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As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for phd graduate student in the United States is $16.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are PhD graduate students?

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, and why are they important?

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.
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Phd Graduate Student jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Graduate Student job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,464 per year, or $16.6 per hour.
Graduate Program Coordinator

Graduate Program Coordinator

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$49K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

University Of Michigan rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in this role within the Department of Astronomy and outline your experience managing complex academic milestones, student funding, and navigating sensitive student issues.
Who We Are
The Department of Astronomy is a diverse and vibrant intellectual community dedicated to excellence through research and teaching. The unit is home to 23 faculty members, 20 postdoctoral research fellows, 35 graduate students, and 6 administrative staff. We foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world. To learn more about our mission, vision, and values, please visit https://lsa.umich.edu/astro/about.html .
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Job Summary
The Department of Astronomy is seeking a highly skilled PhD Program Coordinator to manage the lifecycle of our doctoral students. This is a critical role that requires a blend of high-level project management, financial precision, and student advocacy. You will oversee everything from graduate student recruitment and admissions to complex funding appointments and degree conferral.
The ideal candidate thrives in a cycle-driven environment - moving from the intensity of December admissions to the complexity of summer funding - and serves as a steady, empathetic, and responsive resource for our graduate community.
Responsibilities*
Admissions & Recruitment (25%)
  • Coordinate department representation and materials for national conferences (NSBP, SACNAS). Manage the Fall Preview Event, including application review, faculty participation, and the Research Symposium.
  • Monitor PhD applications; coordinate the Admissions Committee review process and interviews. Manage fee waiver requests, Rackham RMF allocations, and waitlist communications.
  • Lead the planning for the Astro PhD Visit Day, including travel booking, faculty/student meeting schedules, and catering.
  • Manage PhD Orientation, coordinate ELI evaluations for international students, and facilitate computer orders and desk assignments for the incoming cohort.

Financial Management & Funding (30%)
  • Finalize Fall/Winter/Summer funding in conjunction with the West Hall Business Office. Manage GSI assignments, GSRA appointments, and fellowship submissions.
  • Upload Fellowship Benefit spreadsheets and enter funding/fee payments through the Financial Aid system. Ensure international student health insurance fees are processed.
  • Prepare the Rackham Block Grant report and track Rackham Recruitment Grants. Monitor the Astro PhD Funding spreadsheet for accuracy against LSA HR records and ensure data integrity for departmental KPIs.
  • Manage the nomination process for prestigious awards, including the Ralph Baldwin Prize, ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation, NSF GRFP, and NASA (NESSF) fellowships.

Academic Milestones & Program Admin (25%)
  • Act as the first point of contact for students to triage inquiries and resolve issues, referring them to campus resources (CAPS, SSD) as necessary.
  • Track First-Year research projects, 2nd-year Prelim Exams (scheduling, room reservations, and outcome letters), and 3rd-year dissertation committee formations.
  • Create research courses (901/902), issue student permissions, and verify full-time registration status.
  • Process master's and PhD degree checkout forms and maintain the Graduate Student Database and student files on MBox/Google Drive. Update the Graduate Handbook annually.

Career Services & Alumni Engagement (15%)
  • Facilitate career services, including coordinating the Grad Talks schedule and maintaining a library of successful postdoc application samples.
  • Complete annual Rackham Doctoral Placement Tracking and maintain updated alumni records for the department website.
  • Coordinate exit interviews with the Graduate Chair for all departing students.
  • Coordinate 4-year AAS (American Astronomical Society) memberships for eligible students.

Leadership & Representation (5%)
  • Represent Astronomy at Rackham Chairs and Directors meetings and LSA-wide administrative sessions.
  • Advise the Graduate Chair and Admissions Chair on enrollment targets, funding eligibility, and policy changes.
  • Build relationships with counterparts in Physics, Applied Physics, Earth, and CLASP to coordinate cross-departmental GSI recruiting.
  • Contribute to process improvements and innovative projects that enhance student support and team effectiveness.

Required Qualifications*
  • Associate's Degree and at least 4 years of administrative experience, preferably in a higher education graduate program, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Proficiency with U-M systems (Wolverine Access, Financial Aid system, M-Pathways, eRecruit).
  • Exceptional writing and interpersonal skills; ability to navigate sensitive student issues with empathy and discretion.
  • Comfort navigating change, ambiguity, and evolving priorities with flexibility and professionalism.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an environment that values service, planning, and continuous improvement.

Desired Qualifications*
  • Familiarity with GSRA/GSI appointment structures and LSA/Rackham funding models.
  • Knowledge of University of Michigan and Rackham Graduate School policies and procedures.
  • Experience with graduate student recruiting (NSBP, SACNAS) and organizing large-scale visit events.
  • Familiarity with MBox, Google Drive, and database management.

Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .
Additional Information
As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision .
Union Affiliation
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Benefits at Michigan
  • Generous time off and a retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions.
  • Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.

Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
278108
Working Title
Graduate Program Coordinator
Job Title
STUDENT ADMIN ASST SR
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Astronomy
Posting Begin/End Date
5/27/2026 - 6/10/2026
Salary
$49,100.00 - $61,400.00
Career Interest
Academic & Student Services
University Staff United (USU)

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About University of Michigan

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The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

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