Among different types of assistant jobs, some are more interesting and exciting than others, as is the case with research assistant jobs. For the person who loves researching, investigating, and delving into details to get answers, a career as a research assistant might be the ideal choice. Unique to other types of assistants, we wanted to provide examples for some of the job responsibilities that go along with working in this particular role.
Job Functions
Without doubt, research assistant jobs are diverse, which is one reason certain people find them so appealing. While actual job functions could vary somewhat depending on the person or company but in most cases, the scope of the job remains the same. Below are some of the more common responsibilities that a research assistant would be responsible for handling.
- Review various documents for editing
- Based on edited documents, protocols would be submitted
- Receive consent from individuals on whom research had been conducted
- Create fact sheets, reports, and graphs to maintain in a database for each research subject
- Develop appropriate methodologies for the creation of questionnaires and surveys
- Follow up with participants of studies
- Screen subjects being considered as a part of research to determine suitability
- Review and proof documentation prior to being release for publication or to the media
- Take care of clerical responsibilities such as filing, copying, answering the phone, scheduling
- Work directly with clients on various issues
- Oversee and manage laboratory space
- Identify and prepare programs for statistical analysis
- Perform client need assessments
- Prepare manuscripts, presentations, and other items per project, as needed
- Track materials used in the laboratory
- Determine things necessary for research experiments
- Validate analysis forms
- Conduct library and online research
- Formulate quality control procedures for research projects
The bottom line is that a qualified research assistant would be responsible for determining where and how to research different types of information but also know what to do with once obtained. Based on the company or agency working for, this individual might work as an independent employee or as a part of a research team.
Educational and Training Requirements
Depending on the type of work being performed by a research assistant, different educational and training requirements would need to be met. However, the average expectations for a person to be hired in a position such as this include the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in a research related field
- As a graduate research assistant, the individual would need experience in relation to graduate research in the form of a firm or in support of an educational institution’s research topics
- Additional degrees and certificates would be beneficial, again varying based on actual research work being performed
- As a clinical research assistant, a bachelor’s degree in medical and life sciences would be mandatory with coursework covering topics such as biotechnology, anatomy, immunology, toxicology, medical sciences, biology, and pharmacology to name a few
- To gain a more advanced clinical research assistant position, the individual would need a master’s degree covering the same topics addressed for the bachelor’s degree
Salary Potential
Currently, research assistant jobs pay between $23,000 and $30,000 a year. However, actual earning would be based on several things to include the person’s education level, type of training, years of experience, geographic location, company or agency working for, and overall job responsibilities. However, as a research assistant, the position provides tremendous opportunity to learn and grow in preparation for more advanced research positions that pay more.
Types of Research Assistant Jobs
There are multiple research assistant jobs, each being unique. Some of the more popular and sought after positions include those listed below:
- Clinical Research Assistant
- Graduate Research Assistant
- Genetic Engineering Research Assistant
- Medical Research Assistant
- Educational Research Assistant
- Political Research Assistant
- Photograph Research Assistant
Future Job Security
As seen by the examples provided above, there are many different research assistant jobs. The majority of these have a connection to medical and scientific fields, which is why having the appropriate education, training, and experience makes this an excellent career opportunity. Currently, there is a high demand for solid researchers but experts predict the number of research assistants needed in the next 10 years or so will increase substantially.
