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Undergrad Research Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate hazardous waste disposal with lab management in compliance with EH&S standards (5%) Assist with managing undergraduate research assistants. (5%) Present scientific data, attend meetings ...

... undergraduate research assistants. (5%) Present scientific data, attend meetings and team building events. Required Qualifications "To be considered for this opportunity your application must ...

... the Undergraduate Research Symposium, a large campus-wide event with almost two thousand undergraduate presenters. The Advisor and Outreach Coordinator will also assist with general office ...

Collaborate with faculty and the other Lab Manager to support undergraduate research needs. * Serve ... Implement the Chemical Hygiene Plan in assigned teaching labs; assist faculty in implementing the ...

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Undergrad Research Assistant information

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How much do undergrad research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for undergrad research assistant in Renton, WA is $24.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $28.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Undergrad Research Assistants?

Undergrad Research Assistants are undergraduate students who support faculty members or research teams with academic research projects. Their tasks may include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, assisting in experiments, and preparing reports or presentations. These positions offer students valuable hands-on experience in their field of study, help them develop research skills, and can enhance their resumes or graduate school applications. The role varies depending on the discipline and specific project requirements.

What is the difference between Undergrad Research Assistant vs Lab Technician?

AspectUndergrad Research AssistantLab Technician
Required CredentialsUndergraduate degree or current student, relevant courseworkAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research projects, university settingsClinical, industrial, or research laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, academic projectsHospitals, biotech companies, research facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles for undergraduatesClarifying lab technician responsibilities and qualifications

While both roles involve laboratory work, Undergrad Research Assistants typically support academic research projects and are often students gaining experience, whereas Lab Technicians usually work in clinical or industrial labs with more technical responsibilities. The roles differ mainly in educational requirements and work settings, but both contribute significantly to scientific research and laboratory operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Undergrad Research Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Undergrad Research Assistant, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and foundational knowledge in your field, often supported by relevant coursework or laboratory experience. Familiarity with data analysis software, laboratory equipment, or literature databases is typically required depending on the research area. Effective communication, time management, and a willingness to learn are standout soft skills for collaborating with faculty and peers. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, productive teamwork, and valuable contributions to research projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Undergrad Research Assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Undergrad Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing time between coursework and research responsibilities, adapting to unfamiliar research methodologies, and communicating effectively with faculty mentors and team members. To address these, it's helpful to establish clear expectations early on, maintain an organized schedule, and proactively seek feedback or clarification when needed. Regular meetings with the research supervisor and open communication within the research team can also help undergraduates navigate the learning curve and grow in confidence.
What job categories do people searching Undergrad Research Assistant jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Undergrad Research Assistant jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Undergrad Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Undergrad Research Assistant job openings:
Research Scientist/Engr Assistant

Research Scientist/Engr Assistant

Uw

Seattle, WA • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


University Of Washington rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description

Institute for Protein Design has an outstanding opportunity for Research Scientist/Engr Assistant to join their team

About this Opportunity

As a member of our Core R&D Labs, you will make important research contributions that accelerate progress in protein design. These teams develop new research methods, collect experimental data, and help interpret results. These activities are performed in collaboration with other scientists at the Institute for Protein Design or its collaborators; they are not available for external contract work.

Peptide Core is seeking a RSE Assistant to join a Core focused on producing synthetic peptides to continuously support many projects in parallel at the IPD, such as biologic therapeutics, phosphopeptide synthesis and characterization, difunctional fluorescent peptides, and peptide materials. The Peptide Core also characterizes de novo proteins through intact protein mass spectrometry and returns valuable data analysis and quality control in a rapid fashion to the IPD.

The successful candidate would work closely with IPD scientists to synthesize, troubleshoot, and analyze complex peptides. We are seeking a scientist with strong skills in critical thinking, troubleshooting, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. A working knowledge of organic chemistry is required to effectively perform this role.

Key Responsibilities

(80%) Work with other Core R&D Lab members to accomplish research goals, including by establishing and nurturing productive relationships with research colleagues, students, administrators, and others at the UW and beyond.

  • Follow standard operating procedures and working guidelines
  • Produce synthetic peptides utilizing solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with standard peptide chemistry techniques
  • Document protocols run in the wet lab
  • Review, analyze, and troubleshoot all experimental results
  • Train IPD researchers on Core-specific workflow
  • Work directly with Principal Investigators, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and laboratory staff in assisting with and conducting experiments

(10%) Maintain databases and inventories.

  • Maintain inventory for all chemicals, supplies, reagents, and biological samples
  • Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment
  • Coordinate hazardous waste disposal with lab management in compliance with EH&S standards

(5%) Assist with managing undergraduate research assistants.

(5%) Present scientific data, attend meetings and team building events.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department
  • Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry or other related field and less than one year of relevant experience.
  • Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, and/or registrations.

Additional Qualifications

  • Strong communication and organization skills and great attention to detail
  • A willingness to acquire new skills and learn on the job.

Preferred Qualifications

  • At least one year of full-time laboratory experience
  • Proficient in modern peptide synthesis, purification and analysis
  • Familiarity with peptide chemistry or synthetic chemistry or medicinal chemistry
  • Experience with lab instrument use and upkeep of: peptide synthesizers (CEM, Gyros), LC/MS (Agilent), HPLC systems (Agilent).

About the team

Located at the University of Washington in Seattle, the Institute for Protein Design is a unique interdisciplinary environment where world-class researchers create new biomolecules. Our mission is to create proteins that solve modern challenges in medicine, technology, and sustainability. Joining our team means becoming part of one of the largest and most innovative public universities in the world. Your work here will support scientific inquiry and help ensure that laboratory breakthroughs lead to positive impact.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$56,400.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$70,800.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.


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