with developing and establishing a peer-to-peer mentorship program for first-generation students.
  • Additional evening and weekend work as needed
  • Provide overall support for the office with high level projects
  • Complete other duties as assigned
  • May include supervision of student workers.
Required Qualifications
  • Must be admitted and currently enrolled in a graduate program at Chapman University
  • Experience working with student support initiatives in an academic, professional, or student organization setting
  • Ability to work independently and exercise initiative
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality

Desired Qualifications
  • Leadership experience in first-generation related groups, programs or initiatives
  • Effectiveness in establishing rapport with students, staff, faculty, administrators, and community members
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with graphic design software (Canva), Panther Connect and Qualtrics.
  • Eagerness to learn additional leadership skills

Special Instructions to Applicants
Budget Information
Is Federal work-study required? With or Without FWS

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