What does a research investigator do?
A research investigator is responsible for obtaining information for various purposes through research and in-depth investigation, ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of data to solve cases. Research investigators develop a strategic approach to data gathering procedures, maintaining the integrity of outputs, and keeping the confidentiality of information. They also strictly adhere to the standard protocols and federal regulations, as well as performing high-level duties according to business requirements and client specifications, following the budget limitations and timetable.
Research investigator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real research investigator resumes:
- Manage laboratory to produce and analyze DNA microarrays.
- Manage the development of innovative visualization and concept mapping of contest environment analysis challenges and analyst skill sets.
- Validate and implement quantitative analytical methods for the determination of biomarkers in biological matrices.
- Update GLCF website using HTML scripting.
- research on structure determination from NMR data.
- Optimize efficient reporter virus assay to replace ELISA endpoint.
- Design and synthesis of small molecules for therapeutic targets.
- Develop methods to isolate RNA from ex-vivo tissues, including rabbit ear and mouse skin.
- Co-Authore grant proposals for cellular transdifferentiation and genome editing projects on stem cells with CRISPR technologies.
- Review data of individual patients.
- Involve in independent research in basic immunology.
- Design and carry out research in quantitative biological chemistry.
- Research and validation of active immunotherapy approaches to identify tumor vaccines.
- Supervise a molecular biology laboratory, design experiments to support immunotherapy programs.
- Deliver research presentations, seminars on disease state/therapeutic area to clinicians at NIH.
Research investigator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Research Investigators are proficient in Patients, Data Analysis, and Molecular Biology. They’re also known for soft skills such as Observation skills, Communication skills, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Research Investigators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Patients, 16%
Developed and implemented safety procedures to be followed while in clinic and examining patients.
- Data Analysis, 7%
Provide direction and expertise as needed with data analysis and trouble-shooting.
- Molecular Biology, 4%
Directed two job rotations of senior biochemists through the molecular biology group.
- Immunology, 4%
Managed an extramural research program on Immunology and Oncology Drug candidates- over 40 academic investigators.
- Drug Discovery, 4%
Designed and synthesized novel and biologically active compounds for drug discovery programs (inflammation and oncology).
- Visualization, 4%
Research includes developing robust and adaptive systems for computer-aided analysis and visualization with machine learning and image processing/computer vision approaches.
Common skills that a research investigator uses to do their job include "patients," "data analysis," and "molecular biology." You can find details on the most important research investigator responsibilities below.
Observation skills. One of the key soft skills for a research investigator to have is observation skills. You can see how this relates to what research investigators do because "medical scientists conduct experiments that require monitoring samples and other health-related data." Additionally, a research investigator resume shows how research investigators use observation skills: "designed and conducted observational data collection on the nesting behaviors of ecuadorian bird species, adelomyia melanogenys. "
Communication skills. Many research investigator duties rely on communication skills. "medical scientists must be able to explain their research in nontechnical ways," so a research investigator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways research investigator responsibilities rely on communication skills: "skilled in experimental design, statistical analysis, data interpretation, and results and recommendations communication. "
The three companies that hire the most research investigators are:
- Sedgwick LLP52 research investigators jobs
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.21 research investigators jobs
- Univ. Of Texas Cancer Ctr.17 research investigators jobs
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Compare different research investigators
Research investigator vs. Medical science liaison
A medical science liaison (MSL) is a scientific professional who facilitates a working relationship between healthcare companies and leading physicians, researchers, and clinicians. Also referred to as key opinion leaders (KOL), medical science liaisons represent their company to the decision-makers in the medical community as well as to investors and government regulatory agencies. They analyze clinical trends and monitor the scientific literature for new developments in the medical community. Medical science liaisons also prepare medical samples and data to investigate the causes of chronic diseases, pathogens, and toxicity.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between research investigators and medical science liaison. For instance, research investigator responsibilities require skills such as "data analysis," "molecular biology," "immunology," and "drug discovery." Whereas a medical science liaison is skilled in "medical affairs," "msl," "medical science," and "pharmaceutical industry." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Medical science liaisons really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $152,658. Comparatively, research investigators tend to make the most money in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $105,444.medical science liaisons tend to reach lower levels of education than research investigators. In fact, medical science liaisons are 5.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.5% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Research investigator vs. Chemist
Chemists are generally responsible for observing and investigating chemical substances to create new and safe compounds essential for practical applications. They are often grouped depending on a particular area of specialization to focus and understand the complexities of the matter. A chemist usually takes time performing research and conducting experiments to test and further improve the quality and usage of a specific chemical substance. Chemists are expected to write on their observations and findings to establish scientific results.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, research investigator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "patients," "molecular biology," "immunology," and "drug discovery." Meanwhile, a chemist has duties that require skills in areas such as "chemistry," "lab equipment," "test results," and "product development." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Chemists earn a lower average salary than research investigators. But chemists earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $75,495. Additionally, research investigators earn the highest salaries in the pharmaceutical with average pay of $105,444 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Chemists tend to reach lower levels of education than research investigators. In fact, they're 6.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for research investigators in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Betsy Smith
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College
Research investigator vs. Staff scientist
The primary role of a Staff Scientist is to develop and manage scientific research projects with minimal supervision. They are also responsible for the technical and budgetary aspects of scientific research projects.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from research investigator resumes include skills like "patients," "immunology," "drug discovery," and "visualization," whereas a staff scientist is more likely to list skills in "c++," "crispr," "flow cytometry," and "project management. "
Staff scientists earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $102,260. Comparatively, research investigators have the highest earning potential in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $105,444.Most staff scientists achieve a similar degree level compared to research investigators. For example, they're 4.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 4.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Research investigator vs. Postdoctoral associate
A postdoctoral associate is responsible for researching to support scientific claims and theories by collecting evidence and information to answer scientific questions. Postdoctoral associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to interact with people and document investigation findings. They also utilize laboratory tools and equipment for scientific researches, conduct field investigations, and interview participants. A postdoctoral associate designs comprehensive research models to discuss results with the panel and the team efficiently and accurately.
Types of research investigator
Updated January 8, 2025
