1. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-State Tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
Assistant scientists are responsible for various research projects and generally provide assistance to the head scientist. Most of their time and energy is spent on gathering specimens or data, conducting experiments, and creating detailed reports of their findings for the perusal of the head scientist.
Additional duties of an assistant scientist typically include presenting their research to other professionals, calibrating laboratory equipment, preparing samples, and maintaining a clean workstation. They usually work independently but may need to be supervised by a superior in the first few days or weeks of training.
The ideal degree for this role will depend on what kind of research is being conducted. For instance, the best degree for a project in the chemistry field is a bachelor's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering. Moreover, an assistant scientist must have experience working in a laboratory as well as a keen attention to detail.
In terms of salary, an assistant scientist can earn between $46,000 to $88,000 per year, depending on their employer, expertise, and level of experience.
