1

Student Research Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Student Research Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$7

$17

$25

How much do student research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for student research assistant in Portland, OR is $17.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Student Research Assistants?

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 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Student Research jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Student Research Assistant jobs in Portland, OR? For Student Research Assistant jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Student Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Student Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Student Research Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,667 per year, or $17.6 per hour.
Research Assistant

$20 - $27.50/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has assembled a multidisciplinary team of scientists to respond to serious viral disease threats, including AIDS, chronic viral infection-associated diseases, newly emerging viral diseases and infectious diseases of the elderly. Our programs are intended to span the continuum between basic and clinical science, in which discoveries are rapidly advanced from the level of molecular and cellular biology through animal models and ultimately into clinical testing.

The development of this unique program in immunology and virology provides an important training opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at OHSU. This is why an important part of our mission is the training of young scientists in newer academic disciplines emerging at the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute.

We are a large nonhuman primate (NHP) research program at the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI), located at the West Campus of OHSU. Our laboratory is focused on the immunopathobiology of infectious diseases, and the development of vaccines and therapies for those diseases. The primary technology employed by the lab is flow cytometry, and the laboratory group has four flow cytometric analyzers, and access to 3 more analyzers and two cell sorters.

Function/Duties of Position

The primary responsibility of this position is to participate in a small team that operates the lab and institute's flow cytometers, to acquire data from samples created by others in the laboratory group. This responsibility also includes general maintenance, calibration, trouble-shooting, and simple repair of the cytometers (QA), and quality control (QC) of the data before and during data acquisition.

  • Coordinate with a data acquisition team, dynamically prioritizing tasks on the basis of data stability.
  • Quality Assurance: Routine maintenance of cytometers, calibration (compensation matrix, CS&T).
  • Quality Control: Assessment of data quality before and during data acquisition. Interfacing with sample owners to resolve issues.
  • Data acquisition: Operation of any of the available 7 flow cytometric analyzers, or two cell sorters.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's in relevant field; OR
  • Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience; OR
  • 4 years of relevant experience; OR
  • Equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Must be comfortable using computers (Mac, PC).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Major college courses in biological sciences.

  • Some knowledge of flow cytometry, and experience in biohazard laboratory.
  • Laboratory experience, especially in sample processing.
Additional Details

This advertised position is half-time (0.5FTE), in-person at the VGTI, and during regular business hours.

  • Willingness to work with pathogens potentially dangerous to humans.
  • Willingness to work in Biosafety Level 2 and 3 facilities.
  • Willingness and ability to work flexible hours.
  • Ability and willingness to work independently.
  • Ability to carry and lift 35 lbs.
  • Ability to stand for three continuous hours a day.
  • Ability to work on computer for five continuous hours a day.
  • Able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.
Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

What Oregon Health & Science University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Oregon Health & Science University logo

About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887