What does a research associate do?

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.
Research associate responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real research associate resumes:
- Study utilize online survey tools and data are managed and analyze using SPSS.
- Manage databases, analyze data in STATA, and summarize relevant findings for partners.
- Lead diverse research teams in the development of PCR and reverse transcriptase PCR assays for various food-borne pathogens.
- Process, analyze and upload HTS data that lead to the discovery of new structural classes of small molecules.
- Manage outsource projects, and interact with vendors for API sourcing, and device components base on project needs.
- Manage all aspects of HPLC method development and analysis through interpretation of data ensuring accuracy of results.
- Process development and improvements - introduce magnetic bead DNA extraction in combination with customize liquid handling automation.
- Conduct telephone interviews and follow-up home visits with adult and senior adult medical patients participating in various depression research studies.
- Conduct research in environmental health relate studies, perform statistical analysis of study results and present PowerPoint presentations on results.
- Develop new DNA extraction and analysis techniques to increase sensitivity and specificity of DNA analysis in response to FDA requirements.
- Construct CRISPR, TALEN and shRNA knockdown vectors.
- Develop fast methods of detecting bacterial pathogens in food.
- Design CRISPR alleles and isolate inject fly lineages with anticipate mutations.
- Validate this mechanism via biochemical assays and 2D NMR structural analysis.
- Develop a IMCP base monitoring software using python to monitor network systems.
Research associate skills and personality traits
We calculated that 6% of Research Associates are proficient in Patients, Research Projects, and Data Analysis. They’re also known for soft skills such as Observational skills, Technical skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Research Associates that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Patients, 6%
Conducted telephone interviews and follow-up home visits with adult and senior adult medical patients participating in various depression research studies.
- Research Projects, 6%
Performed statistical analyses for quantitative/qualitative research projects.
- Data Analysis, 6%
Performed interviews and methodically documented youth progress to determine the efficacy of intervention programs as a basis for comparative data analysis.
- Data Collection, 5%
Manage external consultants in identification of data needs of project and supervise their data collection from Managed Care Organization data sources.
- Cell Culture, 5%
Performed cell culture utilizing sterile technique and managed laboratory safety/chemical inventory/equipment.
- Chemistry, 4%
Contributed to the characterization of two protein molecules involved in platelet and other bleeding disorders using Molecular Biology and Protein Chemistry.
Common skills that a research associate uses to do their job include "patients," "research projects," and "data analysis." You can find details on the most important research associate responsibilities below.
Communication skills. A big part of what research associates do relies on "communication skills." You can see how essential it is to research associate responsibilities because "medical scientists must be able to explain their research in nontechnical ways." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical research associate tasks: "authored descriptive and detailed final reports for communication across company in addition to supporting fda submissions. "
Observation skills. Another common skill required for research associate responsibilities is "observation skills." This skill comes up in the duties of research associates all the time, as "medical scientists conduct experiments that require monitoring samples and other health-related data." An excerpt from a real research associate resume shows how this skill is central to what a research associate does: "maintain research integrity by conducting quality checks of observational and physiological data collection to ensure adherence to protocol guidelines and regulations. "
The three companies that hire the most research associates are:
- Michigan State University149 research associates jobs
- University of Virginia102 research associates jobs
- Cedars-Sinai96 research associates jobs
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Research associate vs. Scientist
A scientist is responsible for researching and analyzing the nature and complexities of the physical world to identify discoveries that would improve people's lives and ignite scientific knowledge for society. Scientists' duties differ in their different areas of expertise, but all of them must have a broad comprehension of scientific disciplines and methods to support their experiments and investigations. They collect the sample for their research, record findings, create research proposals, and release publications. A scientist must know how to utilize laboratory equipment to support the study and drive results efficiently and accurately.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between research associates and scientist. For instance, research associate responsibilities require skills such as "lab equipment," "python," "analyze data," and "pi." Whereas a scientist is skilled in "molecular biology," "java," "product development," and "drug discovery." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Scientists tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $134,486. In contrast, research associates make the biggest average salary, $84,005, in the finance industry.The education levels that scientists earn slightly differ from research associates. In particular, scientists are 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a research associate. Additionally, they're 5.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Research associate vs. Laboratory researcher
Laboratory researchers are professionals who manage a research laboratory while performing cellular and biochemical experiments with the primary researcher. These researchers must work with hazardous chemicals and should show expertise in handling lab equipment such as glassware and field equipment. They are required to assist with research projects and interpret the test data of an experiment. They must manage the order of all lab equipment by filling up the purchase requisition forms. Laboratory researchers are required to work with students in all aspects of laboratory research.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real research associate resumes. While research associate responsibilities can utilize skills like "patients," "research projects," "python," and "excellent interpersonal," laboratory researchers use skills like "lab procedures," "molecular biology," "pcr," and "laboratory research."
On average, laboratory researchers earn a lower salary than research associates. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, laboratory researchers earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $30,412. Whereas research associates have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $84,005.laboratory researchers earn lower levels of education than research associates in general. They're 9.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 5.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for research associates in the next 3-5 years?
Research associate vs. Senior research fellow
Senior Research Fellows are reputable researchers employed in an academic institution or a research facility. The nature of their employment in the institution is related to their research work or field of interest. Senior Research Fellows lead a team of researchers on big projects that require more team members. They manage the team's budget, set timelines, and guide the researchers. They spearhead the analysis of the data gathered. They also set the tone for the presentation materials. Senior Research Fellows should be passionate about their field, should have a thirst for knowledge, and should be able to lead teams.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a research associate is likely to be skilled in "laboratory equipment," "lab equipment," "flow cytometry," and "excellent interpersonal," while a typical senior research fellow is skilled in "visualization," "product development," "java," and "prototyping."
Senior research fellows typically earn higher educational levels compared to research associates. Specifically, they're 5.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 6.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Research associate vs. Graduate research student
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.
Types of research associate
Updated January 8, 2025











