OVERVIEW
What is a Research Assistant?
Research assistants are primarily employed by organizations to assist with academic, scientific, or private studies. Their primary responsibility is to provide support to either a research fellow or team by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Organizations that use research assistants include universities, research centers, and private companies.
Research assistant roles are often undertaken by graduate or postgraduate students who are or will be pursuing a Ph.D. This allows students to earn an income while preparing them for a career in their chosen field of study. Research assistants provide support by collecting data and information through lab studies, surveys, and other means. They may work in clinical or academic settings, performing and documenting experiments and reporting on findings.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Research Assistant Do?
From data collection to project coordination and administrative support, research assistants are vital for executing and managing various aspects of projects. Here are some common day-to-day responsibilities:
- Data collection: Gathering results through experimentation, surveys, and focus groups.
- Data entry: Entering collected data into databases for analysis.
- Conducting experiments: Facilitating the collection of data as determined by the head of the research project.
- Creating reports: Compiling and writing detailed reports to document research findings and progress.
- Project management: Leading smaller projects that are part of the primary research.
- Assisting with lab work: Helping lab technicians with experiments related to the study.
- Administrative tasks: Managing test subject records, answering phone calls, and conducting lab maintenance.
Research assistants who are pursuing a Ph.D. may also have teaching responsibilities. These varied tasks show how an assistant can be involved in all aspects of a research project.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Research Assistant?
Selecting a specific field that resonates with your undergraduate training and passion is the first step towards a rewarding career as a research assistant. Most research assistant positions will require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. Many roles will also require a master’s degree, and some employers may prefer candidates who possess a postgraduate degree or are enrolled in a Ph.D. program.
Regardless of the degree qualifications, candidates will need a thorough understanding of the subject area and demonstrate research skills such as data collection and analysis. Clinical research assistant roles, for example, may require specific knowledge related to medical or health sciences, while a research coordinator might need strong organizational and project management skills. Earning a degree in public health or data analytics provides the foundational skills needed to succeed in this role.
Best Degrees for a Research Assistant
Technology
Data Analytics – B.S.
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:...
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 36 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,735 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 39 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA Data+
- CompTIA Project+
- Udacity Nanodegree—a unique, highly recognized credential designed to prepare you for a career in data science
- MSI Change Management (Optional Certification)
- Certiprof Design Thinking Professional Certificate (Optional Certification)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Data management
- Data wrangling
- Statistical analysis
- Visualization
- Leadership and management
- Model deployment & storytelling
Health & Nursing
Master of Public Health
This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for...
This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for students who want to make a difference in their community.
- Time: 60% of students finish similar programs in 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,995 per 6-month term
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Biostatistics and analysis
- Environmental health
- Epidemiology
- Global health
- Public health policy and advocacy
- Health education and promotion
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
Health & Nursing
Public Health - B.S.
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact...
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact your community and make a difference.
- Time: 63% of students finish similar programs in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 33 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Cognitive psychology
- Public health approaches
- Epidemiology
- Biopsychosocial health models
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
How Much Does a Research Assistant Make?
$50,954
Research assistants earn around $50,954 per year, according to Glassdoor. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, field of study, and level of education and experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while more experienced research assistants or those in specialized fields can earn higher salaries.
What Is the Job Outlook?
Steady
According to Zippia, the job outlook for research assistants is positive, with steady demand expected across various fields. Employment in research-related positions will continue to grow as the need for data-driven decision-making and scientific advancement increases. Open jobs in this area often highlight diverse opportunities, from research technician roles to program assistant positions. Opportunities for career advancement are also strong, with many research assistants moving on to senior research roles or advanced academic positions.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Research Assistant Need?
Employers look for several key skills when assessing candidates for research assistant jobs. These include:
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data
- Familiarity with statistical software and research methodologies
- Capability to perform experiments and conduct research without close supervision
- Ability to prepare accurate reports and express research findings
- Commitment to performing ethical and accurate research
- Understanding of lab safety protocols and research techniques
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a research team
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Willingness to be flexible and adaptable according to project needs
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis software
Our Online University Degree Programs Start on the First of Every Month, All Year Long
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!
Next Start Date
{{startdate}}
Interested in Becoming a Research Assistant?
Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.
