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Post Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in California

... graduate study and scientific careers. Students may also have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers and professional organizations from partner institutions, participate in collaborative ...

... graduate study and scientific careers. Students may also have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers and professional organizations from partner institutions, participate in collaborative ...

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Post Graduate Research Assistant information

See California salary details

$7

$20

$32

How much do post graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for post graduate research assistant in California is $20.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a post graduate research assistant?

Post Graduate Research Assistants are individuals, typically recent graduates or current postgraduate students, who support academic research projects under the supervision of principal investigators or faculty members. Their duties often include conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, performing literature reviews, and assisting with the preparation of research reports and publications. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in research methodologies and project management, often serving as a stepping stone toward a research career or further advanced studies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a post graduate research assistant?

To thrive as a Post Graduate Research Assistant, you need advanced research skills, subject-specific knowledge, and a relevant postgraduate degree or enrollment in a graduate program. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), literature databases, and laboratory or fieldwork protocols is typically required. Strong organization, critical thinking, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and present findings clearly. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing rigorous research, supporting academic projects, and contributing to scholarly advancements.

What are some common challenges faced by post graduate research assistants when balancing research responsibilities with coursework or other commitments?

Post Graduate Research Assistants often juggle multiple priorities, such as assisting in research projects, managing their own academic coursework, and sometimes teaching or administrative duties. Time management can be a significant challenge, as research deadlines may overlap with academic exams or project milestones. Effective communication with supervisors and careful planning are key to maintaining a healthy balance. Many find it helpful to use organizational tools and regularly update their supervisors on progress or potential conflicts to ensure expectations are aligned.

What is the difference between Post Graduate Research Assistant vs Research Associate?

AspectPost Graduate Research AssistantResearch Associate
Required CredentialsMaster's degree or pursuing PhDMaster's degree or PhD, often with more experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, universities, research projectsResearch institutions, industry labs, universities
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutionsAcademic, government, and private sector research
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Post Graduate Research Assistant typically supports research projects under supervision, often as a student or early-career researcher. The Research Associate usually has more experience, takes on independent responsibilities, and may lead parts of research projects. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but the Research Associate generally requires a higher level of experience and credentials.

What cities in California are hiring for Post Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Post Graduate Research Assistant job openings:

Chicana/o Studies - Graduate Research Assistant for the Central American Research and Curriculum ...

Fullerton, CA • On-site

California State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

$3.8K/mo

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct, present, discuss, and analyze academic research in the field of Central American Studies to develop curriculum for the department.

  • Participate in all CARACOL planning, research, and curriculum meetings, and assist in the development of CARACOL events and programming.

  • Attend, facilitate, and contribute to events such as curriculum workshops, recorded interviews, speaker lectures, and the annual symposium, and complete a written report of research work for publication.


California State University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Chicana/o Studies - Graduate Research Assistant for the Central American Research and Curriculum Observatory and Lab (CARACOL)

Apply now Job no: 560539
Work type: Graduate Assistant
Location: Fullerton
Categories: Unit 11 - UAW - California Alliance of Academic Student Workers, Temporary, Part Time, Student Services

Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies
Graduate Research Assistant for the

Central American Research and Curriculum Observatory and Lab (CARACOL)

POSITION

The Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies at CSU Fullerton invites applications for its Graduate Research Assistant for the Central American Research and Curriculum Observatory and Lab (CARACOL).

We welcome applications from current CSUF graduate students in the Chicano/a department to apply to the position of Graduate Research Assistant.

The Graduate Research Assistant will conduct, present, discuss and analyze academic research in the field of Central American Studies to develop curriculum for the Department's Area 6 course proposals focused on Central American Studies. Graduate Research Assistant is an active collaborator in all CARACOL planning, research and curriculum meetings. Graduate Research Assistant is also required to attend, facilitate and participate in the successful development of CARACOL events and programming such as but not limited to curriculum workshops, recorded interviews, speaker lectures and annual symposium. The Graduate Research Assistant will also present their research at the Lab annual symposium, provide peer review for their colleagues and complete a written report of their work for publication in the LatinxLab.Studio website. 

Other duties include office clerical tasks such as document organization, assisting with Lab events, fielding questions about CARACOL, attendance at zoom meetings with projects such as the Isthmus and Borderlands podcast and other projects. 

Work schedule/ hours per week: 10 hours per week, M-F. Exact schedule to be determined in coordination with Latinx Lab Director, Latinx Lab Project Coordinator, and CARACOL Faculty Leads. The position is funded by the Department of Chicana/o Studies. 

This is a pool of Graduate Assistants for the department to draw on as necessary.

APPOINTMENTS FROM THE POOL ARE TEMPORARY AND OFTEN MADE JUST PRIOR TO THE START OF THE ACADEMIC TERM. APPLICANTS MAY BE OFFERED EMPLOYMENT ON VERY SHORT NOTICE. 

REQUIRED
QUALIFICATIONS

  • Candidates must be an enrolled graduate student in the Chicana/o department in good academic standing and not on academic probation
  • Strong background in writing and editing skills
  • Experience in researching topics in Latinx Studies and Central American Studies. Collaborative team member and timely project management. Highly organized with documents and time management. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Candidates should demonstrate their ability to interact and work effectively with a wide and culturally diverse range of students, including first-generation college students.

HOW TO APPLY

A complete online application must be submitted in order to receive consideration. Please provide the following materials as it relates to your application requirements:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of interest or Cover letter. In your cover letter (2-3 paragraphs), you should be sure to address the following:
    --why are you interested in a GA position in the department;
    --any relevant experience you have re: teaching, grading, researching, writing, editing, experience with archives or databases, or other pertinent skills;
    --What courses you have taken so far in your M.A. program, and what courses you will be enrolled in;
    --whether you have a preference for grading or research, or no preferences (please note that we cannot guarantee that if you are hired, you will be placed according to your preference)

Applications will be reviewed as needed. Please direct all questions about the position to: Dr. Mario Obando, maobando@fullerton.edu

COMPENSATION

All Graduate Assistant appointments are made under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the CSU system and the United Auto Workers.  Initial appointments are for one semester only. 

Classification Range: $3,245 to $6,072 per month
Anticipated hiring range depending on qualifications, not to exceed $3,800

The full-time monthly base salaries indicated above are prorated to the time base assigned.

MANDATED REPORTER PER CANRA

 

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse And Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017, as a condition of employment.

OUT-OF-STATE EMPLOYMENT POLICY

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and requires hiring employees to perform CSU related work within the State of California.

TITLE IX

Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator

EDUCATION CODE 89521 REQUIREMENTS

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Advertised: 29 Jul 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 28 May 2027 Pacific Daylight Time

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US