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Graduate Student Research Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Research Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.75 - $30/hr

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and Project Manager, the Research Assistant I ... Master's degree or doctoral student preferred. 1-3 years of research experience is required.

AI Research Assistant

College Park, MD

$19 - $26.25/hr

The AI Research Assistant will assist the AI/Machine Learning lead for DE Bioeffects project in ... Graduate-level study in Computer Science, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning ...

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Student Research Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$7

$17

$25

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student research assistant in Reston, VA is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.28 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 Reston, VA?

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

What job categories do people searching Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Graduate Student Research Assistant job openings:

Research Assistant

Howard University

Washington, DC • On-site

$21.75 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Howard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.
At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.
Here is what we offer:
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
  • Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
  • Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
  • Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
  • Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!
https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness
JOB PURPOSE:
Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and Project Manager, the Research Assistant I will conduct interviews and assessments and administer questionnaires; collect, gather, or organize data from different sources (including, for example, electronic medical records or public or other data sources); maintain research databases and files; perform or assist in literature searches; perform general administrative tasks; participate with the research team in conducting basic data analyses and preparing reports, including progress reports and reports of the findings. This specific position will involve supporting the clinical trials and clinical demonstration projects and other clinical research and program development activities of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:
N/A
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
  • Recruits subjects to participate in research studies; assesses potential participants for eligibility; enrolls study participants, including explaining research procedures & protocols and obtaining informed consent of subjects and/or their families.
  • Schedules appointments of study participants; contacts participants to remind them about appointments.
  • Administers questionnaires, conducts interviews and assessments following established protocols, and assists study participants in navigating through questionnaires.
  • Identifies subjects with significant clinical concerns and relays this information to the Program Manager or Principal Investigator.
  • Maintains patient study files in accordance with legal and institutional guidelines.
  • Performs a variety of data management procedures (e.g., data entry, producing basic reports, data cleaning, database maintenance).
  • Codes qualitative interviews using codebooks and NVIVO database.
  • Utilizes databases (e.g., Excel) to track research activities and to record data.
  • Aids in the development of reports, grants, presentations, and data analysis. Assists with manuscript and grant preparation and research.
  • Conducts literature searches and synthesizes information in requested formats.
  • Attends all required training and meetings of the research team, as instructed by Principal Investigator or Project Manager.
  • Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, safety, environmental and infection control standards. Participates in staff meetings/initiatives including appropriate quality improvement and education activities, or if unable to attend non-mandatory activities, accepts responsibility to review meeting minutes and becomes knowledgeable of issues discussed.
  • Conforms to College of Medicine and hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible service and patient care may be provided.
  • Follows established infection control and safety procedures.
  • Obtains and distributes reimbursements/participation vouchers and/or payments.
  • Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Ability to read and write fluently in English required. Additional language skill in the language of target community is a plus.
  • Professional demeanor, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, reliability, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Must have the ability to take initiative and handle multiple priorities and tasks.
  • Ability to communicate effectively (listen and build trust) and be non-judgmentally with people of different gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, ethnic, language and cultural backgrounds.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook) and web browsers. Experience with statistical software (NVIVO) is a plus.
  • Coursework in data collection and research methodology.
  • Must successfully complete training in human subjects research certification.
  • Ability to work independently after receiving instruction.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelors' degree required. Master's degree or doctoral student preferred. 1-3 years of research experience is required. Experience in mental health, public health and/or clinical studies is preferred.
Compliance Salary Range Disclosure
$44,000-$54,000

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