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What does a graduate research student do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a graduate research student do

Graduate research students are learners who conduct degree program-related research in a research unit or an academic department. These students manage themselves independently as well as their work. They make certain that they have familiarized the requirements of the university. Educators and other scholars expect them to develop enough research and skills. Their responsibilities include academic honesty, participation in supervisory meetings, and maintenance of effective supervisor communication. In terms of their research, they should have a research plan ahead.

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Graduate research student responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real graduate research student resumes:

  • Evaluate patients' study eligibility via medical history, obtain informed consent, enroll patients, and achieve enrollment quotas.
  • Conduct molecular and cellular biology research techniques including DNA, RNA and protein isolation and analysis
  • Assist in organic chemistry laboratory on synthesis of molecule that behaves as fluorescent switch with cation binding properties
  • Perform Parkinson's psychological test on undergraduate students at UCLA and analyze data using statistical analysis software SPSS.
  • Analyze data using SAS statistical software, and map populations using GIS.
  • Summarize statistics from SAS outputs for USDA research grant investigating WIC and food insecurity.
  • Used ImageJ photo software to analyze and quantify fluorescence of image cells, RT-PCR gel plate analysis.
  • Extract cell RNA and perform QPCR to test for the TWIST1 gene link to proliferation and differentiation.
  • Implement PMUSIC routine using python programming language to access the dynamics of the perpendicular velocity of density fluctuations.
  • Assist graduate student lab personnel with advance molecular techniques such as RT-PCR, fluorescent microscopy, and IFA staining.
  • Isolate RNA as part of a larger project that study the IL-6 gene in CD8 K/O mice compare to wild-type mice.
  • Record data of electrophoresis gel.
  • Present preliminary results at a regional symposium.
  • Conduct psychological studies and analyze statistical data in SPSS.
  • Prepare imaging data from gel and mobility shift electrophoresis protocols.

Graduate research student skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Graduate Research Students are proficient in Lab Equipment, Laboratory Equipment, and Python. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Detail oriented.

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

  • Lab Equipment, 11%

    Manufactured prototype for ergonomic and quality testing utilizing machine shop and test lab equipment.

  • Laboratory Equipment, 6%

    Maintained laboratory equipment and supplies and liaise with other laboratory teams, and principal investigators regarding laboratory results and reports.

  • Python, 6%

    Performed analysis on large volume of data containing simulations of numerical models of continuous gravitational waves written in MATLAB and Python.

  • C++, 5%

    Implemented both sequential and distributed Minimal Dominating Set algorithms in C++.

  • Chemistry, 5%

    Provided training and instruction to an undergraduate student in research techniques and higher-level approaches to organic chemistry problem solving.

  • Cell Culture, 5%

    Assisted in collection and interpretation of data obtained and encouraged efficient cell culture techniques.

"lab equipment," "laboratory equipment," and "python" are among the most common skills that graduate research students use at work. You can find even more graduate research student responsibilities below, including:

Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a graduate research student to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "market research analysts must evaluate large amounts of data and information related to market conditions." Graduate research students often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "preformed gas analysis using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas- chromatography mass spectrometry. "

Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform graduate research student duties is communication skills. Graduate research students responsibilities require that "market research analysts must be able to clearly convey information when gathering material, interpreting data, and presenting results to clients." Graduate research students also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "manage data collection projects by providing weekly updates/reports; verbal and written communication skills. "

Detail oriented. This is an important skill for graduate research students to perform their duties. For an example of how graduate research student responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "market research analysts must pay attention to minutiae to evaluate data." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a graduate research student: "collaborated with 3 research students to construct a detailed report of our findings during the summer. ".

All graduate research student skills

The three companies that hire the most graduate research students are:

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Compare different graduate research students

Graduate research student vs. Postdoctoral scholar

A Postdoctoral Scholar is responsible for supporting an educational research group to conduct studies and gather relevant data to support study claims and scientific evidence. They review initial findings, perform field investigations, and interview the target respondents for data and statistical analysis. They also coordinate with the whole team for efficient research methods, ensuring adherence to budget limitations and required timetables. A Postdoctoral Scholar must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to document reports and discuss results with the research team.

We looked at the average graduate research student salary and compared it with the wages of a postdoctoral scholar. Generally speaking, postdoctoral scholars are paid $22,929 higher than graduate research students per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between graduate research students and postdoctoral scholars are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like python, c++, and chemistry.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, graduate research student responsibilities require skills like "lab equipment," "laboratory equipment," "analyze data," and "research student." Meanwhile a typical postdoctoral scholar has skills in areas such as "patients," "nih," "mathematics," and "research projects." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Postdoctoral scholars tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $72,557. In contrast, graduate research students make the biggest average salary, $41,968, in the education industry.The education levels that postdoctoral scholars earn slightly differ from graduate research students. In particular, postdoctoral scholars are 8.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a graduate research student. Additionally, they're 20.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Graduate research student vs. Laboratory internship

A laboratory intern is responsible for assisting laboratory operations and perform examinations and experiments under the supervision of tenured laboratory staff. Laboratory interns shadow all the laboratory processes, document their observations, and conduct an in-depth analysis of the results. They must have excellent knowledge of scientific procedures, demonstrating their class learnings to practical applications. A laboratory intern must be detail-oriented, especially on conducting and verifying the accuracy of research materials. It is also required for a laboratory intern to be a fast-learner, understanding the scientific complexities to master various approaches.

On average, laboratory interns earn a $647 higher salary than graduate research students a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Graduate research students and laboratory interns both require similar skills like "lab equipment," "laboratory equipment," and "python" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, graduate research student responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "research student," "molecular biology," "protein purification," and "synthesis." Meanwhile, a laboratory internship has duties that require skills in areas such as "lab procedures," "laboratory procedures," "test results," and "research projects." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Laboratory interns may earn a higher salary than graduate research students, but laboratory interns earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $48,851. On the other hand, graduate research students receive higher pay in the education industry, where they earn an average salary of $41,968.laboratory interns earn lower levels of education than graduate research students in general. They're 5.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 20.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Graduate research student vs. Teaching assistant

Teaching assistants are employees who aid teachers in activities needed to deliver lessons. They are usually junior employees or even students who are doing part-time work. Teaching assistants usually set up classrooms, prepare handouts, and give out these handouts in the classroom. They may also be tapped to help prepare presentation materials, source items for classroom demonstration purposes, and assist in the conduct of the lesson. Teaching assistants also help collect schoolwork from students and may also assist teachers in checking schoolwork.

An average teaching assistant eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of graduate research students. The difference in salaries amounts to teaching assistants earning a $1,861 higher average salary than graduate research students.By looking over several graduate research students and teaching assistants resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "python," "c++," and "r." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a graduate research student is likely to be skilled in "lab equipment," "laboratory equipment," "chemistry," and "cell culture," while a typical teaching assistant is skilled in "lab experiments," "laboratory experiments," "ta," and "organic chemistry."

Teaching assistants earn the best pay in the education industry, where they command an average salary of $35,860. Graduate research students earn the highest pay from the education industry, with an average salary of $41,968.teaching assistants typically earn similar educational levels compared to graduate research students. Specifically, they're 4.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Graduate research student vs. Research laboratory technician

Research laboratory technicians play a vital role in scientific laboratories. They perform varied duties and responsibilities, which include setting up, operating, and maintaining the laboratory equipment, assisting in laboratory-based research activities such as sampling, testing, and analyzing results, and providing technical support to the laboratory team members. In addition, they are expected to support the development and advancement of science and modern medicine. Other typical duties of research laboratory technicians include preparing samples and specimens, keeping abreast with current technical developments, and ensuring strict compliance with safety procedures.

Research laboratory technicians tend to earn a higher pay than graduate research students by an average of $3,650 per year.While their salaries may vary, graduate research students and research laboratory technicians both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "lab equipment," "laboratory equipment," and "chemistry. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between graduate research students and research laboratory technicians, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a graduate research student might have more use for skills like "python," "c++," "analyze data," and "research student." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of research laboratory technicians require skills like "patients," "research projects," "laboratory procedures," and "flow cytometry. "

Research laboratory technicians enjoy the best pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $42,600. For comparison, graduate research students earn the highest salary in the education industry.In general, research laboratory technicians hold similar degree levels compared to graduate research students. Research laboratory technicians are 2.7% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of graduate research student

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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