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What is a research and development assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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The research and development department is an important part of any business. Some companies even allocate the biggest budget to research and development activities. Why? Because this is the key to gain an advantage over the competitors and to excite the market. Research and development teams create products, enhance process efficiency, and promote productivity. One vital role in research and development teams is that of the research and development assistant.

Research and development assistants help in administrative activities and research activities. They are often fresh graduates and, as such, treated as trainees in the field. They are given tasks that do not have big responsibilities yet but are still important in the department. They may be asked to handle paperwork related to developments. They may also be asked to conduct research to back up plans.

If you are interested in the research and development field, this is a good place to start. You may want to apply to roles in an industry you would like to specialize in since this will surely give you an advantage.

ScoreResearch And Development AssistantUS Average
Salary
4.9

Avg. Salary $63,157

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.5

Growth rate 16%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.03%

Asian 16.45%

Black or African American 8.48%

Hispanic or Latino 15.13%

Unknown 6.00%

White 52.91%

Gender

female 53.65%

male 46.35%

Age - 35
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 35
Stress level
4.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Research and development assistant career paths

Key steps to become a research and development assistant

  1. Explore research and development assistant education requirements

    Most common research and development assistant degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.0 %

    Master's

    14.4 %

    Associate

    8.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific research and development assistant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Lab Equipment9.75%
    Data Entry9.34%
    Laboratory Equipment7.55%
    Data Collection5.87%
    Assist R5.16%
  3. Complete relevant research and development assistant training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New research and development assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a research and development assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real research and development assistant resumes.
  4. Research research and development assistant duties and responsibilities

    • Develop multiple python programs to automate data analysis of device battery readings, piston/valve friction data, and bolus accuracy data.
    • Develop assays and prepare potentially hazardous samples in GLP setting.
    • Apply GIS skills to label and position information within a map.
    • Include the design, testing, documentation of the projects and implementation using Java and MySQL.
  5. Prepare your research and development assistant resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your research and development assistant resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a research and development assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable research and development assistant resume templates

    Build a professional research and development assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your research and development assistant resume.
    Research And Development Assistant Resume
    Research And Development Assistant Resume
    Research And Development Assistant Resume
    Research And Development Assistant Resume
    Research And Development Assistant Resume
    Research And Development Assistant Resume
    Research And Development Assistant Resume
    Research And Development Assistant Resume
    Research And Development Assistant Resume
  6. Apply for research and development assistant jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a research and development assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first research and development assistant job

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Average research and development assistant salary

The average research and development assistant salary in the United States is $63,157 per year or $30 per hour. Research and development assistant salaries range between $41,000 and $96,000 per year.

Average research and development assistant salary
$63,157 Yearly
$30.36 hourly

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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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