what work does research assistant do

What is a Research Assistant?

• After a PhD

Research assistants are employed by research institutes to assist with academic or private research. The primary responsibility of a research assistant is to provide support to either a research fellow or a research team, through collecting, analysing and interpreting data.

Institutes which use research assistants include universities, research centres (e.g. the Russell Group) and private organisations. Research assistants usually operate on a temporary basis, though permanent positions exist. In an academic setting, research assistants work under the supervision of research fellows.

Research assistant roles are often undertaken by postgraduate students who are completing their PhD programme. This provides income for the doctoral student, but also prepares them for an academic career once their programme is complete.

What are the Typical Duties of a Research Assistant?

Duties of a research assistant can vary throughout the life of a research project. In the early stages, you may be required to look for grants or funding opportunities. Many research projects cannot be undertaken without funding from an overseeing body such as a government department, research council or private company. Research assistants can be asked to prepare supporting material and help develop a proposal to secure funding.

Research assistants may also be responsible for planning the research project, coordinating tasks, preparing surveys, scheduling interviews and identifying statistical models and analysis techniques to use. In the middle stages of the project, research assistants may collect, analyse and interpret data. To do this, they will use data analysation techniques and use graphs, tables and charts to present key findings.

Finally, towards the end of the project, they may need to prepare a written discussion of the findings and help produce reports or articles. The research team may need to present the outcome of the research project at a conference to the funding agency or any other interested parties. Research assistants commonly help prepare material such as presentation slides and posters for these conferences.

In summary, the core duties of a research assistant include:

• Preparing materials to support grant applications
• Reviewing published literature and producing literature reviews
• Data collection and storage
• Assist in lab work, ordering of materials, inventory management and preparation of samples
• Conduct analysis of data
• Statistical manipulation and graphical presentation of data
• Assist with the recruitment of staff and performing interviews
• Regular note taking (e.g. meetings, interviews, lab results)
• Attending internal project meetings, seminars and external conferences
• Supervision of undergraduate researchers
• Preparation of reports, presentations and posters
• Review of reports produced by others
• Presenting findings on behalf of research team
• Management of research project finances
• Liaison with funding agency
• Project correspondence and website management
• Development of research protocols
• Management of project programme
• Evaluation and development of new tools and practices

This is a non-exhaustive list, and there will be several day-to-day tasks specific to your job.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

What are the Benefits of becoming a Research Assistant?

Becoming a research assistant is a great way to get hands on experience and prepare yourself for a career in academia or applied research. You will get to experience many aspects of research life, and develop skills such as data analysis, communication and problem solving which can be applied to any industry. Being a research assistant allows you to ‘earn whilst you learn’ and is ideal for those who want to bring in additional income to support their studies.

Beyond this, the short-term nature of research assistant positions suits those looking for flexible working arrangements and those who want to get a taste of research life without committing to a full-time career. For this reason, many research assistants are recent Bachelor’s or Master’s graduates who are looking to experience a research project before deciding on whether a PhD is right for them.

Another advantage of this is that it allows researchers to move from project to project and get experience working in different environments and teams.

As a research assistant you will have the opportunity to become involved in publishing papers. If you have been involved in the research study and made a significant contribution, then you should be an author on the paper. As with all papers, if you lead the research and write up the manuscript, then you should also be the first author.

What is the Salary of a Research Assistant?

Due to the wide variety of environments research assistants can operate in, salaries are varied. That being said, the typical starting salary for research assistants in the UK is around £20,000 to £25,000. Funded PhD students usually receive a tax-free stipend as their salary, typically worth £15,000 to £20,000 .

Who are the Typical Employers?

The most common employer for research assistant positions are Universities. However, other employers include the NHS, charities and trusts, private research companies, and public/government research councils.

What are the Entry Requirements for a Research Assistant position?

Most research assistant positions will require you to possess a good (2:1 or above) undergraduate degree, preferably a Master’s degree, in a relevant subject. Some positions require candidates to either possess a postgraduate degree or be enrolled on a PhD programme. Regardless of the qualification requirement, you will need to have a thorough understanding of the subject area, and be able to show examples of research skills such as data collection and analysis.

Some universities run undergraduate research assistant programmes which allow undergraduates to engage in academic research with the support of university staff and prepare them for a career in academia. An example is the University of St Andrews whose scheme pays undergraduate students £54 for each 6-hour block worked.

Key Skills for a Research Assistant

There are several key skills employers look for when assessing the suitability of candidates for research assistant jobs. We have outlined these below and you should highlight them in your application to make you stand out.

What is the Typical Day of a Research Assistant?

The typical day of a research assistant will vary depending on the field of research you operate in and institute to work for. However, there are some things which most research assistants can expect in a typical day.

They are responsible for basic administrative tasks such as record keeping and account management. Since research assistants are likely to be working under the supervision of a lead researcher, they will be required to support their supervisor in their day-to-day tasks, and provide them with regular progress updates.

If working in a large research team, research assistants can be asked to check in with various members of the team, coordinate tasks and ensure progress is on track. Similarly, research assistants are responsible for planning and scheduling and may organise interviews and meetings on behalf of others.

Research assistants can expect flexible working hours, which vary greatly depending on the project they are involved in. Working hours tend to increase as the deadline approaches, and many research assistants frequently work on weekends.

Most research assistants will operate from either a laboratory or an office. Occasionally, they may go ‘onsite’ to conduct fieldwork.

How to find Research Assistant Positions

One issue with research assistant jobs is that they are not well advertised. The best place to start is to search our extensive database of PhD programmes to see whether there are any research assistant positions available, or browse the research section on the websites of the universities you’re interested in.

Beyond this you can speak to university staff who can advise you on the best course of action to take for applying to research positions within their department. Some organisations advertise on social media, so joining facebook groups and following twitter accounts (e.g. alumni and department pages) is a good idea.

Interview Tips for Research Assistants

Before attending your interview, have a good idea of the current state of knowledge in the field of research you are applying to. Has there been any recent breakthroughs? What are the current gaps in knowledge? What research is being undertaken and what is the direction for the future?

It is also an advantage to know the institution you are applying to. Specifically, how does the research department operate, what equipment does the lab have, is the department currently involved in any noteworthy search projects?

You should also expect to talk about your interest in the research field, your career plans and what makes you a suitable candidate for the job.

Some example questions you may face include:

• How does this research assistant position align with your long-term aspirations?
• Do you have any previous experience?
• What relevant skills do you possess?
• Do you have any skills beyond research? (For example, foreign languages)
• What was your dissertation or thesis title and what did it involve? (If you have done one)

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• Research Assistant Job...

Research Assistant Job Description: All Key Roles & Duties

6 min read · Updated on June 03, 2024

When you want to land a Research Assistant job, the job description is your best friend.

In order to ensure your professional resume will support your goals, use this Research Assistant job description to inform what you should highlight on your resume.

By reviewing job description roles and duties, you'll be able to identify what technical and soft skills , credentials, and work experience matter most to an employer in your target field.

Research Assistant Job Description

Participate in the design, administration, and monitoring of clinical trials. Analyze and evaluate clinical data gathered during research. Ensure compliance with protocol and overall clinical objectives.

May require a BS, RN, or BSN degree or equivalent and 0-3 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Knowledge of FDA regulatory requirements is required. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Work under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

Responsibilities:

Conduct literature reviews

Collect and analyze data

Prepare materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations

Prepare interview questions

Recruit and/or interview subjects

Maintain accurate records of interviews, safeguarding the confidentiality of subjects as necessary

Summarize interviews

Provide ready access to all experimental data for the faculty researcher and/or supervisor

Request or acquire equipment or supplies necessary for the project

Manage and respond to project-related email

Prepare, maintain, and update website materials

Supervise undergraduate students working on the research project (maintaining records on assignment completion, acting as liaison/mediator between the undergraduate students and the faculty researcher)

Attend project meetings

Attend area seminars and other meetings as necessary

Summarize project results

Prepare progress reports

Prepare other articles, reports, and presentations

Monitor the project budget

Travel to field sites to collect and record data and/or samples as appropriate to the specific objectives of the study

As appropriate to the specified position, code and verify data in accordance with specified research protocol and coding procedures and enter data into a computer database and/or spreadsheet application for subsequent analysis

Develop or assist in the development of interview schedules; contact potential subjects to introduce and explain study objectives and protocol and to arrange interviews, either in person or by telephone

Identify and compile lists of potential research subjects in accordance with study objectives and parameters, as appropriate to the individual position

Conduct and record face-to-face and/or telephone interviews with subjects, in accordance with predetermined interview protocol, data collection procedures and documentation standards

Review and edit data to ensure completeness and accuracy of information; follow up with subjects to resolve problems or clarify data collected

May set up, calibrate and maintain laboratory and/or field research equipment, as specified by the requirements of the study

May lead or guide the work of student employees

Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

Prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management

Write and contribute to publications

Develop research protocols

Track progress over time

Assist with preparation of all educational and training workshops and evaluation strategies

Engage clinical and community partners in research

Market training and technical assistance resources to clinical partners and academic investigators

Develop assessment and evaluation tools

Compile data for progress reports

Requirements:

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis

High school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred

Tailor your resume

As you read through the Research Assistant job description, you likely noticed there are things the employer wants that you absolutely know how to do. You should make a list of the skills you have so they align with the duties you'll need to perform in your new job. 

As an example, the first responsibility listed in this Research Assistant job description is the ability to “conduct literature reviews.” You will want that exact verbiage in your resume. Tailoring your Research Assistant resume with the language you find in the job description will help your resume get past the applicant tracking system.

The applicant tracking system – ATS

Make no mistake: almost every job you apply to will push your resume through the ATS before it gets into the hands of a hiring manager. It will scan your resume for everything from experience level and education to keywords. 

Let's take a look at some of the skills you should consider including in your Research Assistant resume.

Research Assistant top skills & proficiencies

By using the exact wording from the Research Assistant job description, you'll be speaking directly to the bot through relevant keywords. Use those skill-related keywords and make sure you have a good balance of hard and soft skills .

Hard skills are things you know how to do because of education, on-the-job training, and experience. In other words, they're what you've learned over the course of your career. It's pretty easy to distinguish them because they are quantifiable. Meaning you can put a number with them. 

For example, if you're using “data collection” as one of your hard skills, you can quantify it by saying that you “collect data from 3 disparate sources or data lakes to compile actionable reports for senior leaders.”

Soft skills are not often quantifiable. These types of skills are the interpersonal abilities you possess that allow you to get along with others and solve problems. 

Communication

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Planning and scheduling

Interviewing

Data collection

Conflict resolution

Related reading: 47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

The Research Assistant job description is the key to job search success

At the end of the day, the goal of applying for any job is to win an interview. By using the Research Assistant job description, you'll get past the ATS and impress the hiring manager.

If you want to be certain that you've got the right skills and keywords in your resume from the Research Assistant job description, TopResume will perform a free resume review for you. 

Recommended reading

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What Does A Research Assistant Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Alyssa Omandac November 16, 2020 Career , Overview

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Research Assistants

The primary responsibility of a Research Assistant is to assist the main researcher. The tasks will vary depending on where they work, but they might log data, check facts, proofread, create presentation slides, carry out experiments, and more.

Table of contents

What they do, what is the job like, where they work, how to become one, should you become one.

A Research Assistant provides support to a professional who conducts experiments or gathers data and other information to analyze. It is an entry level job, and they work in medical research centers, consulting firms, think tanks, public interest groups, polling organizations, colleges, and more. The specific tasks they need to perform will vary depending on where they work.

Research Assistants usually have a Bachelor’s Degree in the field where they want to work. They help with experiments, collect and log data and other information, prepare graphs and spreadsheets, and other tasks. They work under the supervision of researchers, and they support all of the research activities.

Assist a Researcher

The main responsibility of a Research Assistant is to assist a Researcher. This includes carrying out experiments and research. They also collect and log data from experiments and conduct statistical analyses of the date. They will prepare graphs and spreadsheets to show the results as well. It is important that the Research Assistant has a degree in the field because it involves a lot of technical information.

Gather Information From Print and Online Sources

Another responsibility of a Research Assistant is to gather information from both print and online sources. It is important to have excellent researching skills because your employer will rely on you to find the information needed for the experiments. This is an important skill that you will develop in college.

Proofread Research Documents

Another duty is to proofread and fact check documents that are created from the research. It is important that these documents are accurate, so you need to have a good eye for detail. If you find errors, you will correct them when you edit the documents. You need to make sure that you do a great job with this.

Maintain Lab Equipment and Inventory

Another responsibility of a Research Assistant is to maintain the lab equipment and the inventory. This includes cleaning everything and making sure that everything is functional and organized. It is very important to keep everything organized in the lab, and the Research Assistant will be in charge of this. They will make sure that everything is clean and where it belongs at all times.

You get to work in a field you enjoy

When you choose to become a Research Assistant, you will work in the field that you are interested in. If you enjoy Biology, you can major in it in school and work in this field when you graduate.

You can build a network of international colleagues

When you work as a Research Assistant, you will be able to work with people all over the world. You may collaborate with people in other countries.

You can further your education

If you are working in a college, you have the opportunity to pursue further education while you are working.

You can have an opportunity to teach

You can have an opportunity to teach when you work as a Research Assistant. This gives you the ability to share your knowledge with students.

You can be exposed to hazardous substances

Depending on what kind of research you are working on, you might come into contact with hazardous substances.

You need to go to graduate school to advance

You can work as a Research Assistant with an undergraduate degree, but you need to go to graduate school to progress in this career. This is a competitive field.

Research Assistants usually work in laboratories or offices. They might work at colleges, medical centers, or for independent researchers. They can work out in the field as well if the researcher is conducting research on site. Whether they work in a lab or in the field, they need to keep the supplies and inventory that is being used organized and clean.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

If you want to be a Research Assistant, you need to start by earning your Bachelor’s Degree. You should choose a field that you want to spend your life studying because you will be learning about this subject for many years. You can choose from many different fields, including sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and more. You can also choose fields such as Psychology, Political Science, or Economics. You can choose any field in academics or you might want to work in a medical field. Choose your course of study according to your needs.

Step 2: Apply to Graduate School

When you apply to graduate school, you should also apply to become a Research Assistant in your department. Not only will this benefit your education, but you will also get paid for this job. You can get a partial or full scholarship as well, and you will gain valuable experience. This is a step toward becoming a Research Fellow if you want to become a professor at a university.

Step 3: Apply for a Professional Research Assistant Position

Working in a professional environment can be a different kind of experience. If you want to work as a Research Assistant outside of academia, you might consider this type of job. You can work with a scientist, the government, or an organization. There is room to advance in this career, and you can end up running your own projects.

Step 4: Continue Your Education

If you want to advance in your position, you can continue your education. This will give you the credentials to one day become the head Researcher on a project. You will normally need to earn a PhD to qualify for a position as a Researcher, so you can apply to schools to continue your graduate study. You can continue to work as a Research Assistant until you get a job as a head Researcher.

Best personality type for this career

People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.

You can read more about these career personality types here .

People who want to become a Research Assistant are curious, logical, and have excellent critical thinking skills. They pay close attention to details, and they enjoy collecting and analyzing data. They are good communicators and are able to write their ideas in a clear way. They are very organized as well. They need to understand the importance of cleanliness because everything in the lab has to be perfectly clean all of the time. Research Assistants also need to be able to get along with people because there is a lot of collaboration in this job.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

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Research Assistant job description

A Research Assistant is a professional who supports research projects by conducting literature searches, data management and maintaining files for project Researchers. 

Workable's content team brings its HR & employment expertise to Resources.

Refreshed on

January 12, 2022

Reviewed by

Eftychia Karavelaki

Senior Recruitment Manager

Use this Research Assistant job description to advertise your vacancies and find qualified candidates. Feel free to modify responsibilities and requirements based on your needs.

Research Assistant responsibilities include:

• Preparing interview questions and summarizing results
• Performing literature reviews for their research team
• Conducting research and summarizing findings on project findings

Want to generate a unique job description?

Looking for a job.

We are seeking a passionate, detail-oriented Research Assistant to aid our project by preparing interviews and summarizing results. You will also work with undergraduate students on the team who can help bring your expertise into their papers as they complete them for publication in top academic journals.

Ultimately, you will be responsible for managing multiple tasks, but understand when one is more important than another to complete it on time.

Responsibilities

• Maintain quality standards to preserve the integrity of data and findings
• Schedule and conduct interviews
• Select a place to conduct interviews and obtain permission from all participants
• Analyze data using various statistical methods
• Write reports to summarize data and the implications of the results

Requirements and skills

• Proven work experience as a Research Assistant or similar role
• Excellent administrative skills
• Knowledge of research methods
• Ability to work under pressure
• Excellent time management skills
• A degree in the field related to the study is preferred

Post this Research Assistant job to over 200 job boards at once.

Frequently asked questions, related job descriptions.

• Data Scientist job description

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What does a Research Assistant do?

Research assistants give support to researchers or other professionals who need assistance as they conduct experiments, studies, or other research projects. Research assistants help in conducting experiments, surveys, or interviews under the supervision of the primary researcher. They also work on research activities such as literature reviews, collect data, assist in interpreting results, prepare designs or visuals for the presentation of the results, and even ensure that all the tools and documentation related to the study are properly organized. They also assist in fact-checking the output and ensure that the data presented are accurate. Research assistants usually possess an academic background that is related to the main research topic.

• Responsibilities
• Skills And Traits
• Comparisions
• Types of Research Assistant

Research assistant responsibilities

As a research assistant, the responsibilities often include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and maintaining lab equipment. For instance, an assistant might "prepare essential neurological tissue samples from model organisms and utilize gel electrophoresis/western blot for determining toxicology of pesticides" or "operate and maintain various types of laboratory equipment in order to ensure optimal experiment procedure, helping to ensure accurate results." Furthermore, they might "analyze and interpret experimental data to produce comprehensive reports/publications." According to Dr. Phillis Sheppard , a professor at Vanderbilt University, it's essential for research assistants to "position yourself. Write and publish directly and clearly in your field of study and adjacent areas." This underlines the importance of data analysis and reporting in a research assistant's role.

Here are examples of responsibilities from real research assistant resumes:

• Update twitter profile and manage social media campaign.
• Manage social media publications to spread awareness and notifications on Facebook.
• Evaluate patients' study eligibility via medical history, obtain informed consent, enroll patients, and achieve enrollment quotas.
• Learned many laboratory techniques, assays, and protocols; western blot, real-time PCR, tick collection, DNA extraction.
• Analyze the effects of estrogen on various tissues using molecular biology techniques such as RT-PCR, RNA and DNA extractions.
• Gain familiarity with research terminology, development procedures, data collection and management, and IRB considerations.
• Perform cDNA conversion from purify RNA samples.
• Image data extraction through use of ENVI.
• Analyze RNA expression data (RNA-seq; expression microarray).
• Select for project base on work ethic and outstanding GPA.
• Analyze data from research using both behavioral and EEG measures.
• Assist Dr. Craig Johnson with data collection and categorization for various studies.
• Contribute in developing molecular markers by the usage of PCR and sequencing.
• Schedule and prepare participants, run EEG studies of working memory and analyze data
• Used deep learning frameworks, such as Tensorflow and Theano, to implement model.

Research assistant skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9 % of Research Assistants are proficient in Patients , Lab Equipment , and Data Collection . They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills , Communication skills , and Detail oriented .

We break down the percentage of Research Assistants that have these skills listed on their resume here:

Created computer graphic user interfaces that allowed Parkinson's patients with deteriorating vocal abilities to strengthen their voices for rehabilitative application.

Well versed in growing bacteria and mammalian cell cultures without contamination of specimen along with decontamination of lab equipment.

Conducted data collection on exposed and unexposed populations through video recordings and behavioral surveys of subjects in a psychotropic state.

Operated and maintained various types of laboratory equipment in order to ensure optimal experiment procedure, helping to ensure accurate results.

Worked independently on a variety of research projects for clients including Vietnam veterans, university professors, and international companies.

Conducted data analysis using Microsoft Office and SPSS to contribute to published research concerned with correlating gait kinematics with psychological emotions.

Common skills that a research assistant uses to do their job include "patients," "lab equipment," and "data collection." You can find details on the most important research assistant responsibilities below.

Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a research assistant to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "market research analysts must evaluate large amounts of data and information related to market conditions." Additionally, a research assistant resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "gained familiarity with research terminology, development procedures, data collection and management, and irb considerations. "

Communication skills. Many research assistant duties rely on communication skills. "market research analysts must be able to clearly convey information when gathering material, interpreting data, and presenting results to clients.," so a research assistant will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways research assistant responsibilities rely on communication skills: "developed communication, statistical and problem solving skills learned how to disseminate research findings through journal articles better understanding of scientific process"

Detail oriented. This is an important skill for research assistants to perform their duties. For an example of how research assistant responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "market research analysts must pay attention to minutiae to evaluate data." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a research assistant: "analyzed academic journal articles and created reports detailing the uses of past research in current laboratory projects and procedures. ".

All research assistant skills

The three companies that hire the most research assistants are:

• ICF 300 research assistants jobs
• Oregon Health & Science University 103 research assistants jobs
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center 95 research assistants jobs

Choose from 10+ customizable research assistant resume templates

Compare different research assistants

Research assistant vs. graduate researcher.

A graduate researcher is responsible for supporting an educational institution's academic research processes. Graduate researchers assist in data gathering and performing in-depth analysis using research methodologies under the supervision of a research professor. In some cases, graduate researchers also conduct field investigations and analyze other research publications to verify data accuracy. They prepare reports, share recommendations, and keep an organized database for research records. A graduate researcher must have excellent communication skills , both written and oral, as this task requires interaction with the researchers and writing duties.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between research assistants and graduate researcher. For instance, research assistant responsibilities require skills such as "patients," "lab equipment," "laboratory equipment," and "research data." Whereas a graduate researcher is skilled in "protein expression," "graduate research," "molecular biology," and "scientific journals." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Research assistant vs. Research laboratory technician

Research laboratory technicians play a vital role in scientific laboratories. They perform varied duties and responsibilities, which include setting up, operating, and maintaining the laboratory equipment, assisting in laboratory-based research activities such as sampling, testing, and analyzing results, and providing technical support to the laboratory team members. In addition, they are expected to support the development and advancement of science and modern medicine. Other typical duties of research laboratory technicians include preparing samples and specimens, keeping abreast with current technical developments, and ensuring strict compliance with safety procedures.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that research assistant responsibilities requires skills like "literature reviews," "spss," "c++," and "irb." But a research laboratory technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "laboratory procedures," "flow cytometry," "laboratory experiments," and "laboratory techniques."

Research assistant vs. Assistant research scientist

An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a research assistant is likely to be skilled in "patients," "research data," "research study," and "data management," while a typical assistant research scientist is skilled in "extraction," "sample preparation," "scientific papers," and "method development."

Research assistant vs. Graduate student assistant

Graduate student assistants are graduate students who are employed as support personnel in universities. They assist professors as teaching assistants, research assistants, or aides, depending on their assigned instructions. Their duties include assisting professors in administrative tasks, organizing undergraduate events, and conducting research as well as analyzing data. During the assistantship period, instead of wages, they are given a stipend as compensation to the service provided. This graduate assistantship gives graduate students relevant experience and more employment options in the future.

Types of research assistant

• Graduate Research Student
• Research Fellow

Research Technician

• Graduate Researcher

Research Laboratory Technician

Updated June 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

What a Research Assistant Does FAQs

Do you need a phd to be a research assistant, what qualifications do you need to be a research assistant, search for research assistant jobs, what similar roles do.

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How to Become a Research Assistant

Learn what it takes to become a Research Assistant in 2024, and how to start your journey.

• What is a Research Assistant
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Roles and Responsibilities of Research Assistants

Responsibilities of the graduate Research Assistants must involve active research of some form, regardless of whether the research is the assistant’s own. This can involve employment for regular fieldwork, lab work, library research, data analysis, writing, curating of exhibitions, or any other activity that can be counted as research. Research Assistants are not significantly involved with teaching or primarily devoted to administrative functions, such as working as filing or reception.

The duties of Research Assistants vary considerably, but may include:

• Searching for and reviewing published literature on a research topic
• Helping to develop a project methodology
• Assisting with lab work
• Taking notes
• Attending team or project meetings
• Assisting in developing resources for project management
• Collecting data
• Entering and analyzing data
• Supervising undergraduate research assistants or other personnel on research-related tasks
• Assisting with manuscript or grant development
• Preparing reports or presentations
• Corresponding with funding agencies

In all cases, the exact responsibilities of the Research Assistant depend on the nature of the work and assignments made by the supervisor. However, work assigned should be related to research, even if it involves the least glamorous parts of research, such as organizing and storing data or managing correspondence with collaborators.

Work assignments should not include personal assistance to the supervisor or others, such as running personal errands for the supervisor’s family. If the work is primarily clerical or pedagogical, the Graduate Assistant might be more appropriately appointed as a Project Assistant or Teaching Assistant instead.

Research assistantships are offers of employment based on merit, or as part of a recruitment package to attend UWM. Assistants should not be asked to pay additional fees to work as an assistant, beyond the routine fees associated with studying at UWM.

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What is a Research Assistant?

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What Does a Research Assistant Do?

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Research Assistant Salary

• Education, Training, & Certification
• Skills & Competencies

Job Outlook

Work environment, work schedule, comparing similar jobs.

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Research assistants provide support to professionals who are conducting experiments or gathering and analyzing information and data. Common employers include medical research centers, think tanks, consulting firms, public interest groups, colleges, polling organizations, and market research firms. Duties will vary greatly based on the type of research setting in which they work.

Research Assistant Duties & Responsibilities

The job generally requires the ability to perform the following duties:

• Carry out experiments and research according to protocols laid out by primary researchers
• Collect and log experimental data
• Conduct statistical analyses of data sets
• Prepare graphs and spreadsheets to portray results
• Create presentation slides and posters to help researchers present findings
• Review print and online resources to gather information
• Check facts, proofread, and edit research documents to ensure accuracy
• Maintain laboratory equipment and inventory

Research assistants usually work under the supervision of primary researchers who lead research projects. They're responsible for assisting the main researcher in a number of tasks that support the research activities. Those tasks vary depending on the type of research that's being done and the field that they're in.

A research assistant's salary can vary depending on location, experience, and employer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides salary data for research assistants in the field of social sciences:  

• Median Annual Salary: $47,510
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $78,800
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $28,190

The BLS also provides salary data for biological technicians, which include research assistants in that field:  

• Median Annual Salary: $45,860
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $29,540
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $73,350

Education, Training, & Certification

• Education: Research assistants are usually required to have at least a bachelor's degree in the field of study that the research is in. Coursework varies greatly depending on that field.
• Experience: Prior work experience isn't always needed to be a research assistant, but for scientific research, prior experience working in a laboratory, even during school, is often required.

Research Assistant Skills & Competencies

To be successful in this role, you’ll generally need the following skills and qualities:

• Analytical skills: Research assistants are often asked to collect and analyze data and to manage and update existing databases. They might also conduct literature reviews or field research.
• Technical skills : Research assistants may need to set up and operate lab equipment and instruments.
• Observational skills: Research assistants need to be able to work in a highly accurate manner, paying close attention to detail and keeping records of their work.
• Time-management skills: When dealing with data and statistics, it’s important to be able to meet project deadlines and manage your time to accomplish your goals.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for biological technicians, which include research assistants in that field, will grow 5% through 2029, which faster than the overall employment growth of 4% for all occupations in the country.  

Research assistants typically work in laboratories and offices, but some may conduct fieldwork related to a research project.

Research assistants can work full time or part-time. Their working hours usually depend on their employer and the field they're in, but they usually work during regular business hours.

People who are interested in becoming research assistants may also consider other careers with these median salaries:  

• Forensic science technician: $59.150
• Chemical technician: $49,260
• Environmental science and protection technician: $46,540

Research Assistant Cover Letter and Resume Examples

Research assistant cover letter example (text version).

Your Name Louisville, KY 40202 myname@email.com Mobile: 360.123.1234

Dear (Name):

It is with much enthusiasm that I am contacting you regarding the Research Assistant position that has opened with [insert name of employer]. Please accept the attached resume as a sign of my deep interest in this role.

As a molecular biologist with more than 8 years’ experience in immunology and cancer research, I have demonstrated my aptitude for assay development and execution, biosafety, laboratory management, and documentation / reporting within academic research settings. I am now eager to apply these skills within a public or private laboratory environment. Expertise I bring to the table includes:

• Deft facilitation of all phases of bench research, to include experiment design and execution, laboratory management, compliance monitoring, and careful research documentation.
• An excellent knowledge of immunology and molecular biology research skills such as tissue sampling, culture, and processing, DNA gel extraction and quantification, western blots, PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, NGS, gel electrophoresis, reagent preparation, and light and fluorescence microscopy.
• A Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences from Northwestern University, with publications in Journal of Molecular Research and Immunology and Cell Biology .
• Fluent written and oral communications skills in English and Mandarin Chinese.
• The flexibility to work weekend and overtime shifts as warranted.

Eager to learn more about your research program and project objectives, I would welcome the opportunity to speak to you in person about my candidacy for this position. Thank you for your consideration – I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Your Name (signature)

Research Assistant Position: Resume Example (Text Version)

Ursula Applicant 999 Main Street Louisville, KY 40302 (360) 123-1234 ursula.applicant@email.com

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Detail-oriented bench researcher with substantial background in immunology, molecular biology, and cancer research seeks an assistant researcher position with a major hospital, or chemical or medical corporation.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

• Eight years’ bench experience within academic research environments, with firm command of all laboratory setup, planning, research, and reporting protocols.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Mandarin Chinese leveraged to effectively describe research statuses and findings to stakeholders and at scientific conferences.
• Skilled in training undergraduate and graduate students in safe laboratory research and maintenance procedures.
• Willingly work weekends and overtime to ensure optimal project outcomes.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF LOUSVILLE, Louisville, KY Postdoctoral Research Fellow , September 2016-Present

Coordinate and perform postdoctoral bench research in fields of immunology and molecular biology.

• Manage lab operation, including training and supervising student lab assistants.
• Published and/or presented research findings at national conferences.
• Investigated modulation of responses to antitumor effector cells and tumor rejection.
• Applied for and received two prestigious grants: National Institutes of Health Immunotherapy Training Grant and American Cancer Institution Training Grant.

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, Evanston, IL Graduate Research Assistant , September 2014-May 2016

Completed doctoral research within the Department of Molecular Biosciences.

• Trained and supervised 10 lab workers and mentored three undergraduate lab assistants.
• Completed well-received doctoral research on alternative pathways of T-cell phagocytic cell activation. (A forthcoming article will be published in the Journal of Molecular Research.)

Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences (2016); Thesis: “Two Alternative Pathways for T-Cell Activation.” Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

BS in Molecular Biology (2013); Contributed to faculty research of T-cell activation mechanisms. Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China

How to Get the Job

Write a Cover Letter and Resume: Include the research skills you have learned as an undergraduate or graduate student, any laboratory experience you’ve had, leadership or supervisory roles you’ve held, and published research to which you have contributed.

Apply: To apply to research assistant jobs, search sites such as Academic Positions , HigherEdJobs , and Indeed .

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What does a Research Assistant do?

Published December 4, 2022 4 min read

A research assistant is someone who helps a researcher with their work. This can involve anything from conducting experiments to helping to write up results.

Research Assistant job duties include:

• Assist senior researchers in planning and conducting experiments
• Design and execute research protocols independently or with guidance
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records
• Analyze data and present findings at team meetings
• Prepare reports, manuscripts, and other scientific communications
• Source and order supplies and equipment needed for experiments
• Calibrate and troubleshoot research equipment as needed
• Ensure lab space is clean and organized
• Adhere to all safety protocols

Research Assistant Job Requirements

A research assistant is someone who helps a researcher with their work. This can involve conducting experiments, helping to collect data, and organizing information. A research assistant typically has a college degree, although some jobs may require a master's degree or higher. Experience is also important, as research assistants need to be able to work well with others and be organized. Some jobs may also require certification, such as in medical research.

Research Assistant Skills

• Data analysis
• Organization
• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Time management
• Multitasking
• Flexibility

Related : Top Research Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Research Assistant

A research assistant is a person who helps a researcher with their work. They can be involved in many different aspects of the research process, from finding sources and conducting interviews to writing papers and giving presentations. If you’re interested in becoming a research assistant, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired.

First, get some experience. If you have no experience working in research, start by volunteering in a lab or with a professor who is conducting research. This will give you a chance to see what the work is like and to learn some of the skills that are necessary for the job. You can also look for internships or part-time jobs that will give you some exposure to the field.

Second, develop your skills. Research assistants need to be good at a variety of tasks, including writing, data analysis, and critical thinking. Take some time to develop your skills in these areas so that you can show potential employers that you’re capable of doing the work.

Third, network with people in the field. Attend conferences and events related to your area of interest, and introduce yourself to people who are working as research assistants or in other positions that might be related to your career goals. This will help you make connections and learn about potential job openings.

Fourth, create a strong resume and cover letter. When you apply for jobs, be sure to highlight your experience and skills in these documents so that employers will see why you’re a good fit for the position.

Following these steps will increase your chances of getting hired as a research assistant. With hard work and dedication, you can begin a rewarding career in this field.

Related : Research Assistant Resume Example

Related : Research Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

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Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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Home → All Posts → Behind the Scenes: What Does a Research Assistant Do?

Behind the Scenes: What Does a Research Assistant Do?

Jordan Kruszynski

• January 4, 2024

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in a research lab?

Does it involve acting out the whims of a Victor Frankenstein-like mad scientist with increasingly questionable ambitions?

Probably not. We certainly hope not.

Yes, today we turn our attention to the humble but hard-working research assistant.

Research assistants play a vital role in advancing discoveries, yet their work often goes unseen. From conducting experiments to analysing data, research assistants are the unsung heroes of the scientific and research community.

In this post, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of research assistants and explore the many ways in which they contribute to scientific breakthroughs. Whether you’re an aspiring researcher or simply curious about the inner workings of a lab, this post will give you a glimpse into the important work of research assistants. So sit back, have a cup of coffee at the ready, and join us as we pull back the curtain on this critical role.

What is a Research Assistant?

On a basic level, a research assistant is someone who helps a senior researcher (known as a research fellow), or a wider team, with a variety of duties relating to a specific research project. As we’ll see, many of those duties involve handling data and information in some way.

It’s important to note that these positions can be held either within a university or a private organisation, and are often taken by postgraduate students looking to supplement their income and take a first crucial step into the world of real research.

What Does a Research Assistant Do?

As we mentioned, many of the daily tasks of a research assistant involve working with the raw research data generated by the project. These tasks could involve:

• Assisting with the collection of data and storing it safely and responsibly.
• Devising and improving upon research protocols to ensure that the data collected is consistently high-quality.
• Working out how to best convert harvested data into different visual representations. This opens up new avenues of consideration, and can potentially uncover unique insights.
• Maintaining research databases throughout the duration of a project.
• Manipulating statistics.
• Analysing data through a variety of techniques.
• Preparing reports to explain the findings of the research to various individuals, organisations and stakeholders.

In the realm of research, one of the primary roles of a researcher is to assist with the planning, developing, and implementation of studies. This can involve a range of tasks, from devising research questions to selecting appropriate methods for data collection and analysis. Once data has been collected, researchers must then carefully analyse and interpret their findings to draw meaningful conclusions. To fully understand the implications of their research, it is also important for researchers to present their results in a clear, accessible way that can be easily understood by others. Through their efforts, researchers play a critical role in uncovering new insights and advancing our understanding of important topics in an array of disciplines.

Other Responsibilities

The role of a research assistant is not only limited to data-work. For example, assistants may be responsible for producing comprehensive reports that accurately depict their findings. This requires proficiency in various writing skills, ranging from technical and analytical writing to persuasive and creative writing.

They may need to create survey instruments, which involves designing questions that accurately produce feedback from project stakeholders. They might even get involved in the project finances! Overall, an effective research assistant has to be skilled not only in data collection and analysis, but also in communication, organisation, and technical writing.

In essence, they are an indispensable jack-of-all-trades, helping to keep the whole research process running smoothly and efficiently.

That wider set of responsibilities can include:

• Producing literature reviews (link to the lit. review article once it’s published) based on existing research in the field.
• Liaising with funding agencies and producing materials to help with further funding applications.
• Managing the general finances of the project.
• Overseeing undergraduate researchers involved in the project.
• Assisting with recruitment efforts.
• Preparing materials like reports, presentations and posters (include link to poster article once published ) for conferences.
• Evaluating and improving the research practices of the whole project.
• Communicating with stakeholders on the progress of the project.
• Helping out with day-to-day lab or field work.

As you can see, the list of responsibilities is almost endless, and this is one of the things that makes research assistants so valuable within the academic community.

Want to hear the research assistant experiences of our superstar guest researchers? Check out The Research Beat podcast for stories, advice and more!

The Role of Research Assistants in the Scientific Community

In the world of scientific research, research assistants are the unsung heroes who play an essential role in driving progress. These individuals are responsible for carrying out much of the labour-intensive work that is so crucial to making breakthroughs and bringing new discoveries to light. Without the hard work of research assistants, many scientific projects simply wouldn’t be possible. Their contributions help to move the field forward and pave the way for new innovations and ground-breaking discoveries. It’s safe to say that without RAs, the world of science would be a very different place.

Additionally, in the modern age, where the quality of data and information really matters, research assistants play a crucial role in providing accurate and reliable information to the public. By effectively communicating scientific findings and research to a wider audience, RAs help to bridge the gap between academia and the wider world. This is especially important when it comes to topics such as health and the environment, where data quality can directly impact our everyday lives. With their expertise and skills, RAs act as a vital link in promoting scientific literacy and public awareness, ultimately fostering a more informed and knowledgeable society.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. Modern research assistants play a vital role in advancing progress in so many different fields. From running experiments to analysing data, they are the unsung heroes behind the scenes who help to drive discovery forward.

With that in mind, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of all the research assistants out there who are working tirelessly to advance our understanding of the world around us.

Cheers to you!

The treasure trove of research papers you can find on Audemic wouldn’t exist without the efforts of research assistants. Listen to your favourites and discover inspiration for your own academic career!

Keep striving, researchers! ✨

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