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Research Associate Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 302441233research assistant8.55research associate5.99research5.24biology4.39laboratory1.7922714322846318000.0070045.45155000.00YEARLY540301162025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Research Associate, or Clinical Research Associate, is responsible for monitoring one or more study sites for clinical trials to uphold ethical guidelines and ensure the successful completion of clinical trials. Their duties include reviewing participant applications and medical records, coordinating with medical and legal teams to determine trial activities and collecting valuable data throughout clinical trials to contribute to their final reports.

302441233research assistant8.55research associate5.99research5.24biology4.39laboratory1.7922714322846318000.0070045.45155000.00YEARLY540301162025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Research Associate Duties and Responsibilities

The primary duties of Research Associates are to plan and conduct research. Depending on the field, this can include things like managing data, conducting interviews and publishing research. Research Associates must also interpret their data or findings in an actionable way, with the goal being to inform businesses about which decisions they should make. Other important duties and responsibilities for Research Associates include:

  • Identifying new resources companies can use to reach their goals
  • Contributing to multiple research projects at once
  • Communicating with senior researchers to understand business challenges and potential solutions
  • Working with data engineers to construct and maintain databases

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Research Associate 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 302441233research assistant8.55research associate5.99research5.24biology4.39laboratory1.7922714322846318000.0070045.45155000.00YEARLY540301162025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Research Associate Do?

Research Associates typically work for medical research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies or government agencies to ensure the safety and efficiency of clinical trials or studies. They work closely with clinical trial participants, medical professionals and other clinical research staff to test the effects of new pharmaceutical drugs or treatments before going on the market. Their job is to create clinical trial schedules and maintain up-to-date records on trial participants, legal documents and health forms. They may also be responsible for hiring and training clinical trial staff members and contacting previous employees to check their availability for upcoming trials.

302441233research assistant8.55research associate5.99research5.24biology4.39laboratory1.7922714322846318000.0070045.45155000.00YEARLY540301162025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Research Associate Skills and Qualifications

Research Associates need several technical skills to succeed in this role. They must have skills related to their background (e.g., an understanding of health care or financial markets) and the ability to gather data. Research Associates also need to be good at technical writing and be able to express complex data in a simple, actionable way. Other important skills and qualifications for these employees include:

  • Critical thinking skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Analytical skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Communication skills
  • Listening skills
  • Time-management skills
  • The ability to maintain quality standards, ensuring the integrity of data
  • Teamwork skills

Research Associate Salary Expectations

According to salary estimates from roughly 1,300 Indeed users, employees and job postings, the average annual salary for Research Associates is approximately $53,000. Pay can fluctuate greatly based on factors such as the job’s location and the candidate’s education and experience level.

Research Associate Salary Expectations

2025-10-0118000.0070045.45155000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 70045.45 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 18000.00 - 155000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Research Associate Education and Training Requirements

A Research Associate needs to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as marketing, math or statistics. Additional training is not required, but many students will complete research and gain relevant experience as part of their degree. Candidates may also complete a master’s degree, though this isn’t required for all positions.

Research Associate Experience Requirements

Research Associates can find work with no prior experience (outside of their college coursework). In fact, some companies hire Research Associates while they’re still completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Some Research Associates complete a few years of professional experience before moving into full-time research positions or into Research Scientist or management roles.

Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

A Research Associate’s skillset overlaps with several other positions, so it can help to expand your research into a few similar roles. For example, Research Analysts purely interpret and present data, whereas Research Associates conduct research and play a role in planning studies. Understanding these differences can help you craft the perfect job posting for your role. A few roles similar to a Research Associate are:

Job Description Best Practices
Optimize your new and existing job descriptions to reach more candidates
Get the Guide

Frequently asked questions about Research Associates

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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