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Graduate Student Research Assistant information

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$6

$15

$22

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

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student research assistant in Iowa is $15.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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.

What are Graduate Student Research Assistants?

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.

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 Iowa? For Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa 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 Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,371 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Graduate Student Services Specialist II - Specialty Masters

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 613 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Graduate Student Services Specialist II - Specialty Masters
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience
Job Description:
The Ivy College of Business Graduate Programs Office at Iowa State University is seeking a Graduate Student Services Specialist II - Specialty Master's to support the college's professional master's and certificate programs, including the Master of Accounting, Master of Finance, Master of Science in Information Systems, Master of Business Analytics, associated concurrent degree programs, certificate programs, and future graduate offerings.
Working collaboratively with faculty, Directors of Graduate Education (DOGEs), Graduate Programs staff, and university partners, this position combines data analysis with direct student support to drive data-informed decision-making while delivering exceptional service throughout the graduate student experience.
The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, and relationship-focused, with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Success in this role requires the ability to interpret complex data, translate insights into actionable recommendations, and build positive partnerships with students, faculty, and campus stakeholders.
This position offers the opportunity to work closely with graduate students in a highly engaged environment where interactions extend beyond transactional support. Building meaningful relationships, understanding students' individual needs, and providing guidance while upholding university and college policies are essential aspects of the role.
The Graduate Programs Office is a collaborative, fast-paced, and innovative team dedicated to enhancing the graduate student experience and advancing the long-term success of the Ivy College of Business's graduate programs.
Examples of Duties
  • Analyze enrollment, admissions, course demand, and student success data to support enrollment planning and course scheduling.
  • Prepare reports and data analyses for university leadership, accreditation, and national surveys.
  • Develop dashboards and reporting tools using Excel, Power BI, and other technologies.
  • Leverage technology and AI applications to improve student services and operational efficiency.
  • Partner with faculty and academic departments to support curriculum planning, industry alignment, and student success.
  • Collect, analyze, and present student and stakeholder feedback through data visualization and reporting.
  • Serve as the primary student services resource for approximately 250 graduate students in professional master's and certificate programs.
  • Advise students on course registration, degree planning, graduation requirements, and university policies.
  • Maintain accurate student records using university information systems.
  • Participate in graduate admissions by reviewing applications and collaborating with Directors of Graduate Education (DOGEs) on admissions decisions.
  • Support graduate recruitment, retention, orientation, onboarding, and student communications.
  • Assist with international recruitment partnerships and scholarship administration.
  • Coordinate student engagement initiatives to enhance the graduate student experience.
  • Coordinate and teach BUSAD 5930: Business Specialty Masters Seminar in partnership with Ivy Graduate Career Services, preparing students for academic and professional success.
  • Collaborate across departments to support graduate programs, enrollment initiatives, and strategic planning.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with graduate students on data management technologies.
  • Professional experience or a master's degree in a field related to the academic programs supported.
  • Experience using student information systems and other higher education technologies.
  • Experience with data management, reporting, analytics, and related tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI).
  • Experience collaborating with faculty and campus partners.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS807
Original Posting Date:
July 24, 2026
Posting Close Date:
July 31, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19638
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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