ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Undergrad Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Utaustin

$18/hr

NETL - Undergraduate Research Assistant ---- Hiring Department: Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 10 ---- FLSA Status: Non ...

The Pennsylvania State University

As an Undergraduate Research Assistant, you will collaborate closely with graduate students, assisting them in their research programs. This position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$15/hr

Undergraduate research assistants will learn the principles of experimental design and applied research in one of the most promising fields of production agriculture. Please contact Dr. Boney for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUndergrad Research Assistant Jobs

Undergrad Research Assistant information

See salary details

$8

$21

$31

How much do undergrad research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for undergrad research assistant in the United States is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.48 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.
More about Undergrad Research Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Undergrad Research Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Undergrad Research Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Undergrad Research jobs? The most popular types of Undergrad Research jobs are:
What states have the most Undergrad Research Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Undergrad Research Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Undergrad Research Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Undergrad Research Assistant jobs are:
Undergrad Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Undergrad Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 5% As Needed, 93% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,571 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Undergraduate Research Assistant (Student Wage)

Undergraduate Research Assistant (Student Wage)

The University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site, Remote

$15.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Student Research Assistant:
Community organizing, social change, and public values.
Professor Foley in the Department of Engineering and Society is seeking to hire an undergraduate research assistant to perform tasks related to the study of community organization, social change, and techniques. The project will involve the student working to understand the dynamics and process of community-based advocacy organizations and how their actions influence the built environment in the city. This project will explore the values, institutions, and organizational capacities that underpin long-term social change.
The undergraduate research assistant will:
  • Work for Rider Foley, Department of Engineering and Society, for not more than 20 hours per week during the summer and 10 hours per week during the academic year.
  • Work to understand the processes and outcomes of a local organization.
  • Dedicate their efforts to understanding how the organization conducts events, evaluates past projects, accounts for membership contributions, gathers information for their corporate engagement strategy, and conducts meetings and reports on their progress.
  • Work 18 hours per week with the local organization.
  • Meet weekly with Rider Foley to reconstruct ongoing processes and type up their notes and reflections.
  • Be creative, detail-oriented, able to work independently, and proficient in written and spoken English.
  • Responsible for the creation of a summative report that details their research at the end of the semester.

The pay rate will follow the established schedule established by the Human Resources department.
Students must be eligible to work at least 5 hours per week and, according to university policy, not more than 10 hours during the academic semester.
The applicant must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 and be enrolled in at least 6 credits this semester. The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
If successful, the Student Research Assistants will have the opportunity for continued employment in fall 2026.
Work-study students are encouraged to apply.
Compensation: $15.50/hr.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Cover letter, resume, and the names and phone numbers of two references.
Education: Current undergrad UVA student
Experience: None
Licensure: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

What University Of Virginia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Virginia logo

About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

View All University of Virginia Jobs

Apply