A research assistant can work in many different sectors and will primarily be asked to undertake research and related administrative duties.
Who can I work for?
Depending on your area of expertise, you can work in a number of environments. The most common roles are in universities or research institutes assisting in academic research, and in hospitals, medical research centres or pharmaceutical companies assisting in clinical research. There are also opportunities in engineering, politics and the media.
Where and when can I work?
This will depend on the organisation and department you are employed with. Most roles are office-based on a 9am – 5pm basis. However you could be required to travel to various locations for research purposes and this could be outside office hours.
What can I earn?
The average salary for a research assistant is £22,000 but this is dependent on the industry you work in, your qualifications and your experience.
What are the benefits?
Many research assistants are required to work on individual projects and on a temporary basis so you could find yourself moving around a lot, gaining a lot of experience in lots of different environments.
Are there chances of promotion?
Career structures vary from company to company but with the right qualifications and experience you could go on to lead your own research team, and manage projects for yourself.
What will I be responsible for?
Investigating, evaluating and researching: this could be people, documents, academic works, clinical trials, technology…the list is endless! You will also need to manage all the administration related to your work.
Do I need any experience?
You will need to be educated to degree level, preferably in your area of specialism. You can also undertake doctorates and further training to enhance your career.
What attributes are needed?
An analytical mind, strong organisational skills, investigative skills, tenacity and a keen eye for attention to detail.