Research assistants are needed in legal, clinical, and academic fields to help in the successful completion of projects by gathering accurate information on various subjects and summarizing their findings. They also conduct interviews, complete literature reviews, and go through different archives searching for information.
If you have been eyeing an assistant research role, we will look at what you need to get and thrive in a research assistant position. Our article focuses on the roles and responsibilities of research assistants and the required skills, education, and experience. We also have two resume examples and a well-written resume FAQs section to help you write the best resume. Let’s get started!
Research Assistant Job Description
A research assistant gathers credible information on research subjects, summarizes results, prepares interviews, and reports findings- contributing to the successful completion of research projects. Other duties include attending project meetings, conducting literature reviews, preparing progress reports, and monitoring the project budget.
This role requires excellent multitasking, prioritization, verbal and written communication, organization, and reporting skills. Other necessary skills include time management, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and excellent problem-solving skills.
Research Assistant Role and Responsibilities
- Preserving the integrity of data and findings to maintain quality standards
- Using recognized statistical methods to analyze data
- Summarizing data and research findings in well-written reports
- Facilitating interview processes by researching the best interview places and obtaining permission from various participants and stakeholders
- Conducting extensive literature reviews
- Managing correspondences, e.g., writing and responding to emails
- Attending and participating in project meetings
- Preparing exhaustive interview questions and scheduling the interviews
- Checking the progress of the junior research assistants working on the same project
- Preparing and submitting accurate project reports
- Monitoring the project budget to ensure that it is not exceeded
- Offering assistance in the preparation and planning of all research-related educational and training workshops
- Ensuring that the research supervisor has ready access to all experimental data and research findings
- Preparing, updating, and maintaining website content and material
- Summarizing the research project results into reports
- Preparing and updating progress reports
- Making trips to field sites to collect and record data as required by the study’s objectives
- Contacting different research participants and informing them of the study objectives and parameters
- Following pre-determined interview documentation standards, protocols, and data collection procedures to conduct and record interviews with research subjects
- Regularly reviewing and editing data to ensure that all recorded information is accurate
- Following up with interview subjects to clarify data and resolve data-related problems
- Contributing to different organization publications by writing and editing pieces
- Developing proper evaluation and assessment tools
- Compiling and forwarding requested research-related data
- Developing research protocols
- Portraying result findings/ results using graphs and spreadsheets
- Logging in experimental data into the suitable systems
- Gathering information by reviewing different print and online sources
- Assisting in the presentation of research findings by creating research presentation slides and posters
- Statistically analyzing data sets
Research Assistant Required Knowledge and Skills
- Extensive knowledge of the research area/ subject
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite programs
- Ability to navigate lengthy and complex projects
- Excellent time management skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Knowledge of different research methods
- Strong administration skills
- Excellent project management skills
- Ability to multitask
- Statistical/ graphic analysis skills
- Planning and scheduling abilities
- Data collection and analysis skills
- Excellent data entry skills
- Excellent interviewing skills
- Report generation skills
- Attention to details
- Resilience
- Excellent public speaking skills
- Dependability
- Excellent sampling skills
- Outstanding cataloging skills
Research Assistant Education and Experience
- A Bachelor’s /Associate Degree in the field of study/research
- High school diploma or its equivalent
- Background in the area of study
- Experience interviewing candidates/ arranging for interviews
- Experience working on lengthy and technical projects
- Relevant industry certifications
- Proven work experience as a research assistant or similar role
Research Assistant Salary
According to Glassdoor, junior research assistants make approximately $39,000 yearly. Senior research assistants earn $60,000 annually, while senior-most research assistants earn up to $80,000 or more. Salaries depend on the years of experience, the field of study, and the employing organization. Those paid hourly mostly earn $17- $25 per hour.
Research Assistant CV Examples 1
William Levi
Physical address: 3512 Grayling Palmer, Palmer, Alaska, 95678
Email address: leviwilliam74@gmail.com
Phone number: (890) 785- 8907
Job Description
Personal Profile
Work Experience
Professional legal research assistant and paralegal with 10+ years of experience working in law firms across the country. Avid team worker with excellent research and communication skills, ready to participate in research projects and case management. Expert with excellent time management skills and attention to detail, capable of collaborating with law experts to gather, document and report research information.
Work Experience
05/2019- 08/2022, Senior Research Assistant, Wilbury & Brandon’s LLP, Cleveland, Ohio
- Participated in, facilitated, and coordinated the successful completion of 1000+ monthly research requests
- Led, supervised and motivated five junior legal research assistants in achieving the firm’s goals and objectives
- Regularly communicated with research team members on project statuses and possible improvements
- Facilitated timely research and data compilation on 100+ domestic and international legal topics
- Offered administrative and research support in 50+ comprehensive legal projects
- Managed information requests from associates by locating, organizing, summarizing, and interpreting legal information promptly
- Used time management skills to prepare and submit data, reports, and legal materials within the provided timeline
- Preserved data and findings integrity by maintaining quality data collection and compilation standards
- Initiated and built excellent relationships with 50+ lawyers and judges through professional interactions
- Performed timely data entry and excellent file management, keeping the firm’s databases updated and well-maintained
- Contributed to the development of the firm’s international law database regarding transnational crimes
- Regularly prepared and submitted research findings and reports to different departments
- Mentored and trained five junior research assistants on various research methods and procedures and overall policies
02/2016- 03/2019, Research Assistant, Apollo & Co. Advocates, Los Angeles, USA
- Handled 500+ monthly research requests, presenting findings within the given deadline
- Performed general administrative duties, e.g., phone call and email management daily
- Maintained and organized case files, helping seven lawyers prepare for trials, hearings, and corporate meetings
- Contributed to daily keeping and management of records by physically and electronically filing caseloads
- Collaborated with three legal research assistants to conduct extensive legal research and obtain the needed legal information for cases
- Compiled, proofread, and edited 10+ legal drafts, including licenses, leases, and contracts
- Updated the firm’s website to mirror new legislations, guidelines, and research information
- Interacted with clients in-person and via the phone while maintaining excellent customer service skills and high etiquette standards
03/2012- 11/2015, Paralegal, Rosewood & Bedford Advocates, San Diego, CA
- Summarized cases and regularly prepared legal reports for five attorneys
- Conducted extensive research on domestic and international legal topics; reporting findings within the provided timeline
- Managed attorney calendars; ensuring zero activity clashes
- Responded to all inquiry emails within 24 hours for superior customer service and improved customer satisfaction
- Organized, participated in, and occasionally led training programs for new paralegals, improving their productivity by 25% within the first three months
- Identified and implemented a new digital filing system, improving document retrieval efficiency by 20%
- Offered administrative and research support in 60+ special projects
- Named the best paralegal in 2014 for handling the highest number of research requests
Education
- 04/2009- 06/2011, Diploma in Paralegal Studies, Abraham Lincoln University, Los Angeles, USA
- 04/2005- 06/2007, High School Diploma, Palmer Senior High School, Alaska
Skills
- Languages
- Danish
- English
- Swedish
Technical Skills
- Cataloging
- Research methods
- Data analysis
- Data entry
- Scheduling
- Project management
- Microsoft Office
- Data collection
- Interviewing
- Report generation
- Data collection
- Statistics
- Research
Soft Skills
- Attention to details
- Time management
- Verbal and written communication
- Public speaking
- Multitasking
- Teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Dependability
- Resilience
- Organization
Certifications
- 04/18, Google Data Analytics Professional Certification, Google
- 04/15, Professional Researcher Certification, Insights Association
Research Assistant CV Example 2
Jane Rose
Physical address: 315 High Street, Kodiak, Alaska, 99467
Email address: rosejane17@gmail.com
Phone number: (320) 890- 6743
Personal Profile
Clinical Research Assistant with excellent research and lab maintenance skills ready to collaborate with laboratory professionals to gather and compile clinical data for research projects. Research professional with great mastery of research methods and procedures required for successful clinical research. Critical thinker committed to promoting data integrity.
Work Experience
05/2019- 10/2022, Senior Clinical Research Assistant, Revolution Laboratories, San Diego, CA
- Led, mentored and supervised 12 clinical research assistants in meeting the facility’s research and trials objectives
- Regularly validated program integrity and used IBM Infosphere DataStage to transform data
- Researched and updated clinical research protocols; keeping the clinical research manager updated through detailed reports
- Regularly updated the lab website with approved clinical trial information, keeping our 300,000+ monthly website visitors updated
- Used Labware Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to organize and track 6000+ trial samples
- Acknowledged by the clinical research manager 10+ times for excellent performance and timely task execution
03/2016- 05/2019, Clinical Research Assistant, Avenue Laboratories, Fairbanks, Alaska
- Collaborated with four clinical research assistants to organize and maintain the laboratory’s study database
- Researched, created, and wrote trial protocols, using PowerPoint to present them to the steering committee
- Regularly trained 10+ staff members on protocol requirements and how to properly document sources
- Ensured 100% compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations during trials
- Safely organized lab results and patient information using Excel
- Assisted the ethics committee in prioritizing the safety, rights, and well-being of 2000+ trial subjects
- Used excellent time management and multitasking skills to prepare research documentation, correspondence, and findings within the required timelines
- Monitored the $1.2M+ research project budget by tracking and documenting expenses
02/2013- 11/2015, Clinical Assistant, GetWell Hospitals, Anchorage, Alaska
- Served as the primary clinical assistant for the in-patient service department for 2+ years
- Obtained personal and health information of 50+ patients daily for timely file preparation
- Facilitated the training, education, and development of 3 new junior clinical assistants
- Acted as a point of contact between patients and ten insurance health providers, escalating their issues and following up on their insurance payments
- Implemented a new filing system, improving data files access ease by 30%
Education
- 03/2008- 06/2012, Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
- 02/2005- 08/2007, High School Diploma, Anchorage Senior High School, Alaska
Skills
- Languages
- English
- Swahili
- Dutch
Technical Skills
- Research methods and processes
- Microsoft Office
- Cataloging
- Project management
- Lab maintenance
- Medical reporting
- Equipment maintenance
- Data collection
- Data analysis
- Data entry
- Interviewing
- Literature review
- Research
- Scheduling
- Report generation
Soft Skills
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Verbal and written communication
- Organization
- Multitasking
- Resilience
- Teamwork
- Dependability
- Ability to work under pressure
- Public speaking
Certifications
07/16, Google Data Analytics Professional Certification, Google
Research Assistant Resume Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
1. Which Technical Skills Should I Include in My Resume?
Your resume should convince the hiring manager that you can successfully execute the tasks outlined in the job listing- which can only be done if you have the right technical skills. These specialized knowledge and expertise also help research assistants use different task-related tools and applications in their daily work. Here are some of the most viable examples: data analysis, data collection, research, planning, report generation, training, Microsoft Office, data entry, interviewing, scheduling research methods and procedures, administrative skills, sampling, and presentation.
Other technical skills worth including are literature review, research methods, report writing, insight analysis, technical writing, and the ability to solve technical problems. Before listing them, take some time to review the job listing/ advert and find precisely what the interviewer needs. Remember to highlight these skills in your profile section, which generally acts as the resume summary
2. Which Keywords Should I Include in My Resume?
Your resume must have words or phrases describing specific job requirements, which range from abilities and skills to expertise and values. Even though these are often found in the job listing, here are a few that apply to most research assistants’ resumes: research, MATLAB, Stata, data analysis, research, programming, Microsoft Access, deep learning, statistics, quality control, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, research methods, data collection, data entry, research procedures, and report generation.
Additional keywords you will likely come across are sampling, grant writing, essay, database, administration, experiment, interpersonal, collaboration, attention to detail, planning, filing, etc. Once you have the right keywords, spread them evenly in your resume so that they are not concentrated in one section resulting in keyword stuffing.
3. Which Soft Skills Should I Include in My Resume?
You should possess various skills that can help you interact well with others. These are often known as soft skills and are not as job-specific as technical skills. Here are a few you can include in your resume for better results: time management, attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, dependability, teamwork, resilience, multitasking, public speaking, and verbal and written communication.
Additional soft skills include critical thinking, stress management, collaboration, organization, and creativity. Begin with the ones required in the job listing when writing your resume.
4. Which Are the Best Certifications for a Research Assistant Resume?
There are several certification options available for research assistants. However, they are usually dependent on the research area. For example, you should pursue clinical research assistant certifications for the medical field and legal research assistant certifications for law-related research work. All in all, here are some of the most common:
- Clinical Research Assistant Certification– This certification is offered by the American Phlebotomy Association on the condition that one completes an approved phlebotomy program, meets an 80-hour lecture requirement, performs at least 50 successful venipunctures, and attains a minimum of 80 clinical rotation hours in a research center or medical lab. It is renewed every two years.
- Certified Clinical Research Professional Certification– The Society of Clinical Research Associates offers this certification to research assistants with backgrounds in nursing, medical technology, pharmacy, health records maintenance, biology, teaching, statistics, and business administration. It must be renewed every three years to remain valid.
- Professional Researcher Certification- This is perhaps one of the most diverse research assistant certifications. It can be acquired by researchers at every level of education and work experience. The Insights Association offers it to encourage professional development, objectively measure a research professional’s knowledge, and indicate proficiency.
- Certified Paralegal/ Certified Legal Assistants’ (CP/CLA)- This is one of the best certifications for legal research assistants offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. It has to be renewed every 5 years.
Other certifications worth considering include Certified in Data Analytics, Certification in Business Data Analytics, Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, and Certified Clinical Research Coordinator. Keep an eye out for the renewal periods of these certifications.
5. How Can I Become a Research Assistant?
Research assistants are required in several industries; therefore, the first step is determining the field that interests you most. Some of the most common industries are the legal and medical fields, which have different educational needs and skill requirements. The next step is earning a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in your field of choice, which helps you attain in-depth knowledge. You can then apply for an internship to build more connections and gain relevant experience for your first job.
Also, commit your time to obtain relevant certifications to make you competitive in the job market. Once everything is in order, apply for your research assistant job and do your best.