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Graduate Student Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Duke University

Senior Program Coordinator

Durham, NC · On-site

Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer ...

Duke University

Staff Assistant

Durham, NC · On-site

Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer ...

Duke University

Staff Assistant

Durham, NC · On-site

Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer ...

NCSU

Data Science Librarian

Raleigh, NC

The Data Science Services (DSS) department (6 librarians, 1 library specialist, plus graduate student assistants) helps students and other researchers develop critical data science and visualization ...

Duke University

Financial Management Analyst II

Durham, NC · On-site

$62K - $107K/yr

Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer ...

Duke University

Financial Management Analyst II

Durham, NC · On-site

$62K - $107K/yr

Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer ...

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All JobsGraduate Student JobsGraduate Student Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Graduate Student information

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How much do graduate student jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student in Raleigh, NC is $16.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 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 graduate students?

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.
More about Graduate Student jobs
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Student jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Graduate Student jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Graduate Student jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Graduate Student job openings:
Graduate Student jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Student job openings in Raleigh, NC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,500 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Senior Program Coordinator

Senior Program Coordinator

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Duke University rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

436th of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Duke University:
Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.
Be You.
At Duke University, we value the individuality, expertise, and perspective that each member of our community brings. As the Program Coordinator, Senior, you will play a critical role in supporting the Department of Physics by fostering strong relationships, advancing inclusive practices, and ensuring seamless human resources, payroll, and visa services across a diverse academic environment.
In this role, you'll support a complex population of 250+ faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students across the Department of Physics and its affiliated units, including the SPACE Initiative and the Triangle University Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL). Your ability to navigate complexity, build trust, and proactively solve problems will help ensure our people can focus on discovery, learning, and impact.
Be Bold.
This is a highly trusted role requiring initiative, discretion, and broad institutional knowledge. Reporting to the Senior Business Manager, you will lead complex administrative and supervisory functions with minimal direction while serving as a key advisor on HR policy, workforce planning, payroll, and compliance.
What You'll Do
Leadership, Management & Staff Development
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to department personnel on professional development and HR-related matters.
  • Partner with the Senior Business Manager, Campus Grant Management Team (CGMT), Grant Managers, and Research Group Managers to assess staffing needs and recommend hiring and promotion strategies to support workforce stability.
  • Assist with maintaining and updating the department organizational chart and implementing a comprehensive staffing plan that reflects faculty structures, student support, and differentiated staffing needs.
  • Supervise designated staff and student employees, including work assignment, performance oversight, and visa-related processing.
  • Manage undergraduate and graduate student employees supporting departmental events and lecture series.
  • Ensure timely submission and compliance for monthly and biweekly timesheets.
  • Provide ongoing education to faculty, staff, and students regarding HR policies, payroll, and benefits.
  • Oversee HR compliance and staff development initiatives for a combined population of 250+ personnel.

Human Resources Administration
  • Maintain advanced knowledge of Duke Human Resources policies, procedures, and benefits programs.
  • Advise faculty and principal investigators on onboarding and managing research personnel.
  • Manage staff recruiting through JobX, SuccessFactors, and Academic Jobs Online, including job description review, posting, candidate disposition, and close-out.
  • Administer regular rank faculty forms (iForms and dFac) and monitor research appointments and reappointments.
  • Track and manage annual performance evaluations for research staff.
  • Maintain the Trinity Directory Tool, Scholars@Duke profiles, Sympa mailing lists, and departmental listservs.
  • Organize biannual Postdoctoral Orientation sessions.
  • Streamline onboarding processes to ensure a positive transition experience for new faculty, staff, and students.
  • Proactively run HR reports to identify and mitigate personnel or payroll issues.

Payroll Services
  • Provide in-house payroll guidance for exempt, non-exempt, faculty, staff, and student employees.
  • Initiate and manage iForms from background checks through terminations, ensuring timely approvals.
  • Coordinate with the Graduate Studies Assistant to ensure accurate graduate student compensation processing.
  • Administer foreign national payments, including fellowships and postdoctoral awards, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Monitor payroll, timesheets, and cost distributions to minimize errors and financial risk.
  • Promote direct deposit and disseminate Corporate Payroll communications.

Visa Services
  • Prepare, review, and finalize appointment letters in collaboration with faculty sponsors and department leadership.
  • Track visa status and Foreign National Clearance expirations for all international personnel.
  • Manage visa applications and liaise with Duke Visa Services to ensure compliance with university policy and federal regulations.
  • Provide guidance to international scholars and visitors throughout the visa process, including pre-arrival support.

Departmental Point of Contact
  • Serve as the primary liaison with Trinity HR, Corporate Payroll, Duke Visa Services, HR Central Recruitment, Duke Temporary Services, and external partners.
  • Direct inquiries to appropriate resources, respond to departmental communications, and ensure timely resolution of issues.

Other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience
  • Work requires analytical, communications and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program
  • Minimum of three years of experience in program administration or roles supporting academic, instructional, research, or counseling activities.
  • Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience will be considered.

Knowledge & Skills
  • Demonstrated ability to provide guidance and direction to staff, including setting expectations, assigning work, and monitoring performance.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply logic and reasoning to evaluate alternative solutions.
  • Proven ability to evaluate program or operational performance, summarize findings, and develop actionable plans.
  • Working knowledge of business and management principles, including:
    • Strategic planning
    • Resource allocation
    • Human resources modeling
    • Leadership techniques
    • Coordination of people and processes
  • Ability to interpret and apply complex policies while exercising sound judgment and discretion.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.

Choose Duke.
At Duke, you'll join a world-class institution committed to excellence, collaboration, and service. We offer a dynamic work environment, robust benefits, and opportunities for professional growth-along with the chance to support cutting-edge research and an inclusive academic community.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply now and help support the people and programs that power discovery at Duke University.
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $48,960.00 to USD $77,928.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information andreasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).

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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US

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