Research Assistant Jobs in Washington

Research assistant jobs in Washington are in strong demand, with openings concentrated in academic research, biomedical and life sciences, technology, and public policy sectors at every level from entry-level lab assistant through senior research associate. Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma anchor most of the hiring, with major employers like the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and Microsoft maintaining a lasting presence in the state. The most sought-after specialties right now are clinical research, data analysis, and social science research supporting government and nonprofit work. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles17
Top employerUniversity Of Washington
Top citySeattle, WA
Cities hiring5
Work type67% On-site
Top credentialBachelor's degree

Showing 5 of 17+ Research Assistant jobs

Research Assistant - Neuroscience Research
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Added 2d ago
Research Assistant - Neuroscience Research
Providence Swedish
Seattle, Washington
Clinical Trials
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
$21.3 - $31.54/hr
10,000+

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Research Assistant in School Mental Health
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Added 2d ago
Research Assistant in School Mental Health
Seattle Children's
Seattle, Washington
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
$22.18 - $33.27/hr
High school diploma or GED
5,001-10,000

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Research Assistant – Clinical Research
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Added 1w ago
Research Assistant – Clinical Research
Inland Northwest Research
Spokane, Washington
Business Strategy
Compliance & Risk
Consulting & Professional Services
$20 - $26/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's degree

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Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant
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Added 1w ago
Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant
University Of Washington
Seattle, Washington
Backend Engineering
Full-stack Engineering
Software Engineering
$56k - $71k/yr
Bachelor's degree in biology
10,000+

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Research Assistant Professor - Career
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Added 1w ago
Research Assistant Professor - Career
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
Higher Education
K-12 Teaching
Teaching & Instruction
$70k - $86k/yr
5,001-10,000

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Research Assistant Jobs by City in Washington

Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Pullman
1 job
Spokane
1 job
Kirkland
1 job
Wenatchee
1 job

Research Assistant Job Market in Washington

A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

University Of Washington8 open roles
Confluence Health1 open role
Headlands Research1 open role

What Washington Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in research assistant jobs across Washington.

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, psychology, economics, or public health
  • Experience with research methodologies including data collection, analysis, and documentation
  • Proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, R, or Stata for quantitative analysis
  • Strong written communication skills for drafting reports, literature reviews, and grant materials
  • Familiarity with IRB protocols and human subjects research compliance requirements
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced research environment

Research Assistant Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a research assistant in Washington?

Most research assistant positions in Washington require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a field related to the research area, such as the life sciences, social sciences, public health, or computer science. Washington does not require a state-issued license specifically for research assistants, but roles involving human subjects research require compliance with IRB standards. Candidates strengthened by hands-on lab or fieldwork experience, statistical analysis coursework, and familiarity with grant writing tend to move through hiring processes at Washington universities and research institutions fastest.

Which companies hire research assistants in Washington?

Employers hiring research assistants in Washington right now include University Of Washington, Confluence Health, and Headlands Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Washington's dense concentration of research universities, biotech companies, and federal agency offices in the Puget Sound region means hiring is consistent across both the public and private sectors throughout the year.

Which Washington cities have the most research assistant jobs?

Seattle, Pullman, and Spokane have the most research assistant openings in Washington. Seattle drives the largest share of demand due to its concentration of major research universities, biotech firms, and technology companies, while Spokane's growth as a health sciences and medical research hub and Tacoma's proximity to federal and nonprofit research organizations bring consistent openings to those markets as well.

Are there remote research assistant jobs in Washington?

Yes, though they're more selective than in purely desk-based fields, since many research assistant roles require on-site lab work, specimen handling, or in-person data collection. About 33% of research assistant openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote options most common in roles focused on literature review, qualitative data coding, survey administration, and policy analysis rather than hands-on laboratory work.

How can I get hired as a research assistant in Washington with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is applying for undergraduate research positions or post-baccalaureate research fellowships at Washington institutions like the University of Washington or Washington State University, which regularly bring in candidates with limited formal experience. Adjacent roles such as research coordinator, data entry specialist, or lab technician frequently serve as stepping stones. Completing a relevant certification in clinical research or data analysis and building a portfolio of independent or course-based research projects gives candidates a measurable edge with Washington hiring teams.

Where can I find and apply to research assistant jobs in Washington?

You can find and apply to research assistant jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your background, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 17 Research Assistant Jobs in Washington

Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Research Assistant Jobs