ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Student Research Assistant Jobs in San Rafael, CA

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsStudent Research JobsStudent Research Assistant JobsStudent Research Assistant Jobs in San Rafael, CA

Student Research Assistant information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$8

$18

$27

How much do student research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for student research assistant in San Rafael, CA is $18.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.62 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 job categories do people searching Student Research Assistant jobs in San Rafael, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Student Research Assistant jobs in San Rafael, CA are:

What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Student Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Student Research Assistant job openings:

Student Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Research Assistant job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,418 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Summer Research Laboratory Assistant

Vallejo, CA • On-site

Touro University

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

581st of 627 rated colleges and universities

Uninterrupted breaks

Learn more about Touro Universityexternal

$21.75 - $30/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Overview
-Under supervision of the PI's, the Summer Research Assistant will be responsible for priorities in a laboratory conducting research. Responsibilities include experiment setup, sample collection, processing samples; data collection and reporting; attendance to research group meetings; and a presentation.
Responsibilities
-Duties include assisting supervisors with experiment and research tasks, organizing documentation, reporting results, and collaborating with other assistants to fulfill research objectives.
Qualifications
-A minimum of a BS or BA in molecular biology/biology/biochemistry or one of the biosciences and some laboratory experience or a BS or MS in molecular biology/biology/biochemistry or one of the biosciences and minimal laboratory experience. Ability to work in a team with guidance, organizational ability, analytical skills, ability to meet deadlines, general computer skills and ability to use Microsoft office.
CORE COMPETENCIES: identify the behavior an employee is expected to demonstrate.
-The ideal candidate will be a student in a relevant discipline (e.g., molecular biology/biology/biochemistry or one of the biosciences) with analytical and interpersonal skills, as well as experience with the Microsoft Office suite of programs, especially Excel.
-The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, multi-task and respond to ad-hoc requests are essential.

What Touro University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply