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Student Research Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$18/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $18.00 Pay Range ...

UCLA Health

Student Research Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.90 - $26/hr

... Student Assistant to support lab operations. This flexible, part-time role will assist with administrative and research support tasks including data entry, filing, drafting correspondence ...

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Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$18/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $18.00 - $18.00 Pay ...

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How much do student research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for student research assistant in California is $16.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a student research assistant?

Student Research Assistants are students, often at the undergraduate or graduate level, who support faculty or researchers in conducting academic or scientific research. Their responsibilities may include data collection, literature reviews, data analysis, laboratory work, or helping prepare research reports and presentations. These positions provide hands-on experience in research methodologies and can help students develop valuable skills for future academic or professional pursuits.

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

To thrive as a Student Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid academic background related to the research field. Familiarity with data collection methods, statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or Excel), and literature search tools is often required. Effective communication, time management, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for collaborating with faculty and peers. These competencies ensure accurate research results, efficient project completion, and a valuable contribution to research teams.

What are some common challenges faced by student research assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Student Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as balancing research responsibilities with their academic workload, managing time effectively, and adapting to unfamiliar research methodologies or tools. To address these challenges, it's important to communicate regularly with your supervising researcher, prioritize tasks, and seek guidance when needed. Many institutions also offer workshops or support resources to help students develop research and time management skills, making it easier to navigate the demands of the role successfully.

What is the difference between Student Research Assistant vs Research Intern?

AspectStudent Research AssistantResearch Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled student, often pursuing a related degreeTypically undergraduate or graduate students, sometimes recent graduates
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, university research projectsResearch institutions, corporate labs, or academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, academic research programsResearch organizations, industry R&D departments
Common Search & ComparisonStudent Research AssistantResearch Intern

The main difference between a Student Research Assistant and a Research Intern lies in their typical work setting and credentials. Student Research Assistants are usually enrolled students working on academic research projects within universities, while Research Interns may be students or recent graduates working in research roles across various organizations. Both roles involve assisting with research tasks, but the context and industry focus differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Student Research jobs in California?

The most popular types of Student Research jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Student Research Assistant jobs in California?

For Student Research Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Student Research Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Student Research Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Student Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Student Research Assistant job openings:

Student Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Research Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,013 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Student Research Assistant

Chapman University

Orange, CA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Student Title Classification Information
Quick Link https://chapman.peopleadmin.com/postings/40714 Job Number SE226724
Position Information
Department or Unit Name Fowler School of Engineering Position Headcount 1 Position Title Student Research Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $18.00 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
On which Campus will this work be done? Orange Approved Supervisor Mark Harrison Supervisor Email mharrison@chapman.edu
Scheduling

Please use dates within Chapman Academic Calendar
(https://www.chapman.edu/academics/academic-calendar.aspx)

Desired Start Date 08/24/2026 Projected End Date 05/31/2027 Average number of hours per week Up to 19 Hrs
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
The overall goal of the research project is to develop a fiber-optic stress sensor into a more compact, more useful device. This will be accomplished by miniaturizing elements of the device by designing a photonic integrated circuit and accompanying circuit board. Later, the device will be developed for parallel measurements, which will entail redesigning a test fixture. Throughout these developments, the device will be used to measure compressive stress-strain curves for visco-elastic materials.

This project will allow students to learn about optics and photonics while applying circuit design and some mechanical engineering to a novel system. Broad areas that this research explores include electromagnetic physics, materials science, and electrical engineering. This device will hopefully be used for medical applications and testing diseased tissue for better diagnosis and prognosis.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities Include:
  • Setting up and operating a fiber-optic stress sensor, which includes working with optical fiber and lasers.
  • Integrating photonic integrated circuit components into the overall design of the stress sensor.
  • Writing and maintaining software for controlling components of the stress sensor, collecting data, and displaying the results.
  • Analyzing experimental data and iterating on experiments based on the results.
  • Design and manufacture testing fixtures that enable reliable compression of samples.
  • Weekly 1-on-1 meetings with Dr. Harrison to discuss the state of your project and next steps.
  • Participating in weekly lab group meetings to discuss relevant scientific topics, including occasional presentations.
Required Qualifications
  • Current Chapman undergraduate student.
  • Able and willing to commit 10-19 hours per week during the summer (hours are flexible).
  • Able to manage tasks and work independently.
  • Organized, responsible, and able to keep deadlines.
  • Curious and willing to learn more about the field of optics and photonics.
  • Interested in learning more about the process of scientific research.
Desired Qualifications
  • Student in Engineering or Physics discipline
  • Able to commit to at least 1 year of working in the lab
  • Student who is interested in applying to graduate school of engineering or physics.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Budget Information
Is Federal work-study required? With or Without FWS

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