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Graduate Student Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college/university, rising undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or post-doctoral students, and remain academically enrolled ...

Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college/university, rising undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or post-doctoral students, and remain academically enrolled ...

... graduate student, industry or academic researcher, rendering engineer, or applied researcher. Track record of high-quality artifacts containing your work---shipped games, films, or publications ...

Senior Research Scientist, Rendering

Redmond, WA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

... as a graduate student, industry or academic researcher, rendering engineer, or applied researcher. * Track record of high-quality artifacts containing your work---shipped games, films, or ...

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Graduate Student information

See Kent, WA salary details

$8

$18

$27

How much do graduate student jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student in Kent, WA is $18.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate student?

Graduate students are individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree and are pursuing advanced studies, typically at the master's or doctoral level. They enroll in graduate programs to gain deeper knowledge in a specific field, conduct research, and develop specialized skills. Graduate students may also take on teaching or research assistantships as part of their academic training. Their studies often culminate in a thesis, dissertation, or comprehensive exams, depending on the program.

How can I get a job as a graduate student?

The qualifications that you need to get a job as a graduate student include enrollment in a master’s or Ph.D. program and fundamental research or teaching skills. Employers usually select graduate degree employees for positions that are relevant to the programs in which they study. A biology graduate student, for example, can work as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate biology class or serve as an assistant on a biology-related research project. However, you may occasionally find work outside of your specialization if there is some crossover. Some employers require applicants to meet grade-point requirements or complete basic coursework before applying.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate student?

To thrive as a Graduate Student, you need strong research abilities, subject-matter expertise from an undergraduate degree, and critical thinking skills. Familiarity with academic databases, reference management tools like EndNote or Zotero, and data analysis software such as SPSS or R is often required. Time management, perseverance, and effective communication are essential soft skills for balancing coursework, research, and collaboration. These competencies are vital for successfully navigating demanding academic environments and producing impactful scholarly work.

What are common challenges graduate students face when balancing research, coursework, and teaching responsibilities?

Graduate students often juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously, such as conducting research, completing coursework, and fulfilling teaching assistant duties. Managing time effectively and setting clear priorities can be challenging, especially during peak periods like exams or grant deadlines. Many students find it helpful to communicate regularly with their advisors and peers, utilize campus resources for academic support, and develop strong organizational habits to stay on track. Building a supportive network and seeking guidance early can alleviate stress and help maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What is the difference between Graduate Student vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate StudentResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled in a graduate program, often pursuing a master's or PhDTypically has a relevant degree; may be a current student or recent graduate
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, labs, classroomsResearch labs, universities, research centers
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic researchUniversities, research institutions, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for academic and research rolesSpecialized research roles within academia

The main difference is that a Graduate Student is enrolled in a degree program and may undertake research as part of their coursework, while a Research Assistant is typically employed to assist with research projects, often holding a relevant degree or current student status. Both roles are common in academic settings and involve research activities, but their primary purpose and employment status differ.

What are good jobs for graduate students?

Graduate students often pursue part-time or flexible jobs such as research assistantships, teaching assistantships, tutoring, or internships related to their field of study. These roles help gain experience, develop skills, and often accommodate a student’s schedule while providing income. Additionally, roles in retail, hospitality, or administrative support are common for supplementary income.

What job categories do people searching Graduate Student jobs in Kent, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Student jobs in Kent, WA are:

What cities near Kent, WA are hiring for Graduate Student jobs?

Cities near Kent, WA with the most Graduate Student job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Student job openings in Kent, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,906 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Analytical Methods and Instrumentation Scientist

Uw

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop, optimize, and validate analytical and purification methods for small molecule analysis, enzyme characterization, and chromatography workflows.

  • Train and mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other research staff in the use of analytical instruments such as FPLC, U/HPLC, LCMS, and SPR.

  • Manage and maintain core analytical instrumentation, including routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and ensuring reliable operation.


University Of Washington rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

151st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description

About this Opportunity

The Institute for Protein Design (IPD) at the University of Washington is a world-leading research center focused on creating new proteins that solve challenges in medicine, technology, and sustainability. Founded by Nobel laureate David Baker, the IPD fosters a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, bringing together expertise in computational design, biochemistry, genome sciences, and structural biology. Current projects include the development of novel therapeutics, vaccines, enzymes, and protein-based nanomaterials. Learn more at ipd.uw.edu.

Purpose of the research project(s) this position supports:

The Analytical Methods and Instrumentation Scientist (Research Scientist/Engineer 3) will play a critical role in strengthening IPD's analytical and purification capabilities. By developing reliable, generaluse methods for smallmolecule analysis, enzyme characterization, and chromatography workflows, this position directly supports a wide range of protein design and enzyme engineering projects. In addition to method development and data analysis, the RS3 provides extensive training for graduate students, postdocs, and other researchers across core instrumentation such as FPLC, HPLC, LCMS, and SPR systems. This work ensures that IPD scientists can generate highquality and reproducible data and builds longterm technical capacity essential to IPD's mission to design proteins that address global challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Mentorship and Training (50%)
Train and mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other research staff in FPLC (AKTA), U/HPLC (Agilent), LCMS (Agilent), SPR (Cytiva), and related analytical techniques.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for instrument operation, preventative maintenance, method execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
Provide ongoing scientific and technical guidance to help trainees build longterm competency in analytical workflows and instrument care.

Analytical Method Development and Data Analysis (35%)
Develop, optimize, and validate analytical and purification methods for small molecule analysis, enzyme characterization, and chromatography workflows using FPLC (AKTA), U/HPLC (Agilent), LCMS (Agilent), SPR (Cytiva), and related analytical systems.
Perform data analysis to improve sensitivity, reproducibility, and throughput across IPD analytical pipelines.
Create generaluse protocols and reference datasets that support consistent and reproducible use of core instrumentation.
Collaborate with researchers to refine methods that support small molecule, protein and enzyme design and contribute to the interpretation of analytical results.

Instrumentation Oversight (15%)
Manage and maintain IPD instrumentation including FPLC (AKTA), U/HPLC (Agilent), LCMS (Agilent), SPR (Cytiva), and related analytical systems and other core analytical equipment.
Coordinate routine maintenance schedules and ensure instruments remain reliable and ready for highthroughput use.
Monitor instrument performance, identify emerging issues, and implement improvements that support IPD research needs.
Support IPD researchers by ensuring equitable access to instrumentation and by maintaining clear documentation of instrument status and usage expectations.
Collaborate with IPD Lab Management to review emerging technologies and guide the adoption of new capabilities that strengthen IPD's analytical and purification infrastructure.

Required Qualifications,

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration."

Minimum Requirements:

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Physics or related field and four years of experience with smallmolecule analytical techniques

Additional Requirements:

  • Handson experience with smallmolecule analytical techniques, including method development, optimization, and validation across diverse analytes.
  • Proficiency with U/HPLC (Agilent) systems, including routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and advanced method setup.
  • Experience operating and supporting LCMS (Agilent) instruments, including data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
  • Strong understanding of chromatography principles and purification strategies using FPLC systems such as AKTA.
  • Familiarity with SPR (Cytiva) instrumentation and associated analytical workflows.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop generaluse protocols, SOPs, and reference datasets that improve reproducibility and accessibility for trainees.
  • Proven experience mentoring and training trainees, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff, in analytical techniques and instrumentation use.
  • Strong scientific and technical problemsolving skills, including diagnosing mechanical, fluidic, electronic, and software issues across multiple instrument platforms and working with technical support to request service visits as needed.
  • Ability to manage multiple analytical projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of data quality and instrument reliability.

Desired:

  • Doctorate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field.
  • 4 years of relevant experience in analytical chemistry or instrumentation support.
  • Experience developing and optimizing smallmolecule analytical methods, including complex assay design and validation.
  • Familiarity with managing and maintaining analytical instrumentation such as FPLC, HPLC, LCMS, and SPR systems.
  • Experience with protein expression and purification workflows that interface with chromatography and analytical characterization.
  • Strong understanding of analytical chemistry and biophysical principles and their application to protein design, enzyme engineering, and smallmolecule characterization.
  • Experience contributing to grant proposals or securing funding for scientific or instrumentationrelated projects.
  • Ability to contribute to highquality scientific publications and present analytical findings to multidisciplinary research teams.
  • Experience implementing or improving automated or highthroughput analytical workflows.
  • Familiarity with data processing environments and software used for largescale analytical datasets, including commandline tools and scripting for data analysis.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$90,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$108,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.


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