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Undergraduate Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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How much do undergraduate research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for undergraduate research in the United States is $25.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges undergraduate research assistants face when balancing research with coursework, and how can they manage these effectively?

Undergraduate research assistants often find it challenging to balance the demands of research projects with their academic coursework, especially during busy exam periods or when project deadlines overlap. Effective time management is key—setting clear priorities, maintaining a shared calendar, and communicating proactively with both research mentors and professors can help. Many students also benefit from breaking tasks into smaller milestones and seeking support from their research team when workloads become overwhelming. Most faculty mentors understand the dual commitments and can offer flexibility if notified in advance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an undergraduate researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Undergraduate Researcher, you need a solid academic background in your field, analytical thinking, and attention to detail, often supported by relevant coursework or laboratory experience. Familiarity with research tools such as statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), laboratory equipment, or citation management systems is typically expected. Strong communication, curiosity, and time management skills help you collaborate effectively and manage complex projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing reliable results, contributing meaningfully to research teams, and developing foundational expertise for future academic or professional pursuits.

What is undergraduate research?

Undergraduate research refers to scholarly or creative activities conducted by college students under the guidance of a faculty mentor. It allows students to explore topics in their field of study, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to ongoing projects or original research. Participation in undergraduate research can help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, while also preparing them for graduate studies or careers in their chosen field.

What is the difference between Undergraduate Research vs Research Assistant?

AspectUndergraduate ResearchResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled undergraduate student, often no formal certificationTypically undergraduate or graduate student, may require relevant coursework
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, university settingsUniversities, research institutes, sometimes industry
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, academic research projectsUniversities, research organizations, industry research teams
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research roles for undergraduatesClarifying roles for students assisting in research projects

Undergraduate Research involves students actively participating in research projects typically within their academic institution, often as part of coursework or independent study. Research Assistants may have similar responsibilities but can also include graduate students or those with more experience assisting faculty or research teams. Both roles support research activities, but Undergraduate Research is primarily aimed at students gaining experience, while Research Assistants may have more formal responsibilities.

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Undergraduate Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Undergraduate Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,206 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Director of Undergraduate Research

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD • On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Job Posting Information
Job Posting Number
S567
Position Title
Director of Undergraduate Research
Class Title
Regular or Contingent II
Contingent II (more than 6 mos)
Desired Start Date
FLSA
Exempt
Salary Range
$95,000 - $110,000
Open Date
01/14/2024
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Duties and Responsibilities
PURPOSE: With oversight from the Office of the Provost,the Director will provide leadership, critical program management, and administrative services for undergraduate research to students and faculty at Bowie State University. He/She will be the primary administrator responsible for the organization and functioning of the undergraduate research program in all departments. The Director will work with faculty and staff, undergraduate advisors, and students on departmental and University policies concerning the undergraduate research program. The goal of this position is to scale up undergraduate research on campus, foster excellence, and attract world-class talent to innovate and prepare our students for research leadership in the future.
The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Actively engage in the development of the research ecosystem and infrastructure.
  • Develop a vision to expand and improve undergraduate research and creative opportunities across the university.
  • Provide support to undergraduate students, graduate student mentors, and faculty involved in research across the university.
  • Support undergraduate students in finding research opportunities and guiding them through the competitive landscape of STEM PhD program admissions.
  • Develop new programs, collaborate with research mentors, and lead outreach efforts to on- and off-campus partners.
  • Collaborate with faculty leaders and senior administrators to direct, plan, develop, and administer programs and resources that support both students and faculty who are involved in the research programs that reflect community and industry needs and expectations.
  • Secure funding from federal, state, national, and international agencies and companies to enhance the research infrastructure and fund undergraduate research and dissemination through publications and conferences.
  • Manage and scale up across the campus the Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE), the Summer and Semester-Based Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI), and supervise full-time staff.
  • Assist with identifying undergraduate research opportunities, scholarships, and fellowships.
  • Participate in and represent the university at external meetings and be involved with the Council on Undergraduate Research.
  • Collect and analyze data to effectively assess undergraduate research programs and their impact.
  • Coordinate events, celebrations, and symposia related to undergraduate research.
  • Develop and conduct workshops and outreach activities related to undergraduate research programs.
  • Oversee internal undergraduate grant applications, and award processes, and manage undergraduate research ambassador and peer mentor programs.
  • Participate in local and national conferences and workshops related to undergraduate programs.
  • Develop and maintain undergraduate research project database.
  • Serve on various committees as needed.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Education
  • Master's Degree is required.
  • A PhD is preferred.

Experience
  • At least five years of related experience, preferably within a university setting, or an equivalent combination of experiences, education, and training.
  • Experience and proven success in securing and managing grants and contracts
  • Experience in student support services, advising, or program support

Knowledge Skills and Abilities
  • Possess a broad understanding of undergraduate research and creative scholarship across academic disciplines.
  • Demonstrate success in project and people management, and cultivate relationships with faculty and staff from diverse academic disciplines.
  • Possess strong written and oral communication skills and be comfortable giving public presentations.
  • Articulate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and illustrate how they have advocated and expanded research experiences for underrepresented student populations.

Conditions of Employment
An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.
Please be advised, COVID-19 vaccinations are not required but encouraged for faculty and staff to be employed at Bowie State University. This protocol is subject to change.
Other
Benefits include medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance; paid time for paid sick leave and annual leave; 10 paid holidays per year, tuition remission and supplemental retirement.
Posting Detail Information
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://bowiestate.peopleadmin.com/postings/3374

Apply