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Graduate Student Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Liberty

Student Research Assistant for Law

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$12.77/hr

The Research Assistant will assist the Dean or a Faculty member of the Law School with various ... Time Type Part time Location Onsite Pay Rate Starting at $12.77 Student employees are paid at least ...

New

Virginia Tech

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA

$18/hr

Research Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 534078 Work type: Hourly Wage/Part-Time ... In addition, this position will provide graduate student experimental support, be in charge of ...

Virginia Tech

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Research Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536703 Work type: Staff Senior ... In addition, this position will provide graduate student experimental support, be in charge of ...

Virginia Tech

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Research Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 533999 Work type: Staff Senior ... graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a ...

Virginia Tech

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Research Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535375 Work type: Staff Senior ... graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a ...

Virginia Tech

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Research Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536935 Work type: Staff Senior ... graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a ...

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Graduate Student Research Assistant information

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$7

$16

$24

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

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student research assistant in Virginia is $16.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 much do graduate student research assistants make in the US?

Graduate student research assistants in the US typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual stipends ranging from $20,000 to $35,000 depending on the institution, field, and experience. Many positions also include tuition waivers and benefits, and work schedules often involve part-time hours during academic terms.

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.

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.

Is being a graduate student research assistant good for grad school?

Being a graduate student research assistant provides valuable experience in research methods, data analysis, and academic collaboration, which can strengthen a graduate student's skills and resume. It also offers networking opportunities and often provides financial support through stipends or tuition waivers, benefiting overall graduate school success.

Can graduate students be research assistants?

Yes, graduate students commonly serve as research assistants in academic settings, supporting faculty with research projects, data analysis, and lab work. These positions often require relevant coursework, strong research skills, and sometimes specific certifications or tools, and they typically offer part-time schedules alongside coursework.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia 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 Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,169 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Data Centers - Climate Resilience & Community Engagement Student Research Assistant (SRA) (Studen...

The University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

205th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Project: Living with Data Centers: Co-Producing a Framework for Climate, Community, and Infrastructure Resilience in Loudoun County, Virginia(Environmental Institute funded research project)

Overview

Thisresearchproject will examine how data center expansion impacts climate resilience, energy systems, water resources, and community well-being. By integrating community perspectives with technical analyses of grid reliability, life cycle cumulative impacts, spatial imprints, and economic tradeoffs, this project will co-produce, with decision-makers and county stakeholders, a first-of-its-kind localized study of the cumulative demands of data center developmentinLoudoun County, Virginia--the world's densest concentration of data centers. This locationoffers a critical case study for examining how the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure intersects with climate resilience.

Project Responsibilities:

During this internship, the student research assistant (SRA) will primarilyprovide support to thecommunity engagementprocessthroughproject management support, and support of fall workshops and future roundsinterview and focusgroup. This could include interviewing, transcribing, qualitative data analysis (coding), and summary report drafting. The SRA willhave a chance tolearn elements of the Equitable Collaboration Frameworkandcomplex facilitation as part of support to the Community Advisory Committee, the research team, andfutureworkshops.The SRA will have the opportunity to work on community engagement products,suchas data visualization and narrative forfutureSummary Reportsor flyers / graphics/ posters for workshops and focus groups.

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

  • Interest in climate resilience, public policy, community engagement, or environmental justice.

  • Strong writing, communication, and analytical skills.

  • Ability to work with diverse community partners.

  • Experience with, or desire to learn, aboutqualitative researchand stakeholderengagement.

  • Data analysis or qualitative codingfamiliarity helpful but notrequired.

  • Graphic design or GIS mapping skills helpful but notrequired.

  • Capacity to work independently and collaboratively.

Time Commitment: This role will involve 10-15 hrs/wk during the academic year, with a late July or early August start preferred. The role is partially remote and also includes some in person meetings at our office (2400 Old Ivy Rd.) and on Grounds.

This position is open to all UVA students; however, graduate students are preferred.

Pay Rate: Undergrads: $17 Graduate Students $19-$21.

Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application. You may direct questions related to this position to Kelly Altizer ( kim5f@virginia.edu).


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Resume and cover letter required.
Education: UVA student: Graduate student preferred.
Experience: none
Licensure: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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