The Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) is required to make continuous progress towards completion of the doctorate in addition to the services provided to a research laboratory. Responsibilities vary among departments but work for the research PI must average no more than 20 hours per week, accompanied by student disseration studies of 20 hours per week. GRA work may include conceiving and executing experiments, data analysis, lab maintenance, performance of literature reviews, drafting portions of manuscripts and grants, and contributing to various administrative duties relating to the conduct of biomedical research.
The PI will supervise the work of a GRA and review the work products produced by the GRA. A distinctive feature of a GRA's work is that, like all research, it is designed to produce generalizable knowledge; this differentiates a GRA's work from the work of other Graduate Assistant roles (GA-Teaching and GA-Administrative).

• Design and evaluate experiments with research methods and techniques appropriate to the goals of the project. Maintain accurate records of research findings and analyze results.

• Train collaborators on lab operations and functions. Conduct day to day lab maintenance and experiment preparation tasks.

• Prepare research results for publications in reports, papers, journals, books, and other media. Present findings in group meetings and internal and external scientific meetings.Maintain enrollment and good standing in the PhD program. Make satisfactory progress towards the completion of the dissertation and any other degree requirements.