research assistant wikipedia

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.

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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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How to Become a Research Assistant

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

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Gain relevant education, develop research skills, gain practical experience, build your professional network, create a portfolio of your research work, stay informed and continue learning, typical requirements to become a research assistant, educational requirements and academic pathways, building experience in research, key skills for aspiring research assistants, additional qualifications for a competitive edge, alternative ways to start a research assistant career, building on domain expertise, transitioning from technical roles, utilizing experience from non-profit and volunteer work, self-directed learning and online education, networking and professional organizations, how to break into the industry as a research assistant - next steps, faqs about becoming a research assistant, how long does it take to become a research assistant, do you need a degree to become a research assistant, can i become a research assistant with no experience.

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Home » Business » Management » HR » Professions » What is the Difference Between Research Assistant and Research Associate

What is the Difference Between Research Assistant and Research Associate

Research assistant and research associate are two types of research positions available in research projects. Although these positions sound similar, there is a distinct difference between a research assistant and a research associate.

Key Areas Covered

1. Who is a Research Assistant – Definition, Features 2. Who is a Research Associate – Definition, Features 3. Difference Between Research Assistant and Research Associate – Comparison of Key Differences

Research, Research Assistant, Research Associate

Difference Between Research Assistant and Research Associate - Comparison Summary

Who is a Research Assistant

A research assistant is a researcher employed by a university or a research institute to help in research projects. Research assistants usually have a short-term, temporary contract. Generally, research assistants are appointed at the graduate level. They provide research/administrative support to more senior members of the staff, like research fellows, lecturers, and professors. In a university, they are typically the most junior researchers. However, research assistants can make significant contributions to a research project.

Research Assistant and Research Associate - What is the difference?

The responsibilities and autonomy of a research assistant depend on their supervisor (generally a member of the permanent staff, like a professor ) and the culture of the research institute. They would also depend on the field of research and the specific nature of the research project. They would be typically involved in data collection, design of studies, analysis of data, finding and organizing relevant data sources, and drafting sections of a research paper. But research assistants do not usually have the main responsibility of writing a research paper.

Who is a Research Associate

Research associates are researchers that hold an advanced degree, usually beyond a Master’s degree . In most research institutes and universities, a research associate post requires a postdoctoral qualification in the relevant field. Therefore, this is usually the first research appointment aspiring researchers seek after completing their PhD . The position of research associate allows greater autonomy from the research supervisor when compared to the autonomy of a PhD student. In fact, research associates may also be expected to supervise the projects of undergraduate or postgraduate students.

Research Assistant vs Research Associate

Research associate positions are fixed-term contracts that usually last two to three years. It involves the design of research studies, collection and analysis of data, and reporting research findings in conferences and academic journals.

Difference Between Research Assistant and Research Associate

A research assistant is a researcher employed by a university or a research institute to help in research projects, whereas a research associate is a researcher that holds an advanced degree, usually beyond a Master’s degree.

Type of Position

A research associate is a senior position than a research assistant. In fact, research assistants are the most junior researchers in a research project.

Moreover, research associates usually have a more advanced degree, at least a postdoctoral degree, than research assistants.

Responsibilities

Research assistants do not have many responsibilities as research associates in designing research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting.

Furthermore, research associates have more autonomy than research assistants. In fact, research assistants have to work under a supervisor, but research associates may have the chance to supervise projects of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The main difference between research assistant and research associate is that research associates tend to have advanced degrees than research assistants and have more responsibilities in a research project. A research associate is a senior position than research assistant. In fact, research assistants are the most junior researchers in a research project.

1. “ How to Become a Research Assistant, Associate or Fellow in the UK .” CareersinHE.com, 14 Oct. 2021. 2. “ Research Assistant .” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Sept. 2021.

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1. “ Research-market-business-finance ” (CC0) via Pixabay 2. “ Researcher-laboratory-coronavirus ” (CC0) via Pixabay

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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 April 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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What a Graduate Research Assistant Does
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What a Research Assistant/Technician Does
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What a Research Fellow Does
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Research Assistant Related Careers

Assistant Research Scientist
Clinical Research Assistant
Doctoral Research Assistant
Graduate Research Assistant
Graduate Student Assistant
Laboratory Research Assistant
Medical Research Assistant
Professional Research Assistant
Research And Development Assistant
Research Assistant Professor
Research Assistant/Technician
Research Associate

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Research Assistant Job Description Template

What Does a Research Assistant Do?

Research assistants support primary researchers in the collection of data and information through lab studies, surveys, and other means. They may work in clinical or academic settings, performing and documenting assessments and presenting findings. Research assistants allow primary researchers to complete their projects more efficiently.

Research Assistant Job Overview

In the research assistant role, you will assist in the research process by collecting experimental data, preparing presentations, and proofreading manuscripts. A key element in this role is adhering to procedures and protocols provided by primary researchers. Success in this role is demonstrated by the successful and timely completion of all research and documents.

Research Assistant Job Responsibilities and Duties

Prepares interview questions and collects data
Conducts research experiments
Analyzes data and summarizes results
Fact checks and proofreads manuscripts
Generates graphs and spreadsheets to portray results
Maintains research equipment
Prepares presentations for primary researchers
Documents research processes

Research Assistant Job Requirements

Senior student; Bachelor’s degree in related field of research recommended
Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
Strong time-management skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Prior experience in research preferred
Excellent technical and analytical skills

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Adrienne Smith is a content strategy consultant working with high-growth businesses on their brand messaging, content strategy, and content creation. A digital nomad, she's exploring the world's cultures and cuisines as she works.

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