Research Assistant Jobs in Pennsylvania
Research Assistant jobs in Pennsylvania are consistently active, concentrated in university research centers, academic medical systems, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, and public policy institutions, with openings at every level from entry-level lab or data roles through senior research positions. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College are the largest hiring metros, home to well-established employers like the University of Pennsylvania, UPMC, and Merck, which maintain ongoing research assistant needs across clinical, social science, and laboratory specialties. The most in-demand sub-areas include clinical research, biomedical and life sciences research, and social and behavioral research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics is seeking a graduate student for the part-time job of Research Assistant.
Job duties to include:
research on non-nuclear massive black holes with Rubin Observatory data
Requirements, qualifications, and/or competencies:
Current graduate student
Schedule:
Expected hours will be approximately 4 hours/week.
Compensation:
The starting rate for this job is $ 21.50 /hour .
The selected candidate will report to Dr. Charlotte Ward . Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.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 .
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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PA State Labor Law Poster
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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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics is seeking a graduate student for the part-time job of Research Assistant.
Job duties to include:
research on non-nuclear massive black holes with Rubin Observatory data
Requirements, qualifications, and/or competencies:
Current graduate student
Schedule:
Expected hours will be approximately 4 hours/week.
Compensation:
The starting rate for this job is $ 21.50 /hour .
The selected candidate will report to Dr. Charlotte Ward . Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.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 .
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.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
See All 62 Research Assistant Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Assistant JobsResearch Assistant Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Assistant Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Penn State University16
- Carnegie Mellon University8
- University of Pennsylvania8
- The Wistar Institute5
- University of Pittsburgh4
Top Industries Hiring
- Education17
- Healthcare & Medical Services6
- Science & Research4
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research assistant jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, psychology, public health, or social science
- Experience with data collection, entry, or analysis using tools like SPSS, R, or Excel
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and ethical standards for human subjects research
- Strong written communication skills for drafting reports, summaries, and research documentation
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks within a structured research timeline
- Prior laboratory, clinical, or fieldwork experience gained through coursework, internships, or volunteer roles
Research Assistant Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research assistant in Pennsylvania?
Most research assistant positions in Pennsylvania require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, public health, psychology, or a social science. Pennsylvania does not require a state-issued license specifically for research assistants, but roles in clinical settings often require Good Clinical Practice certification and adherence to IRB standards. Candidates from Pennsylvania universities with hands-on thesis or lab experience are consistently competitive for entry-level openings.
Which companies hire research assistants in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring research assistants in Pennsylvania right now include Penn State University, Carnegie Mellon University, and University of Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pennsylvania's concentration of academic medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and large research universities means demand for research assistants remains steady across multiple sectors throughout the year.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most research assistant jobs?
Philadelphia, University Park, and Pittsburgh have the most research assistant openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia leads because of its dense cluster of universities, hospital systems, and pharmaceutical employers, while Pittsburgh's strength in academic medicine and technology research at institutions like Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh drives significant demand, and State College reflects the research activity centered on Penn State's flagship campus.
Are there remote research assistant jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields because many research assistant roles involve laboratory work, patient contact, or on-site data collection. About 67% of research assistant openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with remote options most available in roles focused on literature review, qualitative coding, survey administration, or quantitative data analysis.
How can I get hired as a research assistant in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for undergraduate or post-baccalaureate research assistant roles at Pennsylvania's large research universities, where institutions like Penn State, Temple University, and Drexel University regularly post positions open to recent graduates and career changers. Volunteering with a faculty lab, completing an IRB-training certificate, and gaining exposure to tools like REDCap or SPSS through coursework strengthens a candidacy meaningfully. Adjacent roles such as clinical coordinator assistant or data entry technician at a hospital system like UPMC or Jefferson Health also serve as common stepping stones.
Where can I find and apply to research assistant jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to research assistant jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings updated regularly. Search the listings for roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 62 Research Assistant Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Assistant Jobs