How to hire a graduate researcher

How to hire a graduate researcher, step by step

Here's a step-by-step graduate researcher hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a graduate researcher job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new graduate researcher
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the graduate researcher you need to hire. Certain graduate researcher roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A graduate researcher's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, graduate researchers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of graduate researchers.

   Type of Graduate Researcher	Description	Hourly rate
   Graduate Researcher		$7-32
   Doctoral Fellow	A doctoral fellow is a physician that has completed studies and receives a fellowship to cover his/her or her expenses while completing his/her or her medical dissertation. A doctor fellow undergoes this fellowship to get additional training for their chosen sub-specialty... Show more	$18-34
   Teaching Fellow	An individual who works at an institution to foster the students' academic strive is known as a teaching fellow. They are known as a self-motivated and education-based counselor... Show more	$12-35

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • R
   • Cell Culture
   • Research Projects
   • Protein Expression
   • Chemistry
   • Data Analysis
   • Synthesis
   • C++
   • Graduate Research
   • Molecular Biology
   • Data Collection
   • Python
   • Statistical Analysis
   • Literature Reviews

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead the in-vitro biophysical and biochemical characterization of homologous recombination and investigate structure-function effects of mutant enzymes.
   • Analyze the expression of MZF-1 gene using western blots and RT-PCR.
   • Train undergraduate, masters, and PhD-level students on HPLC and UPLC instruments.
   • Use of NMR, IR, and TLC to analyze product purity and identity.
   • Experience using GC/MS, LC/MS, and NMR to analyze molecules produce in the lab.
   • Create buffers, HPLC solvents, maintain laboratory notebooks, order chemical reagents and perform serial dilutions.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your graduate researcher job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A graduate researcher salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, graduate researchers' average salary in arkansas is 54% less than in hawaii.
   • Seniority. Entry-level graduate researchers earn 78% less than senior-level graduate researchers.
   • Certifications. A graduate researcher with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a graduate researcher's salary.

   Average graduate researcher salary

   $15.55hourly

   $32,346 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level graduate researcher salary

   $15,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 31, 2026

4. Writing a graduate researcher job description

   A graduate researcher job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a graduate researcher job description:

   Graduate researcher job description example

   At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. From the seabed to outer space, you can contribute to work that matters with a company where diversity, equity and inclusion are shared values. We're committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that's welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
   
   At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the seabed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.
   
   Join our exclusive Graduate Researcher Program (GRP) in Boeing Research & Technology during the summer of 2023 and you can build something better for yourself, for our customers and for the world. Boeing Research & Technology is Boeing's global research and development team creating and implementing innovative technologies that make the impossible possible and enabling the future of aerospace. We are engineers, skilled scientists and thinkers, bold innovators and dreamers.
   
   You will work with other Boeing engineers in a mentoring and collaborative mode in order to address research and development challenges. You are expected to have the ability to analyze and develop solutions to complex problems, have good team collaboration and good communication skills.
   Over the course of the 10-12 week program you will have the opportunity to:
   
   + Work directly with a mentor in your field of study while finding solutions to real world problems
   
   + Experience our products up close by touring our state-of-the-art manufacturing and research facilities
   
   + Interact directly with our company leaders to discuss strategy and the future of Boeing
   
   + Build a lasting professional network through social events and engaging activities
   
   + Gain the skills and knowledge to become a future leader in the aerospace industry
   
   The following BR&T position is available for the 2023 GRP program.
   
   + Quantum Technology
   
   **Other Job Related Information / Qualifications:**
   
   **Quantum Technology:** Boeing's Disruptive Computing & Networks (DC&N) organization is researching high-precision quantum sensors, quantum communication and networking technologies, and applications of quantum computing. This high performing team is focused on a number of technology maturation and prototyping projects as part of a systematic investigation of the potential of quantum technologies and how they will affect our future products and services.
   
   The selected candidate will work with one of DC&N's quantum research teams to design prototype systems for use in non-laboratory environments. Specific tasks will include design (system trade studies, component selection, detailed electrical, optical, or mechanical design using EDA/CAD/multiphysics tools), modeling (thermal, electrical, mechanical or multiphysics model development and validation, control software modeling and coding), assembly (component assembly and integration), test (component acceptance testing, specialty environmental testing), and analysis of data developed or acquired in other tasks. Specific assignments will take into account the candidate's background to best match their skills to an available program.
   
   Join us and put your passion, determination, and skill to work building the future.
   
   **These positions are in multiple U.S. locations and may or may not be covered by a collective bargaining agreement.**
   
   **The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.**
   
   **Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.**
   
   **These p** **o** **sitions must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. "US Person" includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.**
   
   **Some positions require the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship.** An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
   
   **Basic Qualifications for all positions (Required Skill/Experience):**
   
   + Currently enrolled at an accredited college or university pursuing a Doctorate degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field of study
   
   + The ability to work a minimum of 10 weeks (12 weeks preferred) during the summer of 2023
   
   **Preferred Qualifications** :
   
   + Currently enrolled in a graduate research program in physics, electrical (especially low-temperature electronics), optical, photonic, or related engineering field
   
   + Focus of research studies is related to quantum sensor, computing, or networking hardware
   
   + Experience using typical computer aided design or modeling (CAD/CAM) tools, electronic design automation (EDA) tools for microelectronics layout and modeling, and/or typical prototyping software languages (Python, C/C++, MATLAB, etc.) is preferred
   
   + Laboratory experience is preferred, including experience designing, building, or using data
   
   **Relocation:**
   
   This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
   
   **Shift Work:**
   
   This position is for 1st shift
   
   **Drug Free Workplace:**
   
   Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
   
   These positions are in multiple U.S. locations and may or may not be covered by a collective bargaining agreement. In locations where SPEEA representation applies, this job family will be covered by the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. Applicable and appropriate educational/certification credentials from an accredited institution and/or equivalent experience is required.
   
   At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
   
   The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
   
   The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
   
   Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
   
   Summary pay range: $63,000 - $83,000
   
   **Equal Opportunity Employer:**
   
   Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
   
   Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find graduate researchers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   To find graduate researcher candidates, you can consider the following options:

   • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
   • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as k12jobspot, learn4good, serious teachers, teachingjobs.com.
   • Post your job on free job posting websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with graduate researcher candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new graduate researcher

   Once you've found the graduate researcher candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new graduate researcher first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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