graduate research assistant meaning

What does a Graduate Research Assistant do?

Published November 26, 2022 3 min read

A graduate research assistant is a student who assists a professor with research projects.

Graduate Research Assistant job duties include:

• Assisting in the design of research projects
• Conducting literature reviews
• Identifying research gaps and opportunities
• Developing research proposals
• Managing data and conducting statistical analysis
• Presenting findings at conferences and in journals
• Writing grant applications
• Supervising undergraduate research assistants
• Teaching undergraduate courses

Graduate Research Assistant Job Requirements

A Graduate Research Assistant typically needs to have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, although a Master's degree is preferred. Certification and experience are not always required, but they may give the candidate an advantage over others. The Graduate Research Assistant must be able to work independently and be self-motivated. They must also be able to communicate effectively with their supervisor and other members of the research team.

Graduate Research Assistant Skills

• Communication
• Organization
• Time management
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Interpersonal skills
• Flexibility

Related : Top Graduate Research Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Graduate Research Assistant

A Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) is a research position that is typically held by a graduate student. The GRA works under the supervision of a faculty member and assists with the research projects of the department or lab in which they are employed.

The first step to becoming a GRA is to identify the faculty member or lab with whom you would like to work. Once you have found a potential supervisor, reach out to them and express your interest in working with them as a GRA. Be sure to include your CV and any relevant experience you have in your email or letter. If the faculty member is interested, they will set up a meeting with you to discuss the details of the position.

During your meeting, be prepared to discuss your availability, what kind of research you are interested in pursuing, and why you are interested in working with this particular faculty member or lab. It is also important to be clear about what you hope to gain from the experience, whether it be course credit, funding for your own research project, or experience working in a particular field.

If everything goes well, the faculty member will offer you the position and you will begin working as a GRA! As a GRA, your duties may vary depending on the needs of the supervisor and department, but typically include tasks such as literature reviews, data collection and analysis, and writing papers or grant proposals. Although being a GRA can be challenging at times, it is also an excellent opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience in research.

Related : Graduate Research Assistant Resume Example

Related : Graduate Research Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

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Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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Roles and Responsibilities of Research Assistants

Responsibilities of the graduate Research Assistants must involve active research of some form, regardless of whether the research is the assistant’s own. This can involve employment for regular fieldwork, lab work, library research, data analysis, writing, curating of exhibitions, or any other activity that can be counted as research. Research Assistants are not significantly involved with teaching or primarily devoted to administrative functions, such as working as filing or reception.

The duties of Research Assistants vary considerably, but may include:

• Searching for and reviewing published literature on a research topic
• Helping to develop a project methodology
• Assisting with lab work
• Taking notes
• Attending team or project meetings
• Assisting in developing resources for project management
• Collecting data
• Entering and analyzing data
• Supervising undergraduate research assistants or other personnel on research-related tasks
• Assisting with manuscript or grant development
• Preparing reports or presentations
• Corresponding with funding agencies

In all cases, the exact responsibilities of the Research Assistant depend on the nature of the work and assignments made by the supervisor. However, work assigned should be related to research, even if it involves the least glamorous parts of research, such as organizing and storing data or managing correspondence with collaborators.

Work assignments should not include personal assistance to the supervisor or others, such as running personal errands for the supervisor’s family. If the work is primarily clerical or pedagogical, the Graduate Assistant might be more appropriately appointed as a Project Assistant or Teaching Assistant instead.

Research assistantships are offers of employment based on merit, or as part of a recruitment package to attend UWM. Assistants should not be asked to pay additional fees to work as an assistant, beyond the routine fees associated with studying at UWM.

Previous Topic

What is a Research Assistant?

Roles and Responsibilities of Supervisors

Graduate Research Assistant Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the graduate research assistant job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the graduate research assistant role by most recruiters/employers.

What Does a Graduate Research Assistant Do?

Graduate research assistants usually have some degree of responsibility for the conduct of particular research projects.

The graduate research assistant job description involves planning and carrying out a project, collecting data and performing statistical analysis, communicating research results to scientific meetings or to the press, and reporting on progress to investigators.

It also entails carrying out menial tasks like setting up equipment, cleaning up laboratory spaces, and obtaining materials; keeping track of inventory, preparing charts and graphs, and photocopying data and one’s own notes (which is particularly important).

They are also responsible for holding a master copy of experiments when in progress (e.g., fixing broken tubes or machines), maintaining the lab’s web site or other public record of their work.

Graduate research assistants generally do not serve as teaching assistants (TAs), but may be called upon to assist with some aspects of instruction within the laboratory, e.g. conducting experiments, serving as lab assistants, grading student exams, etc.

They are sometimes called upon to teach courses or act as adjunct faculty members in departments at some colleges and universities; these opportunities are usually unpaid.

Graduate research assistants make sure that all experiments are sterile and ensure that the lab space is clean by doing things like washing glassware and utensils, cleaning electron microscopes, autoclaves, etc.

Their duties also involve helping with the research by keeping computer records of experiments, data, and observations in a laboratory logbook.

Graduate research assistants are sometimes required to participate as informed volunteers in biomedical or behavioral studies.

They usually help with the instruction of undergraduate teaching assistants and volunteers.

The graduate research assistant work description also covers administrating laboratory financial accounts.

They maintain a current list of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in the laboratory and also need to keep up with details of new projects and research development.

Graduate research assistants communicate regularly with the supervisor and should have good communications skills, as well as being able to write clearly and concisely.

They should also have good interpersonal skills and be able to work well independently, as well as with others.

Graduate research assistants are in charge of maintaining lab equipment, keeping records of experiments, etc. and ensuring that all laboratory procedures are carefully followed.

They are sometimes called upon to participate in teaching seminars or workshops at undergraduate colleges and universities or clinics that offer courses related to their major field of study.

They also may be required to serve as artisans in labs that specialize in a specific type of experimental technique.

Graduate research assistants are also required to present in conferences and seminars, both locally and internationally.

They may be called upon to do their own teaching at undergraduate level labs in their universities.

Graduate research assistants are also given the responsibility of training new graduate students and undergraduates who wish to learn more about their field of study.

Graduate Research Assistant Job Description Sample/Example/Template

The graduate research assistant job description consists of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Assist in research and clinical investigations
• Produce finished manuscript
• Conduct experiments
• Support and guide mentors in the process of graduate school application
• Work closely with faculty members to deliver high-quality papers or projects
• Help develop plans for future graduate studies or research in the same field of study
• Collect, organize, analyze and document all data that relates to research project to ensure reliability of data and details
• Assist in carrying out literature searches using databases and computerized sources such as PubMed Central, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar
• Assist faculty member in grading written assignments and exams
• Assist in the preparation of reports, articles and manuscripts
• Provide guidance and help to students who are new to the laboratory
• Organize, arrange and prepare laboratory materials, instruments, supplies and equipment
• Attend relevant seminars or symposia as requested by the supervisor
• Read abstracts or papers published in conferences, journals and newspaper to keep up with current developments in the field of study.

Graduate Research Assistants Job Description for Resume

If you have worked as a graduate research assistant before or are presently working in that role and are making a new resume or CV, then you can make a very compelling Professional Experience section for your resume by applying the sample graduate research assistant job description provided above.

You can express the duties and responsibilities that you have performed or are presently performing as a graduate research assistant in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones in the above graduate research assistant job description example.

This will convince the recruiter/employer that you have been effective performing the graduate research assistant job, which can greatly enhance your chances of being hired, especially if the new position that you are applying for requires someone with some graduate research assistant work experience.

Graduate Research Assistant Requirements: Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge for Career Success

Here are important requirements you may be expected to meet to be hired for the graduate research assistant position:

• Bachelor’s degree in related disciplines
• Ambitious and self-motivated individual with strong work ethic
• A cooperative, flexible and accommodating attitude to work with a team of different professionals in the laboratory
• Ability to read and write in English of proficient level
• Knowledge of computers is a plus (Microsoft Word or Excel)
• Good communication skills to effectively interact with different people, both oral and written
• Able to manage deadlines
• Detail oriented and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure as an individual or in a team
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with a diverse population to ensure effective progress in the lab
• Strong organizational skills and proactive personality
• To have excellent interpersonal, listening, and verbal skills is a plus

Graduate Research Assistant Salary

According to Glassdoor, the national average compensation for a graduate research assistant in the United States is $29,911 per year.

This post is beneficial to individuals interested in the graduate research assistant career. They will be able to learn all they need to know about what graduate research assistants do, to be able to decide correctly if that’s the career to take.

It is also useful to recruiters/employers in making a detailed job description for the graduate research assistant position in their organizations.

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Table of Contents

UNDERSTANDING HOW TO BECOME A GRADUATE ASSISTANT

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ABOUT THIS RESOURCE

If you're considering attending West Virginia University in pursuit of an advanced degree, you may have questions regarding the various opportunities available to excelling students.

This guide will showcase the various graduate assistantships that students at West Virginia University can apply for while enrolled in an advanced academic program along with the benefits of being a part of a graduate assistantship.

We invite you to check out this guide and learn what kind of graduate assistantship opportunities we offer!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

01. understanding graduate assistantships, 02. what is a graduate assistantship, 03. graduate assistantships vs. fellowships, 04. what are the benefits of being a graduate assistant, 05. 10 tips for applying to a graduate assistantship, 06. graduate assistantships at west virginia university, 07. how to apply for a graduate assistantship at wvu, understanding graduate assistantships.

As you consider investing in a graduate degree, you have a lot to think about. Of course, you want to know that the decisions you make will result in a well-rounded and worthwhile graduate school experience. 

One of the most important aspects of obtaining a graduate degree is ensuring that you receive hands-on, practical experience in your field of interest. 

One strategic option for making sure that you do exactly that? By securing a graduate assistantship position.

If you’re a prospective or current graduate student, you’ve probably heard a little bit about graduate assistantships — but you also probably have questions: 

• What is a graduate assistantship exactly? 
• What does a graduate assistant do?
• What are the benefits of a graduate assistantship?
• Do graduate assistants get free tuition?
• What about how to become a graduate assistant?

West Virginia University’s admissions professionals are here to answer your questions and educate you on the value of a graduate assistantship — like how securing one can help you finance graduate school and augment your professional resume with real-world, transferable professional experience.

Allow us to help you sharpen your competitive edge by giving you the necessary information regarding how to research, pursue, secure, and make the most of a graduate assistantship.

What is a Graduate Assistantship?

Graduate assistantships are a form of academic employment for which students must apply and be accepted based on academic excellence and faculty referral. 

A graduate assistant is a graduate student who secures a specific academic job for which students are selected based on academic excellence and faculty referral. Most graduate assistants receive a tuition waiver and small stipend for the tasks they perform for faculty members or departments.

In addition, graduate assistantships are a strategic way for master’s and doctoral degree students to gain practical field experience, deepen academic understanding, and network with thought leaders and students in their field.

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

Are you interested in learning more about the graduate programs offered at West Virginia University? Connect with us by requesting more information!

TABITHA LOWERY

Graduate Teaching Assistant Ph.D. in English at WVU

"In my graduate teaching assistantship, I've learned better ways to enhance students’ experiences in the classroom and to make the writing process more enjoyable. If I could give any prospective graduate assistant a piece of advice, it would be that self-discipline is the key to success!"

Graduate Assistantships  vs. Fellowships

While many universities and colleges offer graduate assistantships and fellowships, it’s important to understand the differences between the two.

Fellowships

are a form of financial aid similar to scholarships in that they are granted to cover a variety of student costs. Fellowships are typically sponsored by associations and generally provide money in exchange for short-term professional development opportunities.

While fellowships are incredibly helpful when it comes to financing graduate school, fellowships are simply a gift of money and do not provide opportunities for real-world work experience.

At West Virginia University specifically, doctoral students must be nominated for fellowships and may not apply directly.

Graduate Assistantships

are institution specific and offer a tuition waiver for work completed on campus; assistantships are considered a salary as opposed to financial aid.

While the money awarded to graduate students during an assistantship definitely offsets the cost of graduate school, the real value of a graduate assistantship is in the experiential, practical professional experience that graduate students gain by working alongside expert industry leaders and researchers. 

West Virginia University offers a variety of graduate assistantship positions, and graduate students — both master’s and doctoral — are encouraged to apply for the positions that align with their field of study and professional ambitions.

EXPLORE WVU'S DIGITAL RESOURCE PAGE — MAKE THE CHANGE:

A guide to graduate career changer programs.

The admissions professionals at WVU are dedicated to helping you figure what you want professionally and academically. That's why we crafted a digital resource — a resource designed to encourage and educate you on how to change academic fields and ultimately, your career — Make the Change: A Guide to Graduate Career Changer Programs.

CULLEN BOYLE

Graduate Research Assistant Ph.D. in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at WVU

"Make sure you find a project you are genuinely interested in. Graduate assistantships are valuable! Don't choose something just to fulfill your graduation checklist. In turn, you will have a higher understanding at a faster rate … which can be used as a foundation to help shape you into the person you hope to become."

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Higher Education has classified approximately 146 U.S. institutions as having R1 status. R1 institutions are recognized as the best research universities in the country — and WVU is one of the 146 R1 status institutions in the nation and the only R1 institution in the state of West Virginia.

WVU's Gre Cheat Sheet

Discover the benefits of attending one of the best research universities in the u.s. — download our research collaboration guide, what are the benefits of being a graduate assistant.

Here are a few reasons graduate assistantships are worth thinking about, applying to, and working towards — no matter your field of study.

A graduate assistantship will deepen and enrich your education .

Graduate assistantships provide students with the opportunity to augment their educational experience by allowing them to reach a deeper level of subject comprehension. Students can then apply the skills they build and the knowledge they gain in the classroom, and beyond.

You will be encouraged to use your graduate assistantship to gain a range of new perspectives, gain deeper insight into your field, and choose what particular area of study aligns with your career goals.

A graduate assistantship will give you quality, practical work experience.

While time in the classroom is important, in order to advance your knowledge and skill set, you need focused, applicable work and/or research experience in your field. A graduate assistantship can offer you this experience because you’ll have the opportunity to work with and learn from professors and other industry experts.

Further, in a graduate assistantship, you'll have the responsibility of balancing multiple tasks with deadlines. You'll learn valuable time management and organizational skills that are transferable to the workforce.

A graduate assistantship will help you grow your professional network.

From an educational standpoint, the benefits are clear, but graduate assistantships can also provide you with a valuable network of contacts to look to for references and advice post-graduation.

Mentorship is crucial, whether you’re in school or already in the workforce — and it’s a built-in part of becoming a graduate assistant. Not only does networking with experts who have on-the-ground experience provide a fantastic learning opportunity, it is also valuable once you graduate and as you navigate the workforce.

A graduate assistantship will help you to finance your degree.

While the academic and networking benefits far outweigh the monetary gains, many graduate assistantships are also paid positions . So, in addition to augmenting your academic experience, a graduate assistantship position will help you to fund your graduate education.

SARA WARFIELD

Graduate Research Assistant Ph.D. in Public Health at WVU

"I know that many of the leaders at WVU that I have met and work with will make a difference in this world, in particular with the opioid crisis. I am confident that the skills I have gained in my graduate research assistantship at WVU will help me continue to make a difference."

10 Tips for Applying to a  Graduate Assistantship

Graduate assistantship positions are competitive to secure. Not only do you have to demonstrate academic excellence in your program, you will be competing for the position among many other qualified and dynamic applicants.

How can you set yourself apart and give yourself a competitive edge? Following a list of recommended tips might help you to do just that.

Cover Your Bases

Before starting the application process , start by checking your institution’s website for available graduate assistantship positions and figure out if you meet the requirements to apply.

Focus On Your Studies

The higher your GPA, the more attractive you’ll be to a hiring department. Students should also establish strong relationships with professors in the department in which they’d like to be employed.

Collaborate with Other GAs

Chat with other graduate assistants and ask them for their insight. Ask for advice, add them to your professional network, and they may be able to refer you to a department that you’re interested in!

Know the Requirements

Before applying to a GA position, make a list of necessary application requirements, which might include course load, GPA, available working hours, immigration authorization (if applicable), letters of recommendation, etc.

Customize Your Application(s)

If you’re applying to more than one GA position (and even if you’re not), make sure your GA application and resume contain up-to-date information and position-appropriate information.

Spell Check

Do yourself a favor. Don’t turn in an application without conducting a thorough editing process. If your application contains errors of any kind, the likelihood of you landing the GA position is low.

Provide References

Don’t list your friends or family as references. Have 3-4 references ready to list on your application: These can be previous employers, current or past professors, or an admissions professional with whom you have a good relationship.

Prepare for an Interview

If you are invited for an interview, this is a good sign. Make sure to dress the part, BE ON TIME, and conduct yourself in a way that is professional, friendly, socially aware, and intelligent.

Understand the Expectations

Speaking of the interview, once you’re in the door, make sure to inquire about the expectations for the position and the working hours. Be sure you can meet those hours and expectations.

Follow Up Respectfully

If you are offered a graduate assistantship position, you should be proud of yourself! You've proven yourself to be a qualified asset to the department and institution at large. Be sure to follow up with the department in a timely manner.

Graduate Assistantships at  West Virginia University

Wvu’s graduate assistantship options:.

West Virginia University awards approximately 1,700 graduate assistantships annually to incoming and continuing graduate students. These graduate assistantships are supported by state appropriations, federal funds, and private grants and contracts. All graduate assistants must be accepted into a graduate degree program and are required to be enrolled full-time while employed during the fall and spring terms (9 credits or more).

Here are the types of graduate assistantships offered at WVU:

Graduate Teaching Assistants:

teach courses, laboratory sections, and recitation sections, or provide other forms of instructional assistance.

Graduate Research Assistants:

help faculty members with their research activities.

Graduate Service Assistants:

typically work in one of the administrative or service offices of WVU in positions related to their program of study and that contribute to their educational experience.

Regular graduate assistants work an average of 20 hours per week and partial graduate assistants work an average of 10 hours per week as teaching, research, or service assistants.

For additional information on Graduate Assistantships visit the Graduate Education and Life website.

The graduate admissions team is proud to bring you research news, industry expert interviews, and noteworthy student stories on our newest form of media: The Summit Ahead Podcast. 

Subscribe today to receive monthly episodes right in your inbox.

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How to apply for a graduate assistantship at wvu.

At WVU, each program has a limited number of Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research Assistantships, so the process for securing one can be competitive .

Talk to your program representative to learn what might be available and to see if you are a good fit for available positions.

Graduate Service Assistantships are housed across the university, assisting a number of different departments and programs. These positions are posted and students must apply to be considered. For information on these assistantships, please visit our website.

More Reading from the Summit Ahead fOR Aspiring Graduate Students

4 Reasons You Should Apply for a Graduate Assistantship

3 Ways Women Can Thrive in Male-Dominated Fields

Graduate Assistantships: Why They Matter and How to Apply for One

My Experience as a PhD Student in a WVU Graduate Research Assistantship

A Guide to Graduate Assistantships at West Virginia University is designed to showcase the various graduate assistantships that students at West Virginia University can apply for while enrolled in an advanced academic program along with the benefits of being a part of a graduate assistantship.

DOWNLOAD WVU’S GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP GUIDE AND BOOKMARK IT FOR FUTURE USE!

Learn more about wvu’s graduate assistantships — connect with us.

Here at West Virginia University, we know that for driven and ambitious graduate students, obtaining a graduate assistantship is truly a rewarding experience.

Serving as support to some of the best in your field, getting a glimpse of what it is like to be a working professional, and building a network with those who are thought leaders in your area of study are just a few reasons a graduate assistantship is a strategic and excellent way to augment your graduate education.

We hope that this guide has been helpful to you as you make a decision regarding this very exciting phase of your academic journey. The admissions team at WVU is here to help you in whatever capacity you need — don’t hesitate to reach out!

Check Out Our Other Resources for Prospective Graduate Students

TAKE THE FIRST STEP IN YOUR ACADEMIC JOURNEY AT WVU:

What is a graduate research assistant and how to become one

A graduate research assistant is a student who assists senior researchers or professors in their research projects. Their duties often involve tasks such as collecting and analyzing data, testing research tools, and interpreting data through graphs. They may also assist with creating presentations and other collateral needed for the research. The research assistant's role requires them to have specific knowledge related to the research topic they are assisting with. They may be working in a variety of fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Their work often involves both technical and administrative tasks, and they may also be involved in writing technical reports or presenting their findings at conferences or workshops.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Research Scientists in the next 3-5 years?

Professor of Biology, College of Our Lady of the Elms

How long does it takes to become a graduate research assistant?

It typically takes 5-6 years to become a graduate research assistant:

• Years 1-4: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as biology, chemistry, or physics.
• Years 5-6: Accumulating the necessary work experience in research, data analysis, and laboratory techniques.
• Salary $34,230
• Growth Rate 19%
• Jobs Number 52,695
• Most Common Skill R
• Most Common Degree Bachelor's degree
• Best State New York

Graduate Research Assistant career paths

Graduate research assistants often pursue careers as instructors, consultants, project managers, or project directors. They may also become senior engineers, engineering managers, or senior engineering managers. Another common path is to become a research fellow, senior research associate, or director of software development. They may also work in the medical field as clinical research coordinators, senior clinical research coordinators, or research and development managers. Finally, they may become senior scientists or research and development directors.

Key steps to become a graduate research assistant

Explore graduate research assistant education requirements.

The educational requirements for a graduate research assistant typically include a master's degree. According to Alessandra Bryant PhD, LMFT, Assistant Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy at Fairfield University, "You really need to pursue a master's degree post bachelor's to ensure job security post-grad." The most common majors for graduate research assistants are Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Biology, and Psychology. Pursuing a master's degree in a more specific field related to human development can also help increase earning potential, as suggested by Alessandra Bryant. Additionally, increasing experience and education in the field, such as through a Russian Studies master's program or gaining technical skills, can also help boost earning potential, according to Mary Neuburger, Director, Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.

Most common graduate research assistant degrees

Bachelor's

Master's

Start to develop specific graduate research assistant skills

Research graduate research assistant duties and responsibilities.

They conducted research by administering surveys, analyzing data using SPSS, and characterizing lithographically fabricated devices. They also investigated sexual behavior through genetic, biochemical, and behavioral experiments, and developed colloidal room-temperature ferromagnetic cofe2o4 nanoparticles. They collected magnetic data and estimated critical exponents of the Ni2MnGa system from extensive data analysis using a Python code. They researched and summarized relevant peer-reviewed journal articles to be incorporated into the formal literature review.

• Organize TA office hours, manage online gradebook, proctore exams.
• Create and lead exercises to teach linear algebra, calculus and statistics.
• Grade homework, quizzes and manage grades on online gradebook effectively as a lead TA.
• Foster cross laboratory collaboration between physics labs and between engineering, biology, and chemistry departments to accomplish share goals.

Prepare your graduate research assistant resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your graduate research assistant resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a graduate research assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Graduate Research Assistant Resume templates

Apply for graduate research assistant jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a graduate research assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

• Browse job boards for relevant postings
• Consult your professional network
• Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
• Watch out for job scams

Are you a Graduate Research Assistant?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average graduate research assistant salary

The average Graduate Research Assistant salary in the United States is $34,230 per year or $16 per hour. Graduate research assistant salaries range between $22,000 and $52,000 per year.

What Am I Worth?

How do graduate research assistants rate their job?

Graduate research assistant reviews.

The struggle of not breaking a certain research topic.

What I like is that,you get to interact with different people from various communities.Relationships are formed in the process

Language barrier can be a problem,because communication needs to be formed in the language that each community you interact with understands.

Graduate Research Assistant FAQs

How long does it take to become a graduate research assistant, search for graduate research assistant jobs, graduate research assistant jobs by state.

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Updated April 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Everything You Need to Know About Graduate Assistantships

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

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Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Graduate assistantships are exciting opportunities to earn money in college while making connections and obtaining skills in your field. Students with graduate assistantships form close relationships with professors and meet other professionals in their line of study. You may even graduate as a published author in your field. 

Here is everything you need to know about graduate assistantships. We’ll start by comparing the different types of assistantships. Then we’ll go over all of their benefits and drawbacks. Finally, we’ll guide you in the right direction to get hired.

Related: How to find online jobs for college students

Types of graduate assistantships

Graduate assistantships can take several different forms. Depending on your intended profession, some positions will be a better fit than others. Here, we’ll contrast the responsibilities and benefits of each position.

Teaching assistant

Teaching assistants help professors with the day-to-day operation of an undergraduate course. This can include:

• Giving lectures to supplement the main course lectures
• Grading papers
• Assisting with curriculum design 
• Holding office hours where students in a course can ask questions

Teaching assistantships are a great fit for students who are considering continuing in academia. Students who graduate with teaching experience under their belt will have a huge advantage in pursuing a teaching position. But teaching assistantships also have further-reaching applications. Teaching a course requires a diverse skill set, and students can apply their experience to a wide variety of professions.

If you are considering a teaching assistantship, it’s a good idea to look into the responsibilities of the specific position. 

Related: Top scholarships for teachers

Research assistant

Research assistants help professors with research projects they are undertaking. Professors have limited time to pursue their own research, which makes research assistants so crucial. As a research assistant, you won’t have any facetime with your professor’s students. You’ll only be in contact with your professor and anyone else they are working on the research with. Research assistantships vary in their duties based on the field of study; general duties may include:

• Combing and summarizing relevant articles and firsthand studies 
• May help write the actual paper that the professor will publish
• May assist in field studies or experiments

Research assistantships can be a huge asset on your resume after graduation. Research assistants demonstrate exceptional writing, research, and collaboration skills. In collaborative studies, they also have the opportunity to network with people in their field. This can include other professors, researchers, publishers, and more.

Former research graduate assistant perspective

Maria geiger.

Director of Content at Scholarships360

Monmouth University

Other assistantships

Some schools offer other graduate assistantships that serve a more general function. Other graduate assistants may help coordinate campus life or help with clerical work. These assistantships vary more widely than teaching and research assistantships. However, they often still help form close relationships with school officials. 

Students interested in logistical, planning, or office work may pursue other graduate assistantships. They can be a great opportunity to accrue work experience at a respected institution. Students who are interested in working for their college after graduation should definitely look into a graduate assistantship.

Don’t miss: How to pay off student loans

Benefits of graduate assistantships

Graduate assistantships come with a host of benefits. They are a great opportunity to:

• Establish relationships with professors and network with other professionals in your desired field
• Earn money while also being in school to help keep the cost of grad school down and avoid taking out loans
• Deepen your understanding of your field and gain valuable experience that you can use in future jobs

There are more benefits than just the ones listed above, but these are just a few that we wanted to highlight. If a graduate assistantship sounds like something you might be interested in, you should look into them and assess what other benefits they may offer you! No matter what type of assistantship you take, graduate assistantships look great on resumes and will tell a lot about who you are! 

Read more: How to complete the FAFSA for graduate school

Drawbacks of graduate assistantships

Although graduate assistantships are a great opportunity for many students, they are not always the right fit. Graduate assistantships can vary widely based on the professor and school that offer them. 

A potential drawback is the possibility of working for an unhelpful professor. If your professor is unavailable to their graduate assistants, you’ll lose one of the biggest benefits of the position. In addition to making it difficult to perform your duties, you won’t be able to consult your professor. This could render some of the networking benefits of the position ineffective. So before you decide to work for a professor, try speaking to some of their previous assistants. Try to find out if they are a helpful professor to work for.

Additionally, some schools pay lower wages than others for graduate assistantships. In these cases, a student could make more money by working another job while they take classes. So, you’ll need to decide for yourself what is most worthwhile. 

Related: Top scholarships for graduate students

How to get hired

Now that you’ve heard all about graduate assistantships, you may be wondering how to pursue one yourself. The best way to start the process is to identify a professor you would like to work for. Whether it’s because of their helpful personality, their field of study, or both, you’ll want to find the right match. 

Once you’ve found someone you’d like to work for, try to build a relationship with them. If they hold office hours or appear at any public events, show up and strike up conversation. When the time comes to apply, make sure to tailor your resume to the position. Brush up on your interview skills, and prepare to discuss the subject matter that you’d be working with. 

And if it doesn’t work out with the first professor you apply to, don’t worry! You can ask around about positions with other professors. You can also maintain the relationship with your first choice professor in case they offer more positions in the future. Good luck in pursuing your graduate assistantship!

Learn more: Graduate school financial aid options

Key Takeaways

• Graduate assistantships exist in several capacities, some may include helping a professor teach, aiding in research, working with campus life, and more
• Depending on where you go to school and what professor you are working with, graduate assistantships can vary quite widely
• Be sure to do your research before agreeing to an assistantship, as pay, your responsibilities and other benefits should impact your decision about whether an assistantship is right for you
• Whether you’re working for a professor or are simply a student, it’s always a good idea to network and foster strong professional relationships with professors, as they may be very helpful in helping you secure a job or a graduate assistantship with themselves or someone they know 

Frequently asked questions about graduate assistantships

What is the difference between graduate fellowships and graduate assistantships, how do i ask for a graduate assistantship, how competitive are graduate assistantships, scholarships360 recommended.

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What is a Research Assistant?

• After a PhD

Research assistants are employed by research institutes to assist with academic or private research. The primary responsibility of a research assistant is to provide support to either a research fellow or a research team, through collecting, analysing and interpreting data.

Institutes which use research assistants include universities, research centres (e.g. the Russell Group) and private organisations. Research assistants usually operate on a temporary basis, though permanent positions exist. In an academic setting, research assistants work under the supervision of research fellows.

Research assistant roles are often undertaken by postgraduate students who are completing their PhD programme. This provides income for the doctoral student, but also prepares them for an academic career once their programme is complete.

What are the Typical Duties of a Research Assistant?

Duties of a research assistant can vary throughout the life of a research project. In the early stages, you may be required to look for grants or funding opportunities. Many research projects cannot be undertaken without funding from an overseeing body such as a government department, research council or private company. Research assistants can be asked to prepare supporting material and help develop a proposal to secure funding.

Research assistants may also be responsible for planning the research project, coordinating tasks, preparing surveys, scheduling interviews and identifying statistical models and analysis techniques to use. In the middle stages of the project, research assistants may collect, analyse and interpret data. To do this, they will use data analysation techniques and use graphs, tables and charts to present key findings.

Finally, towards the end of the project, they may need to prepare a written discussion of the findings and help produce reports or articles. The research team may need to present the outcome of the research project at a conference to the funding agency or any other interested parties. Research assistants commonly help prepare material such as presentation slides and posters for these conferences.

In summary, the core duties of a research assistant include:

• Preparing materials to support grant applications
• Reviewing published literature and producing literature reviews
• Data collection and storage
• Assist in lab work, ordering of materials, inventory management and preparation of samples
• Conduct analysis of data
• Statistical manipulation and graphical presentation of data
• Assist with the recruitment of staff and performing interviews
• Regular note taking (e.g. meetings, interviews, lab results)
• Attending internal project meetings, seminars and external conferences
• Supervision of undergraduate researchers
• Preparation of reports, presentations and posters
• Review of reports produced by others
• Presenting findings on behalf of research team
• Management of research project finances
• Liaison with funding agency
• Project correspondence and website management
• Development of research protocols
• Management of project programme
• Evaluation and development of new tools and practices

This is a non-exhaustive list, and there will be several day-to-day tasks specific to your job.

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What are the Benefits of becoming a Research Assistant?

Becoming a research assistant is a great way to get hands on experience and prepare yourself for a career in academia or applied research. You will get to experience many aspects of research life, and develop skills such as data analysis, communication and problem solving which can be applied to any industry. Being a research assistant allows you to ‘earn whilst you learn’ and is ideal for those who want to bring in additional income to support their studies.

Beyond this, the short-term nature of research assistant positions suits those looking for flexible working arrangements and those who want to get a taste of research life without committing to a full-time career. For this reason, many research assistants are recent Bachelor’s or Master’s graduates who are looking to experience a research project before deciding on whether a PhD is right for them.

Another advantage of this is that it allows researchers to move from project to project and get experience working in different environments and teams.

As a research assistant you will have the opportunity to become involved in publishing papers. If you have been involved in the research study and made a significant contribution, then you should be an author on the paper. As with all papers, if you lead the research and write up the manuscript, then you should also be the first author.

What is the Salary of a Research Assistant?

Due to the wide variety of environments research assistants can operate in, salaries are varied. That being said, the typical starting salary for research assistants in the UK is around £20,000 to £25,000. Funded PhD students usually receive a tax-free stipend as their salary, typically worth £15,000 to £20,000 .

Who are the Typical Employers?

The most common employer for research assistant positions are Universities. However, other employers include the NHS, charities and trusts, private research companies, and public/government research councils.

What are the Entry Requirements for a Research Assistant position?

Most research assistant positions will require you to possess a good (2:1 or above) undergraduate degree, preferably a Master’s degree, in a relevant subject. Some positions require candidates to either possess a postgraduate degree or be enrolled on a PhD programme. Regardless of the qualification requirement, you will need to have a thorough understanding of the subject area, and be able to show examples of research skills such as data collection and analysis.

Some universities run undergraduate research assistant programmes which allow undergraduates to engage in academic research with the support of university staff and prepare them for a career in academia. An example is the University of St Andrews whose scheme pays undergraduate students £54 for each 6-hour block worked.

Key Skills for a Research Assistant

There are several key skills employers look for when assessing the suitability of candidates for research assistant jobs. We have outlined these below and you should highlight them in your application to make you stand out.

What is the Typical Day of a Research Assistant?

The typical day of a research assistant will vary depending on the field of research you operate in and institute to work for. However, there are some things which most research assistants can expect in a typical day.

They are responsible for basic administrative tasks such as record keeping and account management. Since research assistants are likely to be working under the supervision of a lead researcher, they will be required to support their supervisor in their day-to-day tasks, and provide them with regular progress updates.

If working in a large research team, research assistants can be asked to check in with various members of the team, coordinate tasks and ensure progress is on track. Similarly, research assistants are responsible for planning and scheduling and may organise interviews and meetings on behalf of others.

Research assistants can expect flexible working hours, which vary greatly depending on the project they are involved in. Working hours tend to increase as the deadline approaches, and many research assistants frequently work on weekends.

Most research assistants will operate from either a laboratory or an office. Occasionally, they may go ‘onsite’ to conduct fieldwork.

How to find Research Assistant Positions

One issue with research assistant jobs is that they are not well advertised. The best place to start is to search our extensive database of PhD programmes to see whether there are any research assistant positions available, or browse the research section on the websites of the universities you’re interested in.

Beyond this you can speak to university staff who can advise you on the best course of action to take for applying to research positions within their department. Some organisations advertise on social media, so joining facebook groups and following twitter accounts (e.g. alumni and department pages) is a good idea.

Interview Tips for Research Assistants

Before attending your interview, have a good idea of the current state of knowledge in the field of research you are applying to. Has there been any recent breakthroughs? What are the current gaps in knowledge? What research is being undertaken and what is the direction for the future?

It is also an advantage to know the institution you are applying to. Specifically, how does the research department operate, what equipment does the lab have, is the department currently involved in any noteworthy search projects?

You should also expect to talk about your interest in the research field, your career plans and what makes you a suitable candidate for the job.

Some example questions you may face include:

• How does this research assistant position align with your long-term aspirations?
• Do you have any previous experience?
• What relevant skills do you possess?
• Do you have any skills beyond research? (For example, foreign languages)
• What was your dissertation or thesis title and what did it involve? (If you have done one)

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What is a Research Assistant?

Learn about the role of Research Assistant, what they do on a daily basis, and what it's like to be one.

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Definition of a Research Assistant

What does a research assistant do, key responsibilities of a research assistant.

• Conducting literature reviews to assist in determining research directions and understanding current knowledge gaps
• Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data using a variety of methods, such as surveys, experiments, or existing databases
• Assisting in the design and execution of research studies, including preparing materials and setting up equipment
• Maintaining accurate and detailed records of all research activities and results for accountability and reproducibility
• Preparing research findings for publication, including drafting reports, graphs, and tables, and ensuring adherence to publication standards
• Collaborating with the research team to discuss methodologies, interpret findings, and plan future research activities
• Managing and responding to project-related correspondence, including communicating with external stakeholders or research participants
• Ensuring compliance with institutional, ethical, and regulatory standards for research conduct
• Utilizing specialized software and tools for data analysis, statistical computation, and presentation of results
• Supporting grant application processes by contributing to the preparation of proposals and budgets
• Presenting research findings at meetings, seminars, and conferences, as well as to non-specialist audiences when necessary
• Staying current with developments in the field and continuously developing skills and knowledge through training and professional development opportunities

Day to Day Activities for Research Assistant at Different Levels

Daily responsibilities for entry level research assistants.

• Collecting and organizing research data
• Conducting literature reviews and summarizing findings
• Assisting with the preparation of research materials and equipment
• Performing basic data analysis under supervision
• Helping with the administration of research protocols
• Participating in research meetings and discussions

Daily Responsibilities for Mid Level Research Assistants

• Designing and conducting experiments with minimal supervision
• Managing specific components of a research project
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting complex data sets
• Contributing to the writing and editing of research papers and reports
• Presenting research findings at meetings or conferences
• Assisting in the training and supervision of entry-level research assistants

Daily Responsibilities for Senior Research Assistants

• Leading research projects and developing research strategies
• Supervising teams of research assistants and coordinating with collaborators
• Conducting advanced data analysis and interpreting results
• Writing grant proposals and securing funding for research
• Authoring and co-authoring publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Mentoring junior researchers and contributing to the academic community

Types of Research Assistants

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Graduate Research Assistant Job Description

Graduate research assistant duties & responsibilities.

To write an effective graduate research assistant job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. We have included graduate research assistant job description templates that you can modify and use.

Sample responsibilities for this position include:

Graduate Research Assistant Qualifications

Qualifications for a job description may include education, certification, and experience.

Licensing or Certifications for Graduate Research Assistant

List any licenses or certifications required by the position: TESOL

Education for Graduate Research Assistant

Typically a job would require a certain level of education.

Employers hiring for the graduate research assistant job most commonly would prefer for their future employee to have a relevant degree such as Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Graduate, Education, Teaching, Science, Molecular Biology, Psychology, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Public Health

Skills for Graduate Research Assistant

Desired skills for graduate research assistant include:

Desired experience for graduate research assistant includes:

Graduate Research Assistant Examples

• Microsoft Word (.docx) .DOCX
• PDF Document (.pdf) .PDF
• Image File (.png) .PNG
• Assists the Vice Provost in administering the Fulbright Program, including advising students, coordinating information sessions and workshops, keeping website and advertising information up to date, coordinating on-campus interviews and logistics of all applications
• Support Vice Provost in the role of Research Integrity Officer, scheduling meetings and hearings as necessary to comply with university policies
• Advises graduate and professional students on how to manage appeals and grievances
• Monitors budget, prepares check requests, purchase requisitions
• Maintains confidential office files
• Assists the Executive Assistant to the Provost and others in the team with special projects as needed
• Performs other duties related to the job description as requested by the supervisor
• Assist the Graduate and Professional Admissions leadership team in current projects pertaining to program research
• Executes research assignment, collecting data using various avenues
• Presents research in prescribed format, with exceptional attention to detail
• Previous experience in academic research and as a copyeditor is a plus
• Deep understanding on conventional computer architecture and IBM TrueNorth hardware
• Hardware implementation skill and experiment on the two platforms
• C/C++ programming, Python
• Five – seven years administrative secretarial experience in upper level academia
• Excellent Word for Windows word processing skills
• Resources academic department contacts (by direction of supervisor) as needed for additional data for research
• Prepares and maintains weekly status reports including information on scheduling and deadlines for the project
• Verifies the accuracy of the data
• Produce written and visual materials for research reports and presentations
• Presents research to stakeholders and responds to concerns and questions from invested parties
• Assist the program coordinator and directors in organizing and monitoring communications channels with various project contacts
• Research and summarize on-going topics of interest to the project
• Manage project data stores
• Form reports related to specific requests per the program coordinator and director
• Other duties as assigned by the program coordinator
• Type 60 wpm with high degree of accuracy
• Good oral and written communication skills, group communication skills, with ability to proofread and edit materials
• Experience with desktop publishing protocols, spread sheets, scanning
• FAX, Photoshop, digital camera
• Typing minimum 50 words per minute with accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in problem solving
• Establish and maintain consistent office hours to ensure effective and regular project function
• Maintain up-to date scientific knowledge in his/her research field
• There will be routine maintenance work for supporting the laboratory such as general laboratory inventory, autoclaving and supplying stock reagents for tissue culture as required for own research project
• Research on reporters, media outlets, social media opportunities
• Preparation of research findings on members of the media
• Design, analyze, optimize prototypes and new systems for animal behavior studies
• Design and execute in vivo behavior experiments
• Locate research on the Native American tribe known as the Anasazi—today referred to as the Pueblo Peoples or the Ancestral Puebloans—in the past, archeological expeditions to uncover artifacts and settlements that have taken place since the disappearance of the tribe
• Summarize research on the theories surrounding the disappearance of the Anasazi
• Research articles and books—both scholarly and in the popular press—that deal with the subject of the Anasazi, their life, and their eventual disappearance
• Ability to interpret data into percentages and statistics
• Candidates can be from any field of studies
• Proficiency in research, writing and editing
• Skills to implement mathematical algorithms in matlab and C
• If selected, you must file tax forms at the university if you are a first time student employee
• A profound understanding and ability to summarize academic writing
• Interview experts on the Anasazi and Native American culture in question to determine possible theories that might be helpful to the story of the screenplay
• Research and interview archeologists who work to uncover clues to the Anasazi
• Transcribe the interviews and analyze the views of various experts
• Research film and theatrical representations of the Anasazi in order to ensure the current screenplay covers new ground
• Keep all research and all discussions with professor Lake confidential
• This position requires contacting and meeting women at various sites in Tacoma and Pierce County
• Conduct in-depth interviews for a qualitative study of African American women’s experiences of childbirth in Pierce County using an interview guide provided by the Principle Investigators
• Summarize key findings from in-person interview notes
• Assist in preliminary analysis of the data and prepare plain-language summary document for distribution to research subjects and wider community
• Performing additional job-related duties as assigned
• Familiarity with the field of public health or related areas
• Effective use of organizational skills that apply to administrative processes
• An eagerness to learn and further develop research, coordination, and management skills
• Knowledge of and experience in cellular and molecular immunology, with a working knowledge of/experience in the HIV virology, cellular immunology, and glycobiology preferred
• Extensive hands-on expertise in both molecular (DNA and RNA assays, molecular cloning, protein immunoassays) and cellular (cell culture, multiparameter flow cytometry) techniques
• Ability to multi-task and work independently under pressure
• To gain fundamental knowledge of clinical studies looking to improve hair loss treatment
• To gain an understanding of the design, implementation and analysis of clinical trials
• To publish original research articles and present new data from ongoing studies for a regional and national audience
• Participate in alopecia research and in designing and implementing their own projects
• Prepare & implement two rigorous academic one-week residential program for 15 first year students
• Supervise upper class FYRE peer mentors
• Conduct bi-weekly one-on-one advising meetings with FYRE participants
• Schedule research exploration activities, at least twice monthly
• Maintain communication with students and the campus community and
• Keep accurate attendance and budgetary records for all activities
• Ability to perform highly detail-oriented tasks
• Excellent organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail required
• Proficient at academic research activities
• Capable of respectful interaction with peers, students, and university staff from different disciplines and departments
• Proficiency in Python, R, or some other statistical programming language
• Experience with data cleaning and processing

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The Graduate Research Assistant Program is a year-round internship program that provides domestic and international students with relevant research experience while they pursue a graduate degree. This educational program is designed to complement your education with work experience related to your chosen field of study. In some cases, you can arrange to conduct master's or doctoral thesis research at the Lab. We offer appointments in both technical and professional fields. This applies to entering first-year and current graduate students and post-master's students.

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