What does a research and development assistant do?

A research and development assistant is responsible for supporting the research team in collecting studies and information to support research claims and evaluate data materials. Research and development assistants interview participants, conduct data and statistical analysis, and interpret survey results. They ensure to document all findings and research progress and report any concerns to the research supervisor for immediate resolution. A research and development assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in participating in brainstorming sessions and finalize research subjects as required.
Research and development assistant responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real research and development assistant resumes:
- 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.
- Develop a Java, J2EE spring web-application for material mailing with management of materials and contacts.
- Gain hands-on experience with new characterization techniques such as DSC, measuring coercivity, and x-ray diffraction.
- Work directly with the lead quantitative analyst to provide research and MATLAB programming for trend following and trade indicators.
- Develop windows application using VB.net.
- Involve in developing application using MVC framework.
- Work on web-scraping/security relate side projects in python.
- Code application modules using MVC pattern and agile methodology.
- Develop single page web application using JavaScript framework AngularJS.
- Compile scientific data reporting for FDA regulate drug application review.
- Project also involve basic mathematical problem solving using MATLAB software.
- Generate lab automation in Linux environment, generating and validating models.
Research and development assistant skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Research And Development Assistants are proficient in Lab Equipment, Data Entry, and Laboratory Equipment. They’re also known for soft skills such as Logical thinking, Math skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Research And Development Assistants that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Lab Equipment, 10%
Trouble shot all lab equipment to try to fix issues when they arrived.
- Data Entry, 9%
Logged into company database to perform data entry and kept accurate records in a lab notebook.
- Laboratory Equipment, 8%
Performed and documented required preventative maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment while maintaining inventory of reagents and supplies to perform testing.
- Data Collection, 6%
Designed data collection experiment protocols that are both clinically practical and highly excited for system identification.
- Assist R, 5%
Assist R & D team with the setup and installation of new test printer equipment.
- Java, 5%
Developed a rich Java Applet front end allowing interactive visualization of maps and forestry data.
"lab equipment," "data entry," and "laboratory equipment" are among the most common skills that research and development assistants use at work. You can find even more research and development assistant responsibilities below, including:
Logical thinking. The most essential soft skill for a research and development assistant to carry out their responsibilities is logical thinking. This skill is important for the role because "computer algorithms rely on logic." Additionally, a research and development assistant resume shows how their duties depend on logical thinking: "used angularjs for the logical implementation part at client side for all the applications. "
Math skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling research and development assistant duties is math skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "computer and information research scientists must have knowledge of advanced math and other technical topics that are critical in computing." According to a research and development assistant resume, here's how research and development assistants can utilize math skills in their job responsibilities: "survey design, quantitative data analysis & research design. "
Detail oriented. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of research and development assistants is detail oriented. This skill is critical to many everyday research and development assistant duties, as "computer and information research scientists must pay close attention to their work, because a small programming error can cause an entire project to fail." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "coded qualitative data collection using spss for detailing family interaction and child development. "
Analytical skills. For certain research and development assistant responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "analytical skills." The day-to-day duties of a research and development assistant rely on this skill, as "computer and information research scientists must be organized in their thinking and analyze the results of their research to formulate conclusions." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what research and development assistants do: "compiled scientific data reporting for fda regulated drug application review. "
The three companies that hire the most research and development assistants are:
Choose from 10+ customizable research and development assistant resume templates
Build a professional research and development assistant resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your research and development assistant resume.Compare different research and development assistants
Research and development assistant vs. Microbiologist
Microbiologists are responsible for studying the microscopic organisms causing infections and environmental damage, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Their work focuses on the identification and growth of these microbes to better understand their characteristics that may help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious and bacterial diseases. They use sophisticated technologies and machinery to study microbes and perform their tasks. These scientists are also responsible for developing best practices and techniques for routine sampling and research. Microbiologists may work in various settings, including laboratories, research institutes, and hospitals.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between research and development assistants and microbiologist. For instance, research and development assistant responsibilities require skills such as "data entry," "laboratory equipment," "data collection," and "assist r." Whereas a microbiologist is skilled in "microbiology lab," "environmental monitoring," "test methods," and "laboratory procedures." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Microbiologists really shine in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $57,911. Comparatively, research and development assistants tend to make the most money in the health care industry with an average salary of $71,587.microbiologists tend to reach similar levels of education than research and development assistants. In fact, microbiologists are 1.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.9% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Research and development assistant vs. Chemical technician
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, research and development assistant responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "data entry," "laboratory equipment," "data collection," and "assist r." Meanwhile, a chemical technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "safety procedures," "hazardous materials," "osha," and "math." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, chemical technicians earn a lower salary than research and development assistants. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, chemical technicians earn the most pay in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $66,439. Whereas research and development assistants have higher pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $71,587.In general, chemical technicians achieve lower levels of education than research and development assistants. They're 11.5% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Research and development assistant vs. Laboratory analyst
A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, research and development assistants are more likely to have skills like "laboratory equipment," "data collection," "assist r," and "java." But a laboratory analyst is more likely to have skills like "test methods," "lims," "laboratory procedures," and "sample preparation."
Laboratory analysts make a very good living in the pharmaceutical industry with an average annual salary of $47,806. On the other hand, research and development assistants are paid the highest salary in the health care industry, with average annual pay of $71,587.When it comes to education, laboratory analysts tend to earn lower degree levels compared to research and development assistants. In fact, they're 7.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Research and development assistant 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.
Types of research and development assistant
Updated January 8, 2025











