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Undergraduate Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Engineering Systems Research & Development Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking highly motivated undergraduate students to work within a team environment on research and ...

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is in search of a part-time undergraduate researcher. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) monitors streamflow in rivers across the US with ...

The undergraduate researcher will build an ML-based system for pollinator identification and contribute to the deep insights thrust of PRISM (Processing with Intelligent Storage and Memory). The ...

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Undergraduate Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do undergraduate researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for undergraduate researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, strong analytical thinking, and attention to detail, often supported by coursework or laboratory experience. Familiarity with data analysis software, laboratory equipment, or relevant research databases is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and curiosity help you collaborate effectively and adapt to new challenges. These skills are crucial for producing reliable research results and contributing meaningfully to academic projects.

What are some common challenges faced by undergraduate researchers when balancing research responsibilities with coursework?

Undergraduate researchers often find it challenging to manage their time effectively between research projects and academic coursework, especially during peak periods like exams or project deadlines. Effective communication with research mentors and careful scheduling are essential to ensure that both responsibilities are met. Additionally, prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and seeking support from peers or advisors can help alleviate stress and improve productivity. By developing strong organizational skills early on, undergraduate researchers can make the most of their research experience while maintaining academic performance.

What are undergraduate researchers?

Undergraduate researchers are college students who participate in academic research projects, often under the guidance of faculty members or research staff. They assist with tasks such as data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and sometimes help design experiments. This role provides students with hands-on experience in their field of study, builds valuable skills, and can enhance resumes or graduate school applications. Undergraduate researchers are typically involved in research as part of coursework, internships, or voluntary positions within their academic departments.
More about Undergraduate Researcher jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Undergraduate Researcher jobs? The most popular types of Undergraduate Researcher jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Undergraduate Researcher jobs? The top employers for Undergraduate Researcher jobs are:
What states have the most Undergraduate Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Undergraduate Researcher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Undergraduate Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Undergraduate Researcher

Part-time

Posted 11 hours ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Engineering Systems Research & Development Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking highly motivated undergraduate students to work within a team environment on research and engineering opportunities. These positions cover a broad range of engineering disciplines in all aspects of system development.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Sophomore, junior, or senior.
  • Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics major.
  • Experience with engineering lab test equipment and assembly tools.
  • LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink, CAD, FEA, and Microsoft Office.
  • Familiarity with electrical design, mechanical design, analysis tools, signal processing, software development, modeling, or embedded systems.

Successful candidates will work up to 20 hours/week during the fall and spring semesters and 40 hours/week over the summer.

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation. Employment with the Applied Research Laboratory will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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