1

Research Assistant Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY The Research Associate conducts testing procedures for project-based studies, such as shelf-life studies, inoculated challenge studies, process validation studies, etc., as described in ...

Labstat - A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology. * EAS ...

Labstat - A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp ... assistant"> The compensation details provided below reflect the expected pay range for this role ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Research Assistant information

See Merced, CA salary details

$8

$23

$33

How much do research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for research assistant in Merced, CA is $23.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $26.92 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Merced, CA? The most popular types of Research jobs in Merced, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Research Assistant jobs in Merced, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Research Assistant jobs in Merced, CA are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Assistant job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,124 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Mathematics Undergraduate Research Assistant

California State University

Turlock, CA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Mathematics Undergraduate Research Assistant
Job no: 559873
Work type: Instructional Student Assistant
Location: Stanislaus - Turlock
Categories: Unit 11 - UAW - California Alliance of Academic Student Workers, Temporary, Part Time, Student Services
Instructional Student Assistant Employment Opportunity
JOB DESCRIPTION:
***OPEN TO CURRENT STANISLAUS STATE STUDENTS, CURRENTLY ENROLLED OR ELIGIBILE TO ENROLL ONLY***
Job title and description: Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Demonstrates enrollment as a Mathematics or related major.
• Concurrent enrollment or successful completion of MATH 3400: Introduction to Proofs (formerly known as Set Theory and Logic) or MATH 2300: Discrete Structures.
• Demonstrates the capacity to complete tasks effectively and independently.
• Demonstrates interest in conduction theoretical mathematics research.
Wage/Salary: $18.00
Hours per Week: 1-20
Location: Turlock Campus
# of Openings: 3
Point of Contact Person: Dr. Cash Bortner
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Undergraduate students must be registered/enrolled in a minimum of six (6) Fall/Spring units.
• Post-baccalaureate students in a graduate program must be registered in a minimum of four (4) Fall/Spring units.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Demonstrates enrollment as a Mathematics or related major.
• Concurrent enrollment or successful completion of MATH 3400: Introduction to Proofs (formerly known as Set Theory and Logic) or MATH 2300: Discrete Structures.
• Demonstrates the capacity to complete tasks effectively and independently.
• Demonstrates interest in conducting theoretical mathematics research.
HOW TO APPLY & DEADLINE:
A complete application must include a resume and available work schedule
required enrollment as per the Student Employment Policies (See https://www.csustan.edu/fa/unit-11-
academic-student-employee-hiringinformation).
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Dr. Cash Bortner
California State University, Stanislaus
One University Circle
Turlock, CA 95382
cbortner@csustan.edu
CAMPUS & AREA:
California State University, Stanislaus serves the San Joaquin Valley and is a critical educational resource for a six-county region of approximately 1.5 million people. The University is fully committed to creating a culture of diversity and inclusion - one in which every person in the University community feels safe to express their views without fear of reprisal. Widely recognized for its quality academic programs, the University has 10 nationally accredited programs and 662 faculty members. 94 percent of full-time faculty holds doctorates or terminal degrees in their fields. The University offers 43 undergraduate majors, 16 master's programs, 7 post-graduate credentials, a doctorate in education and serves more than 10,000 students. New instructional facilities have been built for the unique pedagogy of professional programs, laboratory sciences and performing arts.
Stanislaus State continues to receive national recognition with its ranking as one of the best 384 colleges in the nation by The Princeton Review. The University was one of 12 public universities in the nation to be recognized by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for demonstrating exceptional performance in retention and graduation rates. In addition, U.S. News and World Report ranks Stanislaus State in its top 10 among public universities in the West, while Washington Monthly honored Stanislaus State as the West's No. 1 university for the money. Stanislaus State also is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education.
CSU Stanislaus values shared governance: Handbook statement on shared governance
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. You can learn more about federal equal employment opportunity protections by accessing the Department of Labor's notices: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf and http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/Supplement_English.pdf.
Individuals with disabling conditions who require accommodation during the recruitment process may contact the ADA Coordinator at (209) 667-3159.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. The CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. The CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California.
CLERY ACT DISCLOSURE
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the annual security report (ASR), is now available for viewing at https://www.csustan.edu/epc/clery-safety-reports The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Stanislaus State for the previous three years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the office of the Clery Director located at One University Circle, Turlock, CA 95382.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CLEARANCE NOTICE
The university requires a criminal and/or child abuse background check to be completed for many of its new employees, current employees seeking promotional or transfer opportunities, and current employees assigned new duties. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. Failure to consent to any background check will disqualify an applicant from further consideration. Additionally, an applicant who fails to provide the necessary information or who provides false or misleading information may also be disqualified from further consideration. Later discovery of false or misleading information related to the background check may result in the offer of employment being withdrawn or subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Advertised: Jul 28 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What California State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


California State University logo

About California State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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