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What does a Graduate Research Assistant do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 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

  • Research
  • Writing
  • Analysis
  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Time management
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork
  • 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

Expert Verified

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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