ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Student Research Assistant Jobs in California

Keck Graduate Institute

Research Assistant

Claremont, CA · On-site

$18.90/hr

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the ... Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive ...

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Research Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Job Summary The Research Assistant assists the Associate Director of Dissemination and External ... The ideal candidate will be a graduate student with a strong working knowledge of Spanish and a ...

Howard

Research Assistant

Seeley, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... students for graduate study or careers in research, healthcare, or related fields. SUPERVISORY ... PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: * Assist in the design and execution of research experiments, surveys ...

CSULB

Assistant Professor of Biomechanics

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$80.35 - $87.05/hr

Assistant Professor of Biomechanics Effective Date : August 17, 2027 (Fall Semester) Salary Range ... Supervise undergraduate and graduate student research * Serve on master's thesis and comprehensive ...

Fresno State

Dean of Graduate Studies

Fresno, CA · On-site

$155K - $175K/yr

Ability to develop and sustain external partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations to support graduate student research, internships, and career pathways. To view the full ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsGraduate Student Research JobsGraduate Student Research Assistant JobsGraduate Student Research Assistant Jobs in California

Graduate Student Research Assistant information

See California salary details

$7

$16

$23

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

As of Sep 6, 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.

Research Assistant

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$28.34/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist the Associate Director of Dissemination and External Affairs by facilitating research and supporting research projects, exhibitions, and publications.

  • Conduct research in GRI Special Collections and organize research materials such as bibliographies, texts, and literature reviews.

  • Support ongoing research related to Latin-American art, ancient to contemporary, and assist with work in the division of Dissemination and External Affairs.

Job description

Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Job Summary
The Research Assistant assists the Associate Director of Dissemination and External Affairs at the Getty Research Institute (GRI) by facilitating research and/or assisting with research projects, exhibitions, and publications. The ideal candidate will be a graduate student with a strong working knowledge of Spanish and a background in Pre-Columbian art history and/or archaeology or Latin American studies. The ideal candidate will have some experience with and interest in dissemination in its many forms in the arts and culture sector.
This is a three (3) year, limited term position.
Major Job Responsibilities
  • Conducts research in GRI Special Collections
  • Contributes to the conceptual development of a project by organizing/creating documentation of research materials, such as bibliographies, searching for and ordering texts, writing literature reviews, etc.
  • Assists with ongoing research projects in aspects of Latin-American art, ancient to contemporary
  • Assists as needed with the work of the GRI division of Dissemination and External Affairs, including the departments of Digital Media and Content Strategy, Internal and External Affairs, and Publications

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in art history or related field; Master's degree or some graduate work preferred; PhD or ABD welcome
  • Background in Pre-Columbian art history or archaeology, or Latin American studies
  • 0-2 years research experience (education may be considered)
  • Working knowledge in Spanish preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a timely manner
  • Ability to build relationships, collaborate and work on teams
  • Ability to set and meet deadlines for oneself
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Adobe software suites preferred

Benefits and Perks
Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
  • 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
  • Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
  • Educational assistance and professional development
  • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Many positions have bi-weekly off-Fridays
  • On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
  • Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.

Apply