How To Become A Research Associate, Policy: What It Is and Career Path

What is a research associate, policy and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Ben Brown,

Daniel Patten Ph.D.

A research associate in policy helps develop policies, procedures, consumer education material, and other documents that concern a business' legal compliance. In essence, they help their organization stay compliant with all laws and regulations applicable by conducting research and applying their findings to existing policies, processes, and materials.

The work duties of a research associate in policy may vary depending on the needs of their employer, but in general, they spend most of their time conducting research, analyzing relevant data, collecting information from the organization itself, and coordinating with people involved in policy creation and management within the company.

If you want to become a research associate in policy, you would typically need to have a bachelor's degree in political science or another major that is relevant to the industry you want to enter. More than that, most employers require prior work experience to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills required to create and manage policies.

When you finally become a research associate in policy, you can expect a salary of $73,000 per year. However, if you want the highest-paying jobs, start looking for opportunities in the healthcare, utility, and non-profit fields.

What general advice would you give to a research associate, policy?

Ben Brown

Professor, Ohio State University

There are a lot of good jobs out there, and people are hiring. The job market just looks a little different because most of it is virtual. This may mean that the applicant has to source out employers instead of the employers coming to the student in the form of career fairs.

ScoreResearch Associate, PolicyUS Average

Salary

5.4

Avg. Salary $69,079

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.9

Growth rate 19%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.13%

Asian 14.33%

Black or African American 4.75%

Hispanic or Latino 11.31%

Unknown 4.89%

White 64.59%

Gender

female 50.72%

male 49.28%

Age - 34

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 - 34

Stress level

4.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a research associate, policy

Explore research associate, policy education requirements

Most common research associate, policy degrees

Bachelor's

63.7 %

Master's

28.1 %

Doctorate

5.5 %

Start to develop specific research associate, policy skills

Skills	Percentages
Public Policy	18.92%
Policy Research	15.90%
Research Projects	7.18%
Stata	4.17%
Government Agencies	4.10%

Complete relevant research associate, policy training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New research associates, policy 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 associate, policy based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real research associate, policy resumes.

Research research associate, policy duties and responsibilities

Manage all issues relate to high quality survey administration including training and approval/certification, performance oversight and data collection.
Conduct analysis of international climate change implications and participate in the selection of tools for government agencies to monitor climate change.
Mouse colony maintenance: breeding and genotyping mice to maintain an active colony of multiple transgenic lines.
Supervise activities of investigators and associates to ensure compliance with protocols, FDA regulations and overall clinical objectives.

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