If you love exploring books, magazines, journals, encyclopedias, and the internet for information, becoming a research assistant may be the right career choice for you.
Research Assistants usually work in social science fields or other careers that include laboratory work (but sometimes Research Assistants may even work for a writer or novelist!)
Either way, if you love information finding, this is the perfect job for you.
Research Assistant Information
| Official Job Title | Research Assistant |
| Average Salary | $39,472 |
| Stress Level | Average |
| Work/Life | Balanced |
| Job Satisfaction | Average |
| Career Advancement | Below Average |
Research Assistant Job Description
What is a Research Assistant?
It’s how it sounds–this is a job where someone uses the internet primarily to research a specific subject for someone else.
In many cases, Research Assistants are undergraduate or graduate students who work under a professor in their field.
While many Research Assistants are college students, not all are!
You can become a research assistant in an entry-level position out of college or early on in your career.
It’s an excellent position for someone starting in science but isn’t a long-term career.
What Does a Research Assistant Do Daily?
Research Assistants will be helping someone else conduct research projects and studies based on their specialty.
They will most likely be required to conduct interviews with participants of studies, or they may be in charge of recruiting people for the study.
While Research Assistants pretty much have one directive–to assist with research–there are many tasks in research!
Everyday tasks a Research Assistant will perform are:
- Data analysis
- Data management
- Researching subjects through books, journals, internet
- Conducting research studies
- Recruiting and managing participants in studies
- Preparing research reports
- Writing research reports
- Preparing materials for research
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles of a Research Assistant
A Research Assistant will be responsible for collecting data, analyzing data, and reviewing the literature.
Other possible duties include:
- Participate in research projects
- Attending project meetings
- Summarizing project outcomes
- Supervising students under you (if in college)
- Preparing interview questions
- Recruiting subjects for research studies
- Keeping an accurate record of all participants
- Gathering materials for studies
- Manage project budgets
- Conducting interviews
- Compiling research papers
Research Assistant Salary
Average Salary
According to GlassDoor.com, Research Assistants make an average salary of $39,505 per year in the United States.
Starting Salary
Starting salary is on the low side because most Research Assistants are college students who get paid near minimum wage.
The minimum wage is based on which U.S. state you live in, so keep that in mind.
Some Research Assistant positions may start around $10 per hour, or some may pay closer to $15.
Senior Salary
The highest salary reported in the United States for a Research Assistant is $61,970 a year–not an exceptionally high salary compared to other careers.
How to Become a Research Assistant
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degrees
A Research Assistant should either have a bachelor’s degree similar to what they will be researching.
Not all Research Assistants will have a degree yet, as many Research Assistants are college students working towards a degree.
The most important part of being in this position is knowing about the subject you are researching.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
Research Assistants are required to use an extensive amount of skills like critical thinking, data analysis, math, advanced computer knowledge, communication skills, the ability to write a professional research paper, and the ability to conduct research studies.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Research Assistant?
You can quickly become a Research Assistant within 2 to 3 years of studying the subject you are planning on researching.
A Research Assistant is usually a college experience or work-study position, or an entry-level position in many fields, making it an easy job to acquire.
Is It Hard to Become a Research Assistant?
It isn’t that hard to become a Research Assistant. Like mentioned before, most people who become Research Assistants are college students.
While you will need some knowledge in the subject you are studying, you do not need to be a college graduate or a professional for this position.
Research Assistant Career Paths
The Research Assistant Roadmap
Becoming a Research Assistant can open job opportunities for many people in the social sciences or physical sciences fields.
A Research Assistant job is normally held by an undergraduate student, a graduate student, or an entry-level job for newly graduated students.
Projected Growth for Research Assistants
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a 6% projected growth in Research Assistant positions for the next ten years.
The art of research will always be essential to social advancement, so there will always be a need for Research Assistants.
In Summary: Is a Research Assistant a Good Career?
Landing a job as a Research Assistant can look great for your resume and experience, but making a Research Assistant position a career, isn’t ideal.
Most people who are Research Assistants become professionals in their field, like scientists or medical professionals.
Working Conditions
Can a Research Assistant Work Remotely From Home?
In some cases, yes.
Some research projects may be done through virtual mediums.
Thanks to technology like Zoom and Skype, research studies can be conducted through video calls, and project meetings can take place through the same program.
How Many Hours Does a Research Assistant Work?
The number of hours you may work as a Research Assistant will depend on the type of research.
Also, if you are less experienced in the field, you will probably work less.
Most undergraduate Research Assistants work about 29 hours a week since they are usually on a Work-Study contract.
If you acquire a job as a Research Assistant but get it out of college, you will probably work more hours.
Can a Research Assistant Work Part-Time?
In most cases, yes, Research Assistants will be working part-time.
If you land a research job at a later point in your career, you will probably be able to work full-time.
Your work hours will depend on what the research position requires of you.
What are the Average Vacation Days for a Research Assistant?
Most Research Assistants will go on vacation during college holidays, and they probably won’t be expected to work during this time.
Higher-level Research Assistants who are paid salaries commonly receive two weeks of paid vacation time every year.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Research Assistant
- Veterinary Assistant
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Personal Assistant
- Administrative Assistant
- Forensic Science Technician
- Natural Sciences Manager
- Dietitian
- Radiologic Technologist
- Archaeologist
- Food Scientist
Research Assistant Resume Tips
When applying for a Research Assistant job, always make sure you highlight your best qualities.
Craft a unique resume with your contact information at the top.
List any relevant job experiences or volunteer experiences in one section, education in another section, and skills section in another.
Your skill set is vital for becoming a Research Assistant, so be sure to point out skills like critical thinking and critical analysis.
Research Assistant Interview Questions
Q1: Describe how you deal with multiple tasks or projects at once.
Why It Works: Interviewers can see how you deal with a lot on your plate at once since you may be working on multiple projects.
Q2: Do you have experience applying for funding or with grant writing?
Why It Works: Employers will want to know if you can write a formal proposal or grant, as most research will require funding to complete.
Writing a professional proposal will be key!
Q3: What type of research are you most interested in exploring?
Why It Works: Employers can get an idea of how your interests might relate to the research they conduct.
Q4: What do you hope to learn from this position?
Why It Works: Employers might want to know what you plan on doing after college, potentially offering higher positions to you down the road.
Q5: How well do you work in teams?
Why It Works: Many research projects include a team of professionals and students to complete them. Employers will expect you to have excellent team skills!
Jobs Related To Research Assistant
Interested in other jobs that are similar to a Research Assistant? Check these out:
- Research Technician
- Teaching Assistant
- Research Scientist
- Research Associate
- Research Analyst
For HR Manager: Tips for Hiring a Research Assistant
HR Managers–are you looking to hire a Research Assistant for your department?
Do you know a professor in need of research assistance?
These are the qualities you should look for in a Research Assistant.
Key Characteristics to Look For in a Research Assistant
When looking for the perfect person for a Research Assistant position, they should have excellent computer skills, the ability to work independently, excellent communication skills, and of course, the ability to analyze sets of data.
In most cases, people applying for this position may not be too experienced in the field yet, but they should be willing and passionate to learn more.
A strong candidate will possess all of these skills.
Minimum Level of Education & Experience
Depending on the job’s requirements, most Research Assistant positions will require at least some knowledge in the field they are studying and college experience to help them prepare for research and real-life experience.