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Student Research Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Student Title Classification Information Quick Link Job Number SE222524 Position Information Department or Unit Name Sociology Position Headcount 4 Position Title Student Research Assistant Academic ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$18/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Summer 2026 Term or Semester Summer Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $18.00 Pay Range Information Chapman ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... Title Student Research Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2025-2026 Term or Semester Spring Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $16.90 Pay Range ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$19/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Spring 2026 Term or Semester Spring Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $19.00 - $19.00 Pay Range Information ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Summer 2026 Term or Semester Summer - Fall Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $16.90 - $16.90 Pay Range ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$18/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Summer 2026 Term or Semester Summer Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $18.00 Pay Range Information Chapman ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/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 $16.90 - $16.90 Pay ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... Title Student Research Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2025-2026 Term or Semester Spring Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $16.90 Pay Range ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$19/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Spring 2026 Term or Semester Spring Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $19.00 - $19.00 Pay Range Information ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Student Title Classification Information Quick Link Job Number SE189324 Position Information Department or Unit Name Psychology Position Headcount 3 Position Title Student Research Assistant Academic ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$17.50/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 $17.50 - $17.50 Pay ...

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How much do student research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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.

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

Securing a student research assistant position typically requires strong academic performance, relevant coursework, and good organizational skills. Competition can vary depending on the institution and field, but demonstrating enthusiasm, reliability, and familiarity with research tools can improve chances of being hired.

Can I be a student research assistant without a PhD?

Yes, student research assistant positions typically do not require a PhD; they are often available to undergraduate or graduate students pursuing relevant coursework or degrees. These roles usually focus on assisting with research tasks, data collection, and analysis, and may require basic research skills and familiarity with tools like spreadsheets or statistical software.

What qualifications do I need to be a student research assistant?

To be a student research assistant, candidates typically need to be enrolled in a college or university, have a strong academic record, and possess relevant skills such as data analysis, laboratory techniques, or computer proficiency. Some positions may require specific coursework or prior experience in the research area.

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 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.

Do research assistants get paid a lot?

Research assistants, including student research assistants, typically earn hourly wages that vary by institution, location, and experience. In many cases, they are paid modestly compared to full-time professionals, often ranging from minimum wage to slightly above, and compensation may include stipends or academic credit instead of high salaries.

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 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 46% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% 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

$22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Student Title Classification Information
Quick Link https://chapman.peopleadmin.com/postings/40586 Job Number SE222524
Position Information
Department or Unit Name Sociology Position Headcount 4 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 $22.00 - $22.00 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 Peter Supervisor Email Simi
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 05/14/2027 Average number of hours per week Up to 19 Hrs
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
The Undergraduate Sociology Student Research Assistant supports faculty-led research projects within the Department of Sociology under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI). This position provides Sociology majors with hands-on experience in social science research, including data collection, analysis, and the application of research methods to topics related to society, culture, inequality, public policy, and community engagement.
Responsibilities
  • Assist faculty with research projects by collecting, organizing, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Conduct literature reviews and summarize scholarly research relevant to project objectives.
  • Assist with survey development, interview transcription, coding, and data management.
  • Prepare research materials, reports, presentations, and manuscripts for publication or conference presentations.
  • Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and supporting documentation for funding agencies.
  • Maintain accurate research records while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with ethical research standards.
  • Participate in research meetings and contribute to discussions regarding project progress and findings.
  • Perform additional research and administrative duties as assigned to support faculty research initiatives.
Required Qualifications
  • Current undergraduate student majoring in Sociology.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty and fellow researchers.
  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and following ethical research practices.
Desired Qualifications
  • Successful completion of introductory sociology coursework; completion of Research Methods or Statistics is preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata, or NVivo) is preferred but not required.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Budget Information
Is Federal work-study required? With or Without FWS

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