1

Graduate Student Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

The Graduate Engagement Strategist (GES) develops and manages relationships with a portfolio of PhD ... Provide relevant student and research insights to internal stakeholders to inform programming ...

The Design and Build Lab (DaBL) is seeking a motivated and creative undergraduate or graduate student employee to join our team as aStudent Lab Technician. Student Technicians support the daily ...

The graduate program ranks 12th in the nation (7th among public institutions), with over 400 graduate students enrolled. Our faculty have been recognized with memberships in the National Academy of ...

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Student information

See Washington, DC salary details

$8

$18

$27

How much do graduate student jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student in Washington, DC is $18.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.96 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 are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Student jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Graduate Student jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Student jobs in Washington, DC?

For Graduate Student jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Student jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Student jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Student job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,020 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Graduate Engagement Strategist (Remote)

ihs

Arlington, VA • On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Primary Duty

Job summary. The Graduate Engagement Strategist (GES) develops and manages relationships with a portfolio of PhD students within the IHS network. Reporting to the Associate Director of Intellectual Talent Development, the GES connects graduate scholars to resources, academic opportunities, and relevant members of the broader IHS network. This role serves as a primary point of contact for assigned graduate students, supports program execution for PhD-focused initiatives, and collaborates cross-functionally to ensure coordinated engagement across teams.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Portfolio Relationship Management

  • Develop and maintain working relationships with a defined portfolio of graduate students.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of portfolio members’ research areas, professional goals, and engagement history.
  • Provide relevant student and research insights to internal stakeholders to inform programming, placement strategy, and network development.
  • Conduct regular digital outreach (e.g., email, virtual meetings) to support engagement and relationship continuity.

Program Ownership and Execution

  • Own execution of approximately 10-12 programs annually for PhD students.
  • Coordinate with internal teams to determine program topics, identify speakers, and manage invitations.
  • Support logistics, communications, and follow-up processes associated with assigned programs.
  • Track participation and outcomes to inform future programming decisions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Participate in cross-functional meetings to share portfolio insights and contribute to program refinement.
  • Coordinate closely with the Intellectual Talent Development team to ensure consistent engagement strategies.
  • Support alignment between graduate programming and broader organizational objectives.

Field Engagement and Representation

  • Attend academic conferences, prospecting events, and related gatherings to build relationships with graduate students and expand the network.
  • Represent IHS and its graduate engagement initiatives at relevant events.
  • Travel up to approximately 20% (approximately 10 or more events annually) to support portfolio development and recruitment.

Data and Process Management

  • Maintain accurate records of student engagement within CRM systems.
  • Support a data-informed approach to engagement by tracking key activity metrics and outcomes.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of engagement workflows and processes.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role has no supervisory responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

  • Professional experience in higher education, academic administration, nonprofit programming, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects or programs with defined timelines and deliverables.
  • Experience working with CRM systems and tracking engagement data; Salesforce experience preferred.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills suited to academic audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and communicate insights clearly.
  • Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Terminal degree (PhD, JD, DPhil, or equivalent).
  • Experience designing or executing academic programming for graduate students.
  • Familiarity with classical liberal ideas and IHS’s mission.

Working Conditions

Travel

IHS operates remotely. Staff attend organization-wide in-office weeks in Arlington, VA — two required and one optional per year — each running approximately Monday through Thursday.

In addition, this role includes occasional program-related travel to support conferences and convening events.

Total travel for this role is up to approximately 30% of the year, inclusive of in-office weeks and program travel.

Schedule / Hours

Full-time, Monday – Friday, 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. ET.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

This role is primarily a sedentary, office/remote role. Essential physical functions include prolonged periods working at a computer, frequent use of a keyboard and screen, and the ability to communicate and exchange information verbally and in writing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

During in-person programs and events, this role also requires standing and walking for extended periods and occasionally lifting, carrying, or moving materials of up to 20 pounds (e.g., event supplies and setup).

Salary Range

$60,000–$75,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. Total compensation also includes health and wellness benefits, as detailed below.