Entry Level Research Assistant Jobs
New grad research assistant jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or a focused portfolio often carries more weight than a long resume. Most openings are Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Science & Research roles across a mix of on-site, remote, and hybrid settings, with employers like Johns Hopkins University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Penn State University hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 228+ Entry Level Research Assistant jobs
Job Summary
Job Description
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support a diverse range of field and laboratory research activities in bioacoustics and sensory biology. This position will contribute to multidisciplinary research focused on understanding marine soundscapes, the effects of noise on marine life, and the sensory capabilities of marine organisms.
The successful candidate will work across multiple projects and research teams and should be comfortable operating in a dynamic environment that includes laboratory research, field operations, data analysis, and scientific outreach. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a broad portfolio of research involving marine bioacoustics, sensory biology, acoustic ecology, field science, data science, and emerging analytical technologies while working alongside interdisciplinary research teams at WHOI.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Support acoustic studies investigating the effects of noise on marine life.
Assist with coral reef soundscape studies and related acoustic data analyses.
Support collection, organization, management, and quality control of research data.
Conduct acoustic analyses, including acoustic calibration and soundscape analysis.
Support machine learning analyses, particularly those involving acoustic and soundscape datasets.
Assist with field research activities, including SCUBA diving, small boat operations, equipment deployment, and other field logistics.
Support neurophysiological and electrophysiological experiments designed to measure the hearing abilities of marine fauna.
Assist with animal handling, husbandry, and zoological research activities as needed.
Contribute to the development, testing, and use of research tools and instrumentation.
Support data management and analysis involving large and complex datasets.
Assist with scientific outreach and related project activities.
Work collaboratively with multiple research teams while also independently managing assigned responsibilities.
Balance priorities and manage time effectively across several complementary projects.
Adapt to changing research needs, field conditions, and project priorities.
Required Education & Experience
Bachelor’s in Marine Science, Bioengineering, Biology, Engineering, or a related field.
Demonstrated interest in and ability to contribute to interdisciplinary research spanning marine biology, bioacoustics, engineering, and data science.
Ability and willingness to work in a variety of laboratory, field, and marine research environments, including conditions that may require flexibility in scheduling and work location.
Desired Experience
Master’s degree in Marine Science, Bioengineering, Biology, Engineering, or a related field.
Certified SCUBA diver with demonstrated diving proficiency and experience; AAUS certification is preferred.
MATLAB and related scientific programming or coding experience.
Acoustic analysis and bioacoustics experience.
Experience conducting acoustic calibrations.
Machine learning analysis, preferably involving acoustic or soundscape data.
Experience working with large datasets and scientific data management.
Small boat operation and related field research experience.
Marine biology experience combined with engineering, instrumentation, or research tool development.
Animal handling, husbandry, or zoological research experience.
Neurophysiology or electrophysiology experience.
Experience supporting field-based marine research.
Experience working in dynamic research environments and across multiple research teams.
Additional Job Requirements
Salary Range: $24.53/hour - $31.54/hour
The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package.
WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.
EEO Statement
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Job Summary
Job Description
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support a diverse range of field and laboratory research activities in bioacoustics and sensory biology. This position will contribute to multidisciplinary research focused on understanding marine soundscapes, the effects of noise on marine life, and the sensory capabilities of marine organisms.
The successful candidate will work across multiple projects and research teams and should be comfortable operating in a dynamic environment that includes laboratory research, field operations, data analysis, and scientific outreach. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a broad portfolio of research involving marine bioacoustics, sensory biology, acoustic ecology, field science, data science, and emerging analytical technologies while working alongside interdisciplinary research teams at WHOI.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Support acoustic studies investigating the effects of noise on marine life.
Assist with coral reef soundscape studies and related acoustic data analyses.
Support collection, organization, management, and quality control of research data.
Conduct acoustic analyses, including acoustic calibration and soundscape analysis.
Support machine learning analyses, particularly those involving acoustic and soundscape datasets.
Assist with field research activities, including SCUBA diving, small boat operations, equipment deployment, and other field logistics.
Support neurophysiological and electrophysiological experiments designed to measure the hearing abilities of marine fauna.
Assist with animal handling, husbandry, and zoological research activities as needed.
Contribute to the development, testing, and use of research tools and instrumentation.
Support data management and analysis involving large and complex datasets.
Assist with scientific outreach and related project activities.
Work collaboratively with multiple research teams while also independently managing assigned responsibilities.
Balance priorities and manage time effectively across several complementary projects.
Adapt to changing research needs, field conditions, and project priorities.
Required Education & Experience
Bachelor’s in Marine Science, Bioengineering, Biology, Engineering, or a related field.
Demonstrated interest in and ability to contribute to interdisciplinary research spanning marine biology, bioacoustics, engineering, and data science.
Ability and willingness to work in a variety of laboratory, field, and marine research environments, including conditions that may require flexibility in scheduling and work location.
Desired Experience
Master’s degree in Marine Science, Bioengineering, Biology, Engineering, or a related field.
Certified SCUBA diver with demonstrated diving proficiency and experience; AAUS certification is preferred.
MATLAB and related scientific programming or coding experience.
Acoustic analysis and bioacoustics experience.
Experience conducting acoustic calibrations.
Machine learning analysis, preferably involving acoustic or soundscape data.
Experience working with large datasets and scientific data management.
Small boat operation and related field research experience.
Marine biology experience combined with engineering, instrumentation, or research tool development.
Animal handling, husbandry, or zoological research experience.
Neurophysiology or electrophysiology experience.
Experience supporting field-based marine research.
Experience working in dynamic research environments and across multiple research teams.
Additional Job Requirements
Salary Range: $24.53/hour - $31.54/hour
The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package.
WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.
EEO Statement
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
See All 228+ Entry Level Research Assistant Jobs
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Find JobsEntry Level Research Assistant Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Johns Hopkins University10
- Virginia Commonwealth University8
- Penn State University7
- UTHealth Houston6
- Columbia University5
Top Industries Hiring
- Education159
- Healthcare & Medical Services50
- Science & Research21
- Technology & Software4
- Consulting & Professional Services4
Entry Level Research Assistant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level research assistant job?
Employers hiring at this level look for demonstrated curiosity, attention to detail, and familiarity with research methods, whether from coursework, a senior thesis, or a lab internship. Highlight any hands-on data collection, literature review, or analysis work in your application. A concise writing sample or project summary can set you apart when your formal experience is limited.
Which companies hire entry level research assistants?
Companies hiring entry level research assistants right now include Johns Hopkins University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Penn State University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Hiring at this level covers academic institutions, market research firms, think tanks, healthcare organizations, and technology companies that run in-house research teams.
Are there remote entry level research assistant jobs?
Yes, though availability varies by employer and research type. About 17% of entry level research assistant openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, making this one of the more flexible roles for new grads who need geographic flexibility or are relocating after graduation.
Are these new grad research assistant jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior research assistant roles. A new-grad-friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience, treats internships and academic projects as qualifying background, and does not require prior professional research employment. Look for language like "entry level," "recent graduates encouraged," or "training provided" as strong signals.
Which industries hire the most entry level research assistants?
Entry Level research assistant roles concentrate in Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they run ongoing data collection, policy analysis, or product research programs that are well suited to junior contributors building foundational skills.