1

Graduate Student Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The appointee will also assist in supervising graduate students, provide technical guidance on data-driven and AI-based safety analyses, and support ongoing research projects aligned with the Center ...

Graduate Student Assistant

Pittsburgh, PA

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

The fallposition will be responsible for working with CWE staff to perform research, create ... All current student employees should notify their other manager(s) if you work multiple jobs on ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Graduate Student Researcher information

See salary details

$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do graduate student researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate student researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Graduate Student Researcher?

A Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) is a graduate-level student, typically pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, who conducts academic research under the supervision of a faculty member or principal investigator. GSRs contribute to research projects in their field of study, assisting with experiments, data analysis, and scholarly publications. This position often provides valuable hands-on experience and may include financial support or tuition remission as part of a research assistantship. GSRs play a crucial role in advancing university research while gaining skills and expertise necessary for academic or professional careers.

How to become a GSR at UCLA?

To become a Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) at UCLA, applicants typically need to be enrolled in a graduate program and secure a faculty mentor willing to sponsor their research assistantship. Applicants should demonstrate relevant academic background, research skills, and often submit a resume or CV, and sometimes an interview, as part of the selection process.

What is a graduate student researcher job description?

A graduate student researcher assists faculty or research teams by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports or publications. They often work in academic or laboratory settings, utilizing specialized tools and methods relevant to their field of study, and may be required to have relevant coursework or skills in research methodologies. The role typically involves a combination of independent work and collaboration, with responsibilities tailored to ongoing research projects.

Can you do research as a graduate student?

Yes, graduate students often conduct research as part of their academic programs, working under faculty supervision using laboratory, library, or digital resources. This research experience is essential for developing skills in data collection, analysis, and academic writing, and may involve presenting findings at conferences or publishing papers.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Student Researcher, you need strong analytical thinking, research methodology knowledge, and typically enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), academic databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, time management, and collaboration skills help you excel in conducting and presenting research. These competencies ensure rigorous, impactful research and effective teamwork within academic or scientific environments.

What are some common challenges Graduate Student Researchers face when balancing research and coursework?

Graduate Student Researchers often juggle multiple responsibilities, including conducting research, attending classes, and sometimes teaching or mentoring. Time management is a frequent challenge, as project deadlines and coursework can overlap. It's important to set clear priorities, communicate regularly with your advisor, and utilize university support resources to manage stress and workload effectively. Developing strong organizational skills early on can help you maintain a healthy balance and make steady progress towards your academic and research goals.

What is the difference between Graduate Student Researcher vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate Student ResearcherResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, relevant courseworkUndergraduate or graduate student, sometimes with specific skills
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, university settingsResearch labs, academic or industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutionsUniversities, research centers, industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

In summary, a Graduate Student Researcher is typically a graduate student engaged in research projects within academic settings, often focusing on their thesis or dissertation work. A Research Assistant may be an undergraduate or graduate student assisting with research tasks but may have broader roles across various research environments. The key difference lies in the level of education and specific responsibilities.

What are good jobs for grad students?

Graduate student researchers often work as teaching assistants, research assistants, or lab technicians, which provide flexible schedules and relevant experience. Other suitable jobs include tutoring, administrative roles, or part-time positions related to their field of study, often requiring strong organizational and communication skills. These roles help balance work and academic commitments while building professional skills.
What cities are hiring for Graduate Student Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Student Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Graduate Student Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Student Researcher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Graduate Student Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Graduate Student

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Description
Job Title Graduate Student
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name Fabrication Manufacturing Science/SIGMA-1
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do
Located in northern New Mexico, LANL is the nation's premier uranium and plutonium center of excellence, leading the charge in:
  • Ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile
  • Pioneering research in national security, space, geophysics, renewable energy, medicine, supercomputing, and nanotechnology

Sigma-1, Fabrication Manufacturing Sciences, is looking for highly motivated machinists to work with existing staff to support R&D component manufacturing within the Machining and Inspection (M&I) Team on projects that are central to U.S. national security. The M&I Team boasts a fully equipped machine shop, including multiple new machines and an inspection lab. Highlights of the machine shop capabilities include manual and CNC turning, manual and CNC milling, wire electrical discharge machining, and 3D printing. The M&I Team supports the entire Sigma Division including Foundry, Thermomechanical Processing operations, and Welding & Joining among others. Sigma machinists perform manufacturing operations, primarily machining, on a wide range of materials, including some unique special materials with specific hazards (radiation, pyrophoric, etc.), to produce high quality components and subassemblies in support of production/experimental programs as well as special projects.
You will contribute to:
  • Fabricating and qualifying nuclear weapon prototype components
  • Performing technical machining on actinide materials
  • Supporting surveillance efforts to monitor and predict stockpile longevity

This tuition-supported internship offers a direct pipeline into full-time employment at LANL and includes:
  • Full reimbursement of tuition and fees
  • Hourly pay for:
  • Class time at SFCC
  • Time spent initiating security clearance
  • Completing LANL training
  • On-site internships at LANL
  • Transition to full-time employment upon graduation (contingent on eligibility)

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Complete employment application For Los Alamos National Laboratory

Include:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • High School transcripts
  • College transcripts (if applicable)
  • GPA: 3.0 minimum (HS or college)
  • Complete Enrollment application at Santa Fe Community College
  • Enrolled in Engineering Machining Technology AAS degree
  • Full-time student status at SFCC (12-18 credits)
  • Minimum WorkKeys scores:
  • Workplace Documents: 3
  • Applied Math: 3
  • Graphic Literacy: 3
  • Eligible for Q-level DOE security clearance
  • U.S. citizenship required

Training/Certifications: Successful candidates will be expected to complete the Laboratory's SMM Qualification Program upon hire.
Education/Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required. Completion of the AAS degree program in 2 consecutive years with a 3.0 GPA as determined by SFCC academic process.
Desired Qualifications:
Computer skills:
  • Mechanically inclined
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams

Work Location: Typical schedule will be in classroom instruction Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at Santa Fe Community College and on-site internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory on Wednesday during Spring and Fall semesters. Summer and Winter breaks will require scheduled Internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Note to Applicants:
Fall & Spring Semesters:
  • In-class instruction at SFCC
  • On-site internship at LANL

Winter & Summer Breaks:
  • Full-time internship at LANL

Upon successful completion of the program, participants must commit to three years of employment at LANL's Sigma Division as a Special Materials Machinist. -- Failure to fulfill this commitment may result in repayment of tuition and fees to LANL.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
§ Dental and vision insurance
§ Free basic life and disability insurance
§ Paid childbirth and parental leave
§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs
§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type GRA
GRA
Contact Details
Contact Name
Email
Work Telephone

What Los Alamos National Laboratory employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom