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Summer Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

We are actively seeking full-time Research Associates to join the Murphy Research consulting team ... If you are in a full-time academic program and looking to start this Summer, please apply to our ...

Research Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

We are actively seeking full-time Research Associates to join the Murphy Research consulting team ... If you are in a full-time academic program and looking to start this Summer, please apply to our ...

Overview Who We Are Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial consulting and expert ... Responsibilities Summer Associates at Cornerstone Research Cornerstone Research offers candidates ...

Overview Who We Are Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial consulting and expert ... Responsibilities Summer Associates at Cornerstone Research Cornerstone Research offers candidates ...

Research Associate

Omaha, NE · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... Research Associate (RA) with a focus on agricultural economics to be located in Omaha. The ... The Department has an opening for an RA to start summer 2026. The duration for this position ...

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Summer Research Associate information

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$16

$32

$46

How much do summer research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer research associate in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects do Summer Research Associates typically work on, and how are assignments determined?

Summer Research Associates usually contribute to ongoing research projects within their assigned departments, often working under the guidance of a principal investigator or senior researcher. Assignments are typically based on the associate’s academic background, interests, and the current needs of the research team. Projects may range from data collection and analysis to literature reviews and laboratory experiments. Associates are encouraged to actively participate in team meetings, share ideas, and may have opportunities to present their findings. This collaborative structure not only provides hands-on experience but also helps associates build professional relationships and explore potential career paths in research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Research Associate, you need a solid academic background in your field of study, strong analytical skills, and experience with research methodologies. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), literature databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment is often required. Strong written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively distinguish top candidates. These skills ensure that research projects are executed accurately, findings are communicated effectively, and contributions are meaningful to the team’s objectives.

What is the difference between Summer Research Associate vs Summer Intern?

AspectSummer Research AssociateSummer Intern
CredentialsUndergraduate or graduate students, often with relevant coursework or research experienceTypically undergraduate students, sometimes with limited experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, or industry R&D departmentsVaries; may include administrative, technical, or research tasks in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech, pharma, and tech companiesCorporations, nonprofits, government agencies, and academic institutions

The main difference is that Summer Research Associates are usually more focused on conducting research and may have more specialized roles, while Summer Interns often perform a broader range of tasks and may have less research-specific responsibilities. Both roles provide valuable experience, but the Research Associate position typically emphasizes research skills and project contributions.

What are Summer Research Associates?

Summer Research Associates are typically students or recent graduates who participate in temporary research positions during the summer months. They work under the supervision of faculty, researchers, or professionals to assist with ongoing research projects, often gaining hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and report writing. These roles provide valuable exposure to research methodologies and can help participants build skills relevant to their academic or career interests. Summer Research Associateships may be found in universities, government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations.
What cities are hiring for Summer Research Associate jobs? Cities with the most Summer Research Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Summer Research jobs? The most popular types of Summer Research jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Research Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Research Associate jobs include:
Research Associate

Research Associate

Murphy Research

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Murphy Research is a full-service custom market research firm known for our innovative research design and consultative approach. We produce groundbreaking qualitative and quantitative research through our focus on creative design, rigorous execution, and enduring insights. Our team thinks out of the box, follows a steady execution process, and is empowered to produce the highest quality research product that truly matters to our clients. At Murphy Research, we make difficult decisions easy.

We are actively seeking full-time Research Associates to join the Murphy Research consulting team. In this role, you will assist in the development, execution, and analysis of projects for a diverse range of Fortune 500 companies. All of our consulting researchers work across industries on diverse projects with clients like Gatorade, Disney, Visa, Door Dash, and Waymo. This is an exciting opportunity to launch your research consulting career as you support some of the world’s most prominent brands with market assessment, brand strategy, product development, customer loyalty and engagement, and communications research.

About You:
  • You have a background in the social sciences: degree or lab experience in psychology, sociology, or anthropology preferred; you’re familiar with quantitative and qualitative research methods from coursework, internships, or work experience
  • You’ve made the decision not to pursue a career in academic research. Instead, you’re eager to apply your knowledge of research methods toward business strategies and help our clients make difficult decisions easier
  • You put client-service first while maintaining high expectations for quality work under fast-paced, ever-changing, and stressful circumstances
  • You delight the clients you serve and thrive when challenged by changes and new opportunities
  • You understand the importance of time management and the need to prioritize as you work on several projects simultaneously
  • You love teamwork and collaboration just as much as working independently
  • You are skilled at engaging with colleagues and clients in a virtual environment and you don’t shy away from asking a question or adding your voice to the conversation on zoom
  • Your communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are points of strength
  • You possess an ambitious curiosity and are self-motivated to take initiative
  • You’re excited about pursuing a career working with top-notch brands in an ever-changing and dynamic environment that will be as challenging as it is rewarding
What You'll Be Doing:
  • In a fast-paced and deadline-driven consulting environment, you will utilize strong strategic thinking and analytic skill
  • You will collaborate with a team of researchers to execute study progress against tight project deadlines
  • With strong support from senior leadership, you’ll receive on-the-job training and mentorship in project management, data processing, questionnaire design, report writing, and research methodology to ensure research is of the highest quality
  • Utilizing our rigorous project process you will manage vendor relationships, oversee data collection, address quality control issues with online programs, data tables, reports, and develop PPT report charts
  • You will work with large data sets, so an eye for detail is key; your proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is a must!
  • You will trust that career growth stems from the challenge inherent to custom market research designs - never doing the same thing twice; doing so, you’ll launch and develop your career as a strong analyst, project manager, and research consultant
What We Offer:
  • Daily opportunity for variety, challenge, and growth
  • Great training, career advancement, and mentorship opportunities
  • A collaborative, team-oriented, and high-performing atmosphere
  • Starting Salary Range: $50,000 - $52,000
  • Competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, paid time off, in-person and virtual social activities
  • A commitment to a hybrid work model (all new hires must live within commuting distance of our Century City or downtown Minneapolis co-working spaces and join the team Tuesdays & Thursdays in-office); all team members also retain the support structure and flexibility to work remotely on non-office days.

Application Details:

    • Applying to this posting means you are available to start between now and May. If you are in a full-time academic program and looking to start this Summer, please apply to our other RA listing.
    • Applying to this posting means you are located in CA or MN.
    • Relocation is not offered; Murphy Research can only hire in the states of CA or MN at this time. In your application, please indicate which city you plan to work/reside.
    • Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and will remain open until all current positions are filled.