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Graduate Student Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Graduate Student

Brookline, MA · On-site

$41.20K - $49.60K/yr

We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals ...

Graduate Student

Boston, MA · On-site

$41.20K - $49.60K/yr

Zuzanna Polakiewicz will join the Brown Laboratory as a research trainee in functional genomics and cancer biology. Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is ...

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Graduate Student Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do graduate student researcher jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 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 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.

Can I be a research assistant without a PhD?

Graduate student researchers often serve as research assistants, and a PhD is not typically required for this role. Most research assistant positions at the graduate level require enrollment in a master's or doctoral program, but some undergraduate or non-degree positions may also be available depending on the project and institution.

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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 7% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 90% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Graduate Student Coord II

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

329th of 530 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Details
Open Date 04/14/2026 Requisition Number PRN44742B Job Title Graduate Student Coord II Working Title BREO Grad Student Coord II Career Progression Track E Track Level FLSA Code Professional Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP Area U of U Health - Academics Department 02146 - Training Programs Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range 45,450 to 55,550 Close Date 07/14/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
The Biomedical Research Education Office (BREO) in the Health Sciences Research Office seeks a Graduate Student Coordinator II with an interest in academic program coordination, supporting interdepartmental graduate education, and working with students pursuing graduate training in the biomedical sciences. BREO is a hub for graduate and postdoctoral training in the health sciences at the U of Utah. Our work is focused on four student-centered domains - graduate education, institutional training grants & fellowships, student development, and community & culture.
This position will work primarily in the graduate education domain with potential side projects in other domains. BREO supports the administration of three (3) interdepartmental PhD programs - the MD-PhD program, the Interdepartmental Neuroscience PhD program, and the Bioscience PhD Program. Collectively, these programs admit 60-70 new PhD students annually. Students join departments across the University of Utah creating a broad and vibrant community of students and faculty. The programs also support an array of large and small events that support the career and professional development of PhD students in the biomedical sciences. The Graduate Student Coordinator II will work closely with the PhD program staff to carry out the common administrative needs of these programs. Ideal candidates will have experience managing professional websites and social media accounts. As this is a student facing position, some flexibility in working schedule may be needed, with occasional evening and weekend hours required. Specific details of position responsibilities are listed below.

Responsibilities
  1. 1. Performs administrative tasks to support graduate students. Activities include, but not limited to, record-keeping, program of study coordination, scheduling, graduation tracking.
    2. Assist with the graduate programs recruitment and admissions process including standard communications with prospective students organizing admission materials, and coordinating associated events (e.g., receptions, meals, city tours).
    3. Assist colleagues with the planning and execution of large, sponsored events including the annual Snowbird Symposium and Bioscience Symposium.
    4. Assist colleagues with travel related activities including recruitment, interviews, seminar series, and symposia.
    5. In collaboration with graduate program managers and directors, maintain graduate program websites and social media accounts. Development of content and strategies to enhance engagement of potential students, current students, and training faculty are strongly encouraged.
    6. Participates in events related to graduate programs, graduate student orientation, national and local graduate conferences, and professional development events.
    7. Foster positive working relationships with students, staff, faculty, and community partners.
    8. Other duties as assigned.
This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience).
2 years' of related experience.

Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.


Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.


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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850