Research Assistant Job Description Template

Research Assistant

[Intro paragraph] The job descriptions that get the most attention begin with 2-3 sentences that introduce prospective employees to their company, culture, and working environment. This is a perfect opportunity to set yourself apart from competing job listings by selling your laboratory or institution to job seekers.

Research Assistant Job Responsibilities:

• Generates hypotheses and designs and performs experiments to test them.
• Executes multiple experiments simultaneously over time independently.
• Records all experimental findings in a laboratory notebook, and analyzes and interpret experimental findings.
• Based on results, independently suggests and tests modifications to protocols.
• Prepares figures and diagrams for presentations and publications.
• Communicates results and collaborates with other professionals in the lab.
• Demonstrates a significant level of intellectual input into the design of the project.
• Presents findings at lab meeting, responds to challenges, and participates in exchanges of ideas to advance the science.
• Reads and understands relevant scientific literature.
• Contributes to the preparation of articles on research outcomes and progress and to the submission of same for publication.
• Participates in the editing and proofing of grant proposals, annual grant reports, and manuscripts for publication and recommends modifications to the Principal Investigator.

[Work Hours & Benefits] Highlight the working hours and benefits specific to your organization in this section of your research assistant job description. Potential research assistants want to learn things like team size and project duration, along with any potential for advancement. You can also talk benefits that set you apart, like healthcare, commuter benefits, and tuition reimbursement or continuing education credits.

Research Assistant Skills / Qualifications:

• Proven ability to manage large and complex databases and develop summary analysis, including summary tables and charts
• Analytical and problem-solving skills including a knowledge of statistical applications and techniques
• Sound organizational and data management skills, and ability to handle several responsibilities and work under tight time constraints
• Ability to work without direct supervision, paying close attention to detail and bearing independent responsibility for data accuracy
• Proven experience in dealing with all levels of staff in responding to a wide range of inquiries
• Ability to use tact, discretion, and sound judgment when dealing with confidential information

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant field
• Two years of relevant work experience in a similar role.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, including basic functions and formulas.
• Proficiency in the use of analytical and statistical software packages such as STATA, Eviews, TSP, SPSS, Matlab and SAS.
• Experience and ability to use a range of visual presentation tools such as MS Excel charts, Tableau, Keynote, Prezi and other similar tools preferred
• Familiarity with database management tools (such as SQL, MS Access, and IBM Cognos BI) and knowledge programming tools (like Python, C++, and R) would be a plus.

[Call to Action] Finally, you’ll want to entice potential research assistant applicants to apply and teach them how, with a strong call to action. For instance, you can let prospective employees know whether you’d like them to submit an application by clicking on the “apply” button at the top of the job listing. Or, if you’d rather, ask them to email an application, resume, and supporting documents to a specific person at your organization.