Do you need a PhD to be a research assistant?

If you're an undergraduate looking for a research assistant position, it is best to be a major in the subject and have completed higher-level major course credits. It also doesn't hurt to take classes from the professor of the lab you wish to work in before applying.

Some common areas for research assistants are medicine, biology, law, economics, psychology, sociology, physics, chemistry, and the humanities.

If you are a graduate with a bachelor's or master's application for a research role, it is recommended that you apply for a research assistant position in a lab that is aligned with your research interests. Working in a research lab is an excellent way to learn more about whether a PhD. program is something that you would like to do.

If you have a PhD, applying for a research assistant position (e.g., postdoc research fellowship) will give you time to gain more specialized research in your field and include the ability to publish more research.

Typically postdoc research assistant programs last anywhere from one to three years and pay between $50,000 to $70,000. Some of these fellowships may also require additional work, such as teaching courses.

Regardless of the qualification requirement, you will need to have a thorough understanding of the subject area and be able to show examples of research skills such as data collection and analysis.

It's important to do your research beforehand and find out what labs are available and what skill sets you will need to be successful as a research assistant.