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Research Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Fermilab is seeking 2 U ndergraduate Student Research Assistants who are college and/or university students enrolled in a program specializing in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), or ...

Research Engineer

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Research Engineer Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Rochester, NY, REMADE℠ is a 170+ member ... * Assist in the preparation of proposals to obtain government and/or private funding of new ...

Research may be within any scientific or technology development activity of the appointee's Division. Appointees do not have specific line or organizational responsibilities. Appointment is for a ...

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Research Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$8

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How much do research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for research assistant in Rochester, NY is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.14 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.

How much is a research assistant paid?

Research assistants typically earn between $12 and $25 per hour, depending on their experience, education level, and the industry or institution. In some cases, they may receive stipends or salaries ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 annually for full-time positions, especially in academic or research settings.

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 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.

What exactly does a research assistant do?

A research assistant supports research projects by collecting, analyzing, and organizing data, often using tools like spreadsheets or statistical software. They may also review literature, prepare reports, and assist with experiments or fieldwork under the supervision of a lead researcher or professor.

How to get work as a research assistant?

To work as a research assistant, candidates typically need a relevant educational background such as a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in research methods and data analysis, and applying to positions through university departments, research institutions, or online job boards are common steps. Strong organizational skills and proficiency with tools like statistical software can improve chances of employment.

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 are research assistants?

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 Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Research jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY? For Research Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,984 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Student Research Assistant

Student Research Assistant

Fermilab

Batavia, NY

$15 - $25/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is:

$15.00-$25.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance, referral bonus program, or sponsorship assistance.

About the Role:

Fermilab is seeking 2 Undergraduate Student Research Assistants who are college and/or university students enrolled in a program specializing in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), or Computing and Accelerator Science curriculum to work along-side our team and provide technical assistance on project-based tasks and/or research.

Employee Status: Can be fixed term or on-call based on the term of the assistantship:

  • Fixed term: Assistantship is 6 months, limited to 20-40 hours/week.
  • On-Call: Assistantship is <6 months and/or not 20 hours/week.
  • Note: Only fixed term employees with a minimum of 20 hours worked per week are eligible for vacation and benefits.

What your day-to-day as an Undergraduate Student Research Assistant at Fermilab will look like:

  • Working along-side staff specializing in scientific, technology, engineering, math, or computing and accelerator science to provide technical assistance on project-based tasks and/or research.
  • Investigating, defining, and proposing solutions to assigned technical and scientific problems.
  • Activities include but are not limited to assistance with data analysis, assembly prototypes, calibration code and catalogs, test set-up and monitoring, general contribution to operation of facilities, and application of modeling and simulation tools.
  • Performing other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  • Abiding by and being responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to stand for prolonged periods
  • Must be able to use hands to assemble basic components, and perform repetitive tasks in a production environment.
  • Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs as required.


Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • Posses and apply the skills required to perform the technical tasks (will vary by assignment).


Minimum Required Education and Experience:

  • Must be enrolled in an accredited university or college as an undergraduate student and hold some research or technical experience.

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

  • Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Pre-Employment Screening:


Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

HSPD-12

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.