Of course! Finding a paid Research Assistant (RA) position is a fantastic way to gain experience, work closely with faculty, and support yourself through graduate school or even as an undergraduate.

Here is a comprehensive guide on where and how to find these opportunities, broken down by the most common sources.

The Two Main Types of Paid RA Positions

• University-Funded (often for students): Paid through departmental funds, faculty grants, or work-study programs. These are typically part-time during the academic year and can be full-time in the summer.


• Externally-Funded (for students and recent grads): Paid through research institutions, think tanks, government agencies, or private companies. These are often full-time, fixed-term positions.

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1. The Best Starting Point: Your Own University

This is the easiest and most common way to find a paid RA role, especially for students.

How to Find Them:

• Departmental Websites & Newsletters: Check the websites of the academic departments you're interested in (e.g., Economics, Psychology, Political Science, Biology). They often have a "Jobs" or "Opportunities" section.


• Faculty Websites/Lab Pages: Identify professors whose research aligns with your interests. Their lab or personal website will often have a "Prospective RAs" or "Join Us" section with application instructions.


• University Job Portals: Most universities have a central online career portal (e.g., Handshake, internal job boards). Search for "Research Assistant," "Student Hourly," or "Lab Assistant."


• Direct Outreach (The Most Effective Method):


• Identify Professors: Make a list of 5-10 professors whose work genuinely excites you.


• Craft a Tailored Email:


• Use a clear subject line: "Inquiry: Paid Research Assistant Position - [Your Name] - [Your Major/Year]"


• Briefly introduce yourself and your background.


• Crucially, mention a specific paper, project, or research topic of theirs that you found interesting and why.


• Clearly state that you are looking for a paid RA opportunity.


• Attach your CV/Resume and, if relevant, a copy of your transcript.


• Talk to Them in Person: Attend their office hours to introduce yourself and express your interest.

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2. Major Job Boards for External & Post-Grad Positions

These are ideal for recent graduates or those looking for full-time RA roles outside of their own university.

• HigherEdJobs: Excellent for academic positions at universities and colleges.


• Indeed & LinkedIn: Use specific keywords like "Research Assistant," "Research Analyst," "Junior Researcher." Filter by location and industry (e.g., "non-profit," "healthcare").


• Idealist: The best platform for RA positions at non-profits, NGOs, and think tanks.

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3. Research Institutions, Think Tanks, and Labs

These organizations are built on research and are always hiring RAs. This is a primary path for those with a Bachelor's or Master's degree.

Examples by Field:

• Economics/Public Policy:


• The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)


• J-PAL (Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab)


• The World Bank


• The Urban Institute


• Mathematica


• RAND Corporation


• Brookings Institution


• Psychology/Neuroscience:


• Look for major hospital research centers (e.g., NIH, research hospitals like Massachusetts General)


• Private research institutes (e.g., Allen Institute, Salk Institute)


• Social Sciences (General):


• NORC at the University of Chicago


• RTI International


• STEM & Tech:


• National Labs (e.g., Lawrence Berkeley, Los Alamos, Argonne)


• Private R&D labs in tech, biotech, and engineering.

How to Find Them: Go directly to the "Careers" section on these organizations' websites.

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4. Federally Funded Programs (Excellent for Undergraduates & Recent Grads)

These are structured, often highly competitive programs that provide a stipend.

• NSF REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates): A premier program for STEM and social science undergraduates. You apply to a specific research project at a host university and get paid a stipend for the summer.


• Website: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/


• NIH SIP (Summer Internship Program): For students interested in biomedical research.


• Website: https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/sip


• Pathways Programs (U.S. Government): For students and recent graduates to work in federal agencies (e.g., Department of Energy, EPA).


• Website: USAJobs.gov

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Action Plan & Pro Tips

• Polish Your Application Materials:


• CV/Resume: Tailor it for research. Highlight relevant coursework, technical skills (e.g., STATA, R, Python, MATLAB, lab techniques), and any prior research experience (even as part of a class project).


• Cover Letter/Cold Email: This is critical. Be specific, show genuine interest, and connect your skills to their research needs.


• Develop and Highlight Your Skills:


• Quantitative Skills: Proficiency in statistical software (R, Stata, SPSS, SAS, Python) is a massive advantage.


• Qualitative Skills: Experience with NVivo, literature reviews, interview protocols, etc.


• Lab Techniques: Be specific about any wet-lab or dry-lab skills you have.


• "Soft" Skills: Attention to detail, ability to work independently, strong writing and communication skills.


• Network, Network, Network:


• Talk to your current professors and TAs. They often know of open positions before they are advertised.


• Attend departmental seminars and colloquia. Introduce yourself to the speaker or the faculty hosting them.


• Connect with former RAs on LinkedIn to learn about their experience and how they got the job.


• Be Proactive and Persistent:


• Don't just wait for job postings. The best opportunities often come from direct outreach.


• If a professor doesn't have funding, ask if they would be willing to supervise you for course credit, which can lead to a paid position later.


• Follow up politely if you don't hear back in 1-2 weeks.

Good luck with your search! A paid RA position is one of the most valuable experiences you can have for a career in research or academia.