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Research Assistant Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 1607085656research assistant13.14research5.42administrative assistant2.7psychology research assistant2.65biology2.252541252929897.2520.4741.30HOURLY4811603042025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Research Assistant, or Research Associate, is responsible for gathering accurate, credible information on a subject and summarizing their findings to support senior research staff in scientific and academic fields. Their duties include browsing archives for information, completing literature reviews and conducting research interviews.

Research Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Research Assistants perform a variety of duties to help with the publication of work. While the overall goal is to collect and interpret data, a Research Assistant’s work can be broken down into several small duties. A few things that they are responsible for include:

  • Maintaining quality controls standards to preserve the integrity of data and findings
  • Scheduling and conducting interviews
  • Selecting a place to conduct interviews and getting permission from all participants
  • Analyzing data using various statistical methods
  • Writing reports to summarize data and the implications of the results
  • Researching information

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Research Assistant Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What Does a 1607085656research assistant13.14research5.42administrative assistant2.7psychology research assistant2.65biology2.252541252929897.2520.4741.30HOURLY4811603042025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Research Assistant Do?

Research Assistants often work at laboratories, universities and research centers to study various topics selected by a Professor or Scientist interested in a certain subject. They help brainstorm research topics and use initial guidance to find relevant resources in libraries and archives. This involves developing research questions based on a primary Researcher’s area of study.

Research Assistants work to validate a certain hypothesis or understand the reason behind contradictory findings. They review current publications to determine what information already exists on a topic, processing large amounts of text, technical writing and primary resources. They also help conduct original research, gathering data, administering surveys and supervising experiments based on instruction from their supervisor.

Research Assistant Skills and Qualifications

Research Assistants need a wide set of skills to perform their work well. For example, they need exceptional communication skills since they need to lead interviews and communicate complex technical information in the simplest way possible. Other essential skills and qualifications include:

  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • The ability to stay calm under pressure
  • Extensive knowledge in the area being researched
  • Time-management skills
  • The ability to empathize with others
  • The ability to commit to lengthy, complex projects

Research Assistant Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Research Assistant is $16.69 an hour. Depending on the role and factors like the candidate’s experience level, education requirements and the job location, pay can vary.

Research Assistant Salary Expectations

2025-10-017.2520.4741.30HOURLY
  • Common salary: 20.47 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 7.25 - 41.30 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Research Assistant Education and Training Requirements

581632600research3.21research assistant1.13biology0.84researcher0.79scientist0.6420746127840515000.0097000.76254000.00YEARLY655578922025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Research Assistants need relevant education and training in the field they’re studying. For example, a person conducting research for a social studies project will likely be a sociology student or someone with a degree in that field.

Additional qualifications are needed depending on the specific job. For example, if the study involves lab work, the candidate will need experience handing and safely storing samples and sending materials off for analysis. Lab work also typically requires a background in a field like biology or chemistry, or at least some academic or real-world experience in that setting.

Research Assistant Experience Requirements

Most candidates will have one or more years of experience as a Research Assistant. Most of this work is gained while in school, but it’s possible that a person would start working after graduating. Relevant experience is arguably more important than length of experience though. In your job description, make sure you clarify the field and what type of work will be done. Research Assistants can come from a variety of academic backgrounds, ranging from math and science to sociology and psychology.

Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

Research Assistants have a broad range of skills, so covering everything you need for the job can be difficult. If this template doesn’t fully cover what you’re looking for, check out some descriptions for similar roles:

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Frequently asked questions about Research Assistants

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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