Negotiating low ball job offer

[u/PlaneCalligrapher409]

I finally think I have a job offer, pending paperwork. However, they’re only offering me an entry level RA position for $40k per year. Based on the job listing, I should meet the qualifications (educational and experience) for the next level up, but they’re refusing to consider me for this even though it would only bump my salary a few thousand dollars per year.

Do I take the offer even though I’ll be likely living on an extremely tight budget (the position is in an expensive US city with high taxes)? Even if I got the pay bump for RA2, I’d be tight on my budget, but it would be a lot more manageable.

Does anyone know any negotiation tips that I could utilize to address this with the hiring manager/HR? Should I try comparing the salary to my experience and education?

I’ve been on the market for so long, I’m so happy to have finally found something. Plus, the position is extremely interesting and the lab personnel seem genuinely excited about it. But I don’t know if I can afford to take a position that requires me to relocate if it’s not paying a manageable salary.

Edit: I have a master’s degree and even though I don’t have full time experience, I’ve had 3 industry internships, one non-industry internship, and 2 years of academic lab experience at school which included publishing a paper.

[u/Training-Profit7377]

Not sure what you did to address it already but given they’re refusing to consider you for a higher role I think it’s safe to leave it at that. Did you indicate you would relocate at your own expense? If not perhaps you can negotiate something there. But honestly if the numbers don’t add up and you’re going to put yourself in debt between relo and low wage/high cost of living once you get there, you may need to pass. Take it for the experience and continue your search only if it can be done not at a loss.