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Research Assistant Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

The Land Institute

Seasonal Research Assistants

Salina, KS · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Research Assistant - Temporary Who We Are + What We Do The Land Institute co-leads the global movement for perennial, diverse, regenerative grain agriculture at a scale that matches the enormity of ...

University of Kansas

Student Research Assistant

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

100% - Assist with large-scale plate load testing, including soil preparation, test setup ... The student will support laboratory research activities, including plate load testing, preparation ...

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Research Assistant information

See Kansas salary details

$7

$19

$28

How much do research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for research assistant in Kansas is $19.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $22.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectResearch AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in a related field; some roles require a master'sAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory techniques
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research institutions, or corporate R&D settingsLaboratories, hospitals, or industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesHospitals, diagnostic labs, manufacturing plants
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The main difference between a Research Assistant and a Laboratory Technician lies in their roles and qualifications. Research Assistants typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and focus on supporting research projects, data analysis, and academic studies. Laboratory Technicians usually have an associate's degree or certification and perform routine lab tests and maintenance. Both roles work in laboratory environments but serve different functions within research and clinical settings.

What are some common challenges research assistants face when balancing multiple projects, and how can they effectively manage their workload?

Research Assistants often juggle several projects simultaneously, which can lead to competing deadlines and shifting priorities. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain clear communication with supervising researchers, use organizational tools such as project management software or detailed timelines, and regularly review progress with the team. Setting realistic expectations and proactively seeking clarification on priorities can also help ensure tasks are completed efficiently. Developing these time management and collaboration skills is crucial for success in a dynamic research environment.

What does a research assistant do?

Research assistants gather and document information for their employer. As a research assistant, your responsibilities vary depending on the setting and field in which you work. Most research assistants work in academia, either in the science or humanities departments at a university, or for research institutes. Duties may include collecting data from the library and other sources, conducting surveys, and recruiting volunteers. In a laboratory setting, you may prepare, clean, and maintain lab equipment, assist with experiments, and log readings and results.

What is a research assistant job salary?

The salary for a research assistant varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. Graduate students or those working part-time may earn hourly wages between $12 and $20. Skills in data analysis and familiarity with research tools can influence compensation levels.

What qualifications do I need to be a research assistant?

Research assistants typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, social science, or engineering. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with research tools or software are also important qualifications.

How hard is it to get a job as a research assistant?

Securing a research assistant position typically requires relevant academic background, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, and strong organizational or analytical skills. Competition can be high, especially for positions in prestigious institutions or specialized fields, and some roles may require prior research experience or familiarity with specific tools like statistical software.

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

To thrive as a Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a relevant academic background, often with a bachelor's or master's degree in the field. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Excel), literature databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment is typically required. Effective communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities help Research Assistants collaborate and manage complex tasks efficiently. These skills are crucial for producing accurate, reliable research results and supporting the project's overall success.

What is a research assistant?

Research assistants are individuals who support research projects by helping with data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and administrative tasks. They often work under the supervision of a lead researcher or professor in academic, scientific, or industry settings. Research assistants may also contribute to the preparation of reports, presentations, and publications. Their role is essential in ensuring that research projects are conducted efficiently and accurately.
More about Research Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of Research jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Assistant jobs in Kansas? For Research Assistant jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Assistant jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Research Assistant jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Research Assistant job openings:
Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Assistant job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,643 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

POOL: Student BESST Peer Mentor Research Assistant

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS • On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

University Of Kansas rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 616 rated colleges and universities

Job description

80% - BESST Research Assistant
  • Conduct literature reviews.
  • Assist in data collection.
  • Assist in data entry.
  • Digitize materials.
  • Conduct data analysis.
  • Present results of data analysis.
20% - BESST Student Development
  • Complete online trainings on Canvas.
  • Attend monthly workshops with fellow BESST research assistants.
,The BESST Peer Mentor Research Assistant is a part of the Building Emerging STEM Scholars of Tomorrow (BESST) mentorship and research program. BESST connects juniors and seniors with federal work study to research opportunities and mentors. BESST Research Assistants will be paired with a research mentor and will work on a research project throughout the 2026-2027 academic year. There are many different research projects that you can choose to work on, including the fields of biology, geology, chemistry, database work, coding, engineering, archaeology, and more. In addition to the research assistant work, you will also get paid to do monthly online training and attend in-person workshops that will help prepare you for conducting research, identifying and applying for internships, and preparing for a career or graduate school. This is a two-year program - students in satisfactory standing after their first year will continue the program into the second year. Preferred candidates will have an interest in participating in a STEM research project, though a STEM major is not required. Additional information can be found at the BESST program page.

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