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Political Science Graduate Research Assistant Jobs

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Political Science Graduate Research Assistant information

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How much do political science graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for political science graduate research assistant in the United States is $19.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a political science graduate research assistant?

Political Science Graduate Research Assistants are graduate students who work with professors or research teams to support academic research projects within the field of political science. Their tasks may include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, assisting with survey design, and preparing reports or publications. These positions provide hands-on research experience, help develop analytical and methodological skills, and often contribute to the student's own academic development.

What types of research tasks can I expect to handle as a political science graduate research assistant?

As a Political Science Graduate Research Assistant, you’ll likely engage in a range of tasks such as conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing quantitative or qualitative data, assisting with survey design, and preparing research reports or presentations. You may also help faculty members with grant writing, data entry, or editing academic papers. Collaboration is common; you’ll often work closely with professors, fellow graduate students, and sometimes undergraduate assistants, allowing you to develop both your research and teamwork skills. This hands-on experience is valuable for building a strong foundation for future academic or policy-oriented careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a political science graduate research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Political Science Graduate Research Assistant, you need a solid background in political science theory, research methodologies, and data analysis, usually supported by enrollment in a graduate program. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, Stata, or R), academic databases, and reference management tools is typically required. Strong written communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills help you collaborate effectively and manage complex research projects. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality research, supporting faculty, and contributing to impactful academic publications.

What is the difference between Political Science Graduate Research Assistant vs Political Analyst?

AspectPolitical Science Graduate Research AssistantPolitical Analyst
Required CredentialsMaster's or Bachelor's in Political Science or related field; research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Political Science, Public Policy, or related field; strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research centers, government agenciesThink tanks, media outlets, government offices, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research projects, government research divisionsMedia organizations, policy firms, government agencies

The main difference is that a Political Science Graduate Research Assistant primarily supports academic or research projects through data collection and analysis, often within universities or research institutions. In contrast, a Political Analyst interprets political data to provide insights and forecasts for media, policy, or consulting firms. Both roles require strong research and analytical skills but differ in their focus and work environment.

What cities are hiring for Political Science Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Political Science Graduate Research Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Political Science Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Political Science Graduate Research Assistant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Political Science Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

For Political Science Graduate Research Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Political Science Graduate Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,200 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Temporary Graduate Research Assistant

Worcester, MA • On-site

$21/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE

Temporary Graduate Research Assistant

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Fire Protection Engineering - JM

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated graduate student to join our research team in the Fire Protection Engineering Department at WPI. The position is focused on developing a Probabilistic Framework for Fire Risk Assessment using fire spread models in FireBench. The role requires a strong background in probabilistic modeling, data analysis, Python programming, and machine learning.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Skills and Experience:

  • Probabilistic Modeling: Experience with Monte Carlo simulation, Bayesian networks, or uncertainty quantification methods.
  • Python Programming: Proficiency in Python for data processing, simulation pipelines, and automation (NumPy, pandas, SciPy, etc.).
  • Machine Learning: Familiarity with ML frameworks (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch) for wildfire risk modeling and pattern recognition.
  • Geospatial Data Analysis: Experience handling large geospatial datasets (e.g., NOAA weather data, LANDFIRE fuel maps, GIS tools).
  • Fire Spread Models: Familiarity with fire behavior modeling tools such as FireBench, FARSITE, or WRF-SFIRE is a plus.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Required Skills:

  • Python, Machine Learning, Monte Carlo Simulation, GIS/Geospatial Tools
  • Learning Outcomes Ability to Learn Quickly
  • Accuracy, Accurate Listening, Analytical Thinking
  • Collaboration, Communication, Data Analysis, Probabilistic Reasoning
  • Open Minded, Time Management, Verbal Communication

Job Requirements:

  • A current Master's candidate in Computer Science, Data Science, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is required.

Compensation:

Hourly rate is $21.00 based on experience. To apply please submit a cover letter and resume/cv

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status,or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making.It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.