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What does an associate research engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read

Associate research engineers are professionals who foster laboratory collaboration between physics labs and engineering departments to accomplish shared goals. These engineers are required to maintain various inventories and collaborate with biologists and chemical engineers to optimize cell culture design and processing. They must conduct research projects that involve computing-intensive simulations and analysis of large data set while submitting grant applications to provide funding for research. Associate research engineers must also ensure that lab equipment is properly working by conducting preventative maintenance activities.

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Associate research engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real associate research engineer resumes:

  • Foster cross laboratory collaboration between physics labs and between engineering, biology, and chemistry departments to accomplish share goals.
  • Design a new process to utilize the non-aqueous CO2 capture fluid in a post-combustion power plant.
  • Design and create models in SOLIDWORKS and used Matlab to generate models and analyze the results in complicate cases.
  • Investigate and optimize a charge polymer coating to effectively manipulate orientation of surface-tethered DNA.
  • Develop prototypes for a new generation cardiac ablation catheter with magnetic sensor for 3D high-resolution mapping and navigation.
  • Evaluate several resins for improve catheter tubing and select best performing resin base on cost and benefit analysis.
  • Implement fluorescence spectral imaging design that enable high-throughput, simultaneous quantification of surface-bound molecular mass density and DNA conformation.
  • Develop SAS code and apply multivariate analysis method to generate and validate descriptive and inferential statistical results of experiment data.
  • Perform routine lab and equipment maintenance to identify and implement system improvements and assists with reconfiguration of high-pressure NMR probe.
  • Synthesize and characterize colloidal room-temperature ferromagnetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles.
  • Validate and translate MRI and finite element modeling techniques into the patient- base investigation.

Associate research engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Associate Research Engineers are proficient in Data Analysis, Python, and Cell Culture. They’re also known for soft skills such as Listening skills, Mechanical skills, and Creativity.

We break down the percentage of Associate Research Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Data Analysis, 7%

    Supervised coupon-level materials testing, including instrumentation, data acquisition and data analysis.

  • Python, 7%

    Developed scripts for automated visualization of data from multiple sources using packages such as lattice in R and matplotlib in Python.

  • Cell Culture, 7%

    Maintained and employed mammalian cell culture lines for use in expressing recombinant proteins.

  • Research Projects, 7%

    Conducted and completed research projects on disease, drug, and animal vs. human studies.

  • Chemical Engineering, 6%

    Applied chemical engineering principles and technical skills to assist developing chemical plant process, products, and equipment.

  • PCR, 4%

    Expressed telomerase protein in cultured human cells and quantified enzyme activity by reverse transcriptase PCR.

Most associate research engineers use their skills in "data analysis," "python," and "cell culture" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential associate research engineer responsibilities here:

Listening skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an associate research engineer to have is listening skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists." Associate research engineers often use listening skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "communicated and collaborated with other university and industry members of the nsf i/ucrc's center for energy smart electronic systems. "

Mechanical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling associate research engineer duties is mechanical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." According to an associate research engineer resume, here's how associate research engineers can utilize mechanical skills in their job responsibilities: "collaborated with orthorpaedic surgeons to design and perform biomechanical tests, data collections and statistical analyses. "

Creativity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of associate research engineers is creativity. This skill is critical to many everyday associate research engineer duties, as "mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "used autodesk inventor 3d cad to design complex assemblies consisting of graphite, alumina and molybdenum components. "

Math skills. A big part of what associate research engineers do relies on "math skills." You can see how essential it is to associate research engineer responsibilities because "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical associate research engineer tasks: "developed a nonlinear mathematical method for solving the cole and cole model and designed practical algorithms for its hardware implementation. "

Problem-solving skills. Another crucial skill for an associate research engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." A big part of what associate research engineers relies on this skill, since "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." How this skill relates to associate research engineer duties can be seen in an example from an associate research engineer resume snippet: "developed specialized analysis tools and explained validity of analysis and proposed solution to senior staff. "

Most common associate research engineer skills

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Compare different associate research engineers

Associate research engineer vs. Engineering associate

An engineering associate is an individual whose job duties include analysis of project plans, development of product designs, and maintenance of equipment. The engineering fields where an engineering associate can find a job include civil, mechanical, and environmental. The requirements to qualify for the position include obtaining a bachelor's degree in engineering, familiarity with a specific industry, prior work experience related to the field, and possessing strong technical skills.

If we compare the average associate research engineer annual salary with that of an engineering associate, we find that engineering associates typically earn a $5,293 lower salary than associate research engineers make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both associate research engineer and engineering associate positions are skilled in data analysis, python, and c #.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, associate research engineer responsibilities require skills like "cell culture," "research projects," "chemical engineering," and "pcr." Meanwhile a typical engineering associate has skills in areas such as "project management," "ul," "technical support," and "sql." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Engineering associates really shine in the energy industry with an average salary of $88,950. Comparatively, associate research engineers tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $81,465.On average, engineering associates reach lower levels of education than associate research engineers. Engineering associates are 11.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 10.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Associate research engineer vs. Research associate

A research associate is responsible for assisting the research team, organizing and interpreting findings, and verifying information before presenting the study to the board. Research associates duties also include gathering and comparing data from multiple sources, analyzing the current industry trends, creating draft outlines for reports, collecting individual contacts for interview purposes, and helping with the development of research procedures. A research associate must have excellent time-management skills and ability to multi-task, especially on meeting strict deadlines and conducting studies.

A career as a research associate brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of an associate research engineer. In fact, research associates salary is $15,784 lower than the salary of associate research engineers per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Associate research engineers and research associates both require similar skills like "data analysis," "python," and "cell culture" to carry out their responsibilities.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that associate research engineer responsibilities requires skills like "chemical engineering," "c #," "pcr," and "algorithms." But a research associate might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "patients," "chemistry," "rna," and "flow cytometry."

On average, research associates earn a lower salary than associate research engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, research associates earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $84,005. Whereas associate research engineers have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $81,465.In general, research associates achieve similar levels of education than associate research engineers. They're 0.9% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 10.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Associate research engineer vs. Manufacturing engineer

Manufacturing Engineers are responsible for handling and developing an efficient manufacturing system or procedure that will help a company produce up to standard products while in adherence to the policies, regulations, and expected cost and schedule. Furthermore, Manufacturing Engineers must also monitor quality control, identify or detect errors, provide and suggest improvements, oversee the procurement of materials involved in the production, and coordinate with various teams or departments within the company to ensure the effectiveness of innovations or new developments.

On average, manufacturing engineers earn higher salaries than associate research engineers, with a $2,572 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on associate research engineers and manufacturing engineers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "r," "additive manufacturing," and "cad.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, associate research engineers are more likely to have skills like "data analysis," "python," "cell culture," and "research projects." But a manufacturing engineer is more likely to have skills like "lean manufacturing," "project management," "cnc," and "corrective action."

Manufacturing engineers make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $81,429. On the other hand, associate research engineers are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $81,465.When it comes to education, manufacturing engineers tend to earn lower degree levels compared to associate research engineers. In fact, they're 11.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 10.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Associate research engineer vs. Engineer

Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.

Engineers typically earn higher pay than associate research engineers. On average, engineers earn a $16,127 higher salary per year.According to resumes from associate research engineers and engineers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "data analysis," "python," and "c #. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between associate research engineers and engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an associate research engineer might have more use for skills like "cell culture," "research projects," "chemical engineering," and "pcr." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of engineers require skills like "cloud," "aws," "troubleshoot," and "javascript. "

The automotive industry tends to pay the highest salaries for engineers, with average annual pay of $97,672. Comparatively, the highest associate research engineer annual salary comes from the manufacturing industry.In general, engineers hold lower degree levels compared to associate research engineers. Engineers are 7.8% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 9.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of associate research engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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