Research assistants work with lead researchers and scientists to conduct experiments in a specific field. They may work at a variety of organizations from universities to private companies. Many students pursuing a master’s degree may take a research assistant position in their chosen field to gain expertise. Research assistants will file and organize paperwork, assist senior researchers with experiments, help perform data analysis, and more.

To become a research assistant, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in a closely related field. Previous experience with research or data is preferable, and prior roles as a data specialist or data analyst can help you land the role. Ideal candidates for this role will have superb research and data collection skills, developed time management skills, and the ability to create accurate reports.

The duties of a research assistant will vary depending on the field you’re working in, but will almost always include planning research projects, reviewing literature, writing proposals and grant applications, conducting interviews and surveys, developing statistical models, analyzing data, producing reports, and presenting research findings. While research assistants can be found in just about any academic field, they all share a need for communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.

As a Clinical Research Assistant, your role is focused on supporting the clinical research process, which may include tasks like data collection, management, and analysis. In recent years, the emphasis on data-driven discoveries and the use of technology in research have become prevalent trends in this field. When writing your resume, it's important to highlight the specific skills and experience that make you a strong candidate for this specialized role.

In addition to demonstrating your knowledge of research methodologies, it's essential to showcase your expertise in relevant software and technologies, as well as emphasizing your attention to detail and organizational skills. These qualities are crucial for a Clinical Research Assistant, as they directly impact the success of the research projects you'll be working on.

Clinical research assistants work on clinical trials in hospitals and medical research centers. As a clinical research assistant, you’ll be assisting doctors and senior researchers by recruiting and enrolling research subjects, developing protocols, setting up and managing trials, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to trial reports, regulatory authority applications, and grant writing. Ideally, you’ll need some experience or a degree in the field of study and clinical trial experience.

As a Laboratory Research Assistant, you're part of the backbone of scientific exploration. Your role is hands-on and often behind-the-scenes, contributing to scientific knowledge and advancements. When it comes to your resume, remember just how crucial your role is - you're not just a cog in the machine, but an active participant in the process of discovery.

One recent trend in the industry is the growing importance of computational skills. This role isn't just about pipettes and petri dishes anymore - increasingly, labs want assistants with a knack for data analysis and bioinformatics. Make sure to highlight these skills on your resume. Show them you're not just a traditional lab rat, but a 21st century researcher.

As a laboratory research assistant, you’ll be working in a laboratory environment to design projects, conduct research and experiments, write reports, perform general laboratory maintenance, and assist senior laboratory staff — so make sure to emphasize your technical skills. You may be working for a private laboratory, medical or research facility, or pharmaceutical company. Unlike standard research assistant positions, lab assistants typically work full-time, including weekend and evening shifts.

A graduate research assistant is typically someone carrying out research as part of their master’s or PhD program. Graduate research positions can be found in a variety of fields and disciplines. Usually, graduate research assistants help conduct experiments, research, and collect data for a university department or professor. They may also help teach undergraduate lectures in their field of study.

To become a graduate research assistant, you usually must be pursuing a continuing education degree, such as a master’s degree. Typically, students will hold these positions at the university they attend. You must also have a strong academic track record. Professors will look to hire graduate research assistants who are well-versed in their area of study. Moreover, graduate research assistants must be highly organized because these roles are held simultaneously alongside their coursework.

Graduate research assistants are able to work while they study, receiving a tuition reimbursement or stipend as well as valuable experience working in academia. As a graduate research assistant, you’ll have completed an undergraduate degree and be pursuing a master’s degree or PhD. You’ll generally be working closely with a supervisor to support their projects, including conducting research, analyzing data, writing reports, and supervising undergraduate research assistants.

An undergraduate research assistant is someone who assists in the act of executing experiments, collecting data, and executing analysis of data collected. Typically, the undergraduate research assistant is guided by a master's student or postdoctoral researcher, who guides the undergraduate research assistant.

To land a job as an undergraduate research assistant, you’ll need strong attention to detail, superb communication skills, and critical thinking abilities. Hiring managers for the position will be looking to see relevant experience, whether that be coursework, research reports you’ve published, and relevant internship and/or past job experience. Technical skills developed through relevant coursework, such as technical writing and quantitative research, should be noted on your resume.

An entry research assistant is someone who helps prepare studies, conduct them, record findings, and synthesize the information. You may work with undergraduate students who will assist you in conducting studies and learn from your area of expertise.

To get a position as an entry level research assistant, you’ll need a strong educational background in science or another technical field. You’ll also need experience assisting with conducting research, great attention to detail, and strong technical writing skills. Usually, people who get roles as entry level research assistants have a combination of relevant education and experiences. Experience using data management tools like SOLIDWORKS and IBM SPSS, as shown in the example resume, is also good to demonstrate.

If you have an interest in studying people’s psychology and behavior, a role as a psychology research assistant might be right for you. Psychology research assistants help conduct studies that test hypotheses about the human brain and behaviors. Using findings from the studies, you will help people by using the new data to choose suitable treatment plans for their psychological disorders.

To land a job as an undergraduate research assistant, you’ll need a bachelor's degree in a technical field like statistics or a biology-related degree like abnormal psychology. Sometimes, a master's degree is required depending on where you want to work and your location. Extra credentials, such as a behavior analysis certification, can help you land this job more easily. Hiring managers will be looking for candidates with solid technical skills, a background in science, great writing abilities, and strong attention to detail.