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Phd Graduate Student Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astrix Inc

Associate AI Scientist

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Master's student, PhD student, recent PhD graduate, or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific or computational discipline. * Familiarity with sequence modeling and genomic machine learning ...

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How much do phd graduate student jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for phd graduate student in California is $16.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD graduate student?

PhD graduate students are individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree and are pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in a specific field. Their primary focus is conducting original research, contributing new knowledge to their area of study, and completing advanced coursework. PhD students typically work under the supervision of faculty advisors, participate in academic conferences, and may also teach or assist with undergraduate courses. The program usually culminates in the defense of a dissertation, which is a substantial piece of original research.

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

To thrive as a PhD Graduate Student, you need strong research skills, critical thinking, and a relevant undergraduate or master's degree in your field. Proficiency with data analysis software, laboratory techniques, or discipline-specific tools, along with familiarity with academic publishing systems, is often required. Exceptional time management, perseverance, and effective communication are standout soft skills for navigating the demands of independent research and collaboration. These competencies are vital for producing original research, meeting program milestones, and contributing meaningfully to academic communities.

What are some typical challenges PhD graduate students face when balancing research, coursework, and teaching responsibilities?

PhD graduate students often juggle multiple responsibilities, including conducting original research, completing coursework, and sometimes teaching or assisting in undergraduate classes. Managing time effectively can be challenging, especially when research deadlines conflict with grading or class preparation. Many students find it helpful to set clear priorities, communicate proactively with advisors and supervisors, and utilize campus resources like writing centers or time management workshops. Developing strong organizational skills and seeking peer support can make it easier to navigate these demands and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Can PhD graduate students get another job?

PhD graduate students can typically hold additional employment, but they must adhere to university policies, visa restrictions if applicable, and maintain academic commitments. Many students work part-time or research assistant roles alongside their studies to gain experience or supplement income.

Is 24 too old to start a PhD Graduate Student?

Starting a PhD as a graduate student at age 24 is common and generally not considered too old. Many students begin their doctoral studies in their mid-20s or later, bringing valuable life and work experience that can benefit their research and academic environment.

What jobs do PhD graduate students get?

PhD graduate students often pursue careers in academia as university professors or researchers, but they also find roles in industry such as data scientists, research scientists, policy analysts, and technical consultants. These positions typically require advanced research skills, specialized knowledge, and often involve project management and data analysis tools.

What are popular job titles related to Phd Graduate Student jobs in California?

For Phd Graduate Student jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Phd Graduate Student jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd Graduate Student jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Phd Graduate Student jobs?

Cities in California with the most Phd Graduate Student job openings:

Phd Graduate Student jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Graduate Student job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,013 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Graduate Program Coordinator - 140736

UC San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 7/14/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

The Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP) is a community of planners, designers, and analysts committed to understanding and transforming cities and environments, bridging research with practice. DUSP provides students with tools to understand the politics, economics and culture of human settlements amid a rapidly changing climate and society. DUSP offers two undergraduate degrees: the B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning and the B.S. in Real Estate and Development.

DUSP also offers two graduate degrees: the Master in Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) which will prepare students with essential knowledge, tools, and skills to understand and improve the physical, social, economic, health, environmental, and cultural conditions of neighborhoods, cities, and regions; and the PhD in Urban Studies and Planning which will prepare students to take on leadership roles in urban studies and planning research and education, in order to address central civic, environmental, and planning challenges of the future.

The Graduate Coordinator is responsible for administering all aspects of the Department of Urban Studies and Planning's two graduate programs (Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) and PhD in Urban Studies and Planning) in consultation and collaboration with DUSP's Department Chair, Department Director of Graduate Programs, Management Services Officer and Graduate Program Committee. The MURP program is designed as a two-year program and the target steady state is 50 students. The PhD program is designed as a six-year program and the target steady state is 20 students.

The position provides comprehensive advising and administrative support to graduate students from admission through MURP/PhD completion. Responsibilities include monitoring academic progress, coordinating degree milestones, ensuring compliance with university policies, and serving as the primary liaison among students, faculty, and the Division of Graduate Education to support student success. Additional responsibilities include coordinating curriculum, course scheduling and program reviews.

This position also manages graduate student financial support and employment, including fellowships, scholarships, teaching assistantships, readerships, and research appointments and participates in multi-year funding plans to support student success.

  • Overtime and/or weekends as necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS

  • Demonstrated experience with academic advising and counseling techniques in a University (or similar) relating to the graduate student cycle from admissions through graduation. Knowledge of advising and counseling techniques related to graduate student affairs.

  • Demonstrated experience managing and allocating graduate student funding or comparable academic budgets, including financial planning, multi-year funding commitments, budget tracking, and recommending funding allocations to support student employment and financial aid.

  • Demonstrated experience with University-specific computer application programs and pertinent databases related to graduate student affairs. Knowledge of University-specific computer application programs and pertinent databases.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of University processes, procedures, rules and regulations relating to the graduate student cycle from admissions through graduation. Knowledge of University processes and procedures related to graduate student affairs.

  • Demonstrated communication skills via making presentations, creating publications, writing reports, explaining processes and policy, providing customer service, and general correspondence. Ability to multitask; verbal and written communication skills.

  • Ability to write concisely, persuasively, and in summary form. Skill to compose, edit and proofread narrative sections of printed information. Ability to express verbally one's position, plan of action, evaluation or interpretation in a professional, concise, and courteous manner. Strong verbal, written and electronic communication skills that facilitate professional and effective interaction with a diverse population.

  • Skilled at negotiating conflicts among staff, faculty and students. Ability to represent UCSD appropriately to internal and external constituents.

  • Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations.

  • Skills in service orientation, organization, active listening, and critical thinking.

  • Ability in problem identification and reasoning. Ability to assess problems and skill to identify logical solutions. Creativity to analyze and solve unusual and new problems in ways that establish effective and efficient procedures. Strong analytical, inductive and deductive reasoning skills.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS
  • Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

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