Research Assistant
On this page
- What's it like to be a Research Assistant?
- How to become a Research Assistant
- Latest Research Assistant jobs
- Top skills and experience for Research Assistants
What's it like to be a Research Assistant?
Research professionals usually hire Research Assistants to help them with the bulk of work that comes with conducting a research project. A Research Assistant supports or assists the Researcher through tasks such as carrying out experiments, conducting data and studies, and providing transcription.
Tasks and duties
- Conducting the legwork of research such as experiments, surveys, interviews and the like.
- Conducting literature reviews.
- Coordinating the experiment for the collection of important data.
- Transcribing interviews.
- Preparing graphs and spreadsheets for reports on results.
- Helping create presentation slides and decks for Researchers to present information or updates on the project.
- Fact-checking and proofreading research documents to ensure accuracy.
- Cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment and inventory.
- Providing access to experimental data for the Researcher.
Research Assistants can be required in a variety of disciplines, including the medical field, social sciences, environmental sciences, physical sciences, education, and economics.
How to become a Research Assistant
Research Assistants are usually required to have at least a bachelor degree, preferably in the same field of study the research is in.
Complete a bachelor degree from a university that is related to your field of interest.
Pursue a graduate degree, enrol in an advanced academic programme, and/or apply for a Teaching Assistant role to a Professor or Researcher in that academic department.
Apply for a research fellowship or network at research conferences to widen your career opportunities.
