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Graduate Student Research Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Research Assistant

Claremont, CA ยท 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 ...

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Graduate Student Research Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$7

$17

$25

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student research assistant in Riverside, CA is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $19.33 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 Riverside, CA?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Graduate Student Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Student Research Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,955 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Graduate Student Research Assistant - Aerospace - #721870615

CAL POLY POMONA FOUNDATION

Pomona, CA โ€ข On-site

$20/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description
Cal Poly Pomona Foundation Employment Services
ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
JOB POSITION: Graduate Research Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Aerospace
DATE Available: Immediately
ABOUT US: As the largest employer of students on the Cal Poly Pomona campus, the Foundation offers valuable work experience and hands-on training to approximately 1,500 Cal Poly Pomona students each year. The Foundation offers positions in various fields; whether it is in the area of technology, science, retail, culinary arts, hospitality 1500 management, leadership or research grants, this student employees participate in Cal Poly Pomona's learn-by-doing philosophy and acquire practical skills in their designated field of study.
The Foundation also contributes operating support to nearly 1,100 Foundation and scholarship programs every year, including Bronco Athletics and the Norman J. Priest Scholarship. In addition, the Foundation administers grants and contracts, contributes to campus security, and supports several university publications. The Foundation contributes over $1 million annually to Cal Poly Pomona.
SUMMARY: The Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises is currently searching for two Part-Time Graduate Research Assistants for a structural vibration experimental and numerical project under the supervision of Dr. Zahra Sotoudeh.
SOME OF THE THINGS THAT YOU WILL GET TO DO (this is just a small sampling of work variety):
  • Use ANSYS for structural analysis, experimental structural analysis, and machine learning.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must be a current Cal Poly Pomona either in undergraduate or graduate level

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Familiarity with ANSYS
  • Passed a Vibration course
  • Hands-on experience and willingness to learn experimental structural analysis

CSU along with Cal Poly Pomona Foundation require faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare an exemption from doing so. The systemwide policy can be found at COVID-19 Vaccination Interim Policy and any questions may be sent to fdnhr@cpp.edu
Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc. may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.