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Job outlook for research project coordinators in the United States
Research project coordinator job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected research project coordinator job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 4,600 new jobs for research project coordinators are projected over the next decade.
Research project coordinator salaries have increased 15% for research project coordinators in the last 5 years.
There are over 10,455 research project coordinators currently employed in the United States.
There are 67,800 active research project coordinator job openings in the US.
The average research project coordinator salary is $48,683.
Are research project coordinator jobs in demand?
Research project coordinator job and salary trends over time
Research project coordinator jobs over time
Research project coordinator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10,455 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 10,610 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 9,470 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 8,427 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 7,861 | 0.00% |
Average research project coordinator salary over time
Research project coordinator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $48,683 | $23.41 | +6.8% |
| 2025 | $45,563 | $21.91 | +4.2% |
| 2024 | $43,714 | $21.02 | +4.1% |
| 2023 | $41,988 | $20.19 | --0.7% |
| 2022 | $42,298 | $20.34 | --0.3% |
Research project coordinator jobs by state
Most common states for research project coordinators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 299 | 40% |
| 2 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 683 | 33% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 204 | 33% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,779 | 32% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 423 | 32% |
| 6 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 518 | 30% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 282 | 29% |
| 8 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 255 | 29% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 492 | 26% |
| 10 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 150 | 26% |
| 11 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 455 | 25% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,487 | 22% |
| 13 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,357 | 22% |
| 14 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 150 | 22% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,201 | 21% |
| 16 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,019 | 21% |
| 17 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 806 | 21% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 284 | 21% |
| 19 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 628 | 20% |
| 20 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 595 | 20% |
Most common cities for research project coordinators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Brunswick | 2 | 4% | $59,296 |
| 2 | Menlo Park | 1 | 3% | $59,895 |
| 3 | Morgantown | 1 | 3% | $43,373 |
| 4 | Baltimore | 12 | 2% | $47,375 |
| 5 | Towson | 1 | 2% | $47,475 |
| 6 | Camden | 1 | 1% | $58,668 |
| 7 | Fayetteville | 1 | 1% | $43,268 |
| 8 | Lawrence | 1 | 1% | $45,451 |
| 9 | Little Rock | 1 | 1% | $42,809 |
| 10 | Quincy | 1 | 1% | $56,115 |
| 11 | Rockville | 1 | 1% | $46,891 |
| 12 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $53,272 |
| 13 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $56,110 |
| 14 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $51,759 |
| 15 | Irvine | 1 | 0% | $55,702 |
| 16 | Memphis | 1 | 0% | $40,000 |
| 17 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $46,397 |
| 18 | Pittsburgh | 1 | 0% | $51,977 |
Research Project Coordinator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of research project coordinator experts
University of Texas at Austin
Fairfield University
Seattle University
Connecticut College
University of Connecticut
Swarthmore College
Florida Gulf Coast University
Stephen F. Austin State University
Minnesota State University - Mankato
University of Minnesota
Stevens Institute of Technology
Drexel University
Heidelberg University
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Texas Tech University
Elizabethtown College
University of New Hampshire
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Grove City College
What general advice would you give to a Research Project Coordinator?
Autumn Mathias Ph.D., LCSW: Similar to my answer for the first question, I think that this begins during college as students
build their overall portfolio of knowledge and skills. In addition to strategically selecting
courses, students might think about different volunteer activities (both on and off campus) and
experiential learning opportunities that could help them to further develop skills and build
professional connections. For instance, students can ask professors if there are opportunities for
them to work as a research assistant, or develop their own independent research project. In
addition, students can complete internships with public or private organizations within
community, or even through study abroad programs. In some cases, internships can provide a
bridge to employment post-graduation in that organization.
After students graduate and secure employment, they might consider different ways to engage in
professional development and continuing education. This can occur both within and outside
employer-sponsored activities. For instance, graduates might consider online courses on software
such as Excel, ArcGIS, Python, Tableau, or R. In addition, graduates may think of creative ways
to take leadership on projects in their respective organizations, and/or make a significant
contribution to their organization that will showcase their professional strengths. Finally,
graduates may consider pursuing graduate degrees according to their professional goals, such as
a Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Public Health (MPH), Juris Doctor (JD), Master's in
Education (M.Ed.), or a Master of Public Administration (MPA).
What Research Project Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Autumn Mathias Ph.D., LCSW: My general advice for undergraduate students majoring in sociology would be to begin thinking
(as early as possible) about how studying sociology might prepare you for different careers.
Explore resources online, including the websites of professional organizations such as the
American Sociological Association and the Society for the Study of Social Problems, and
occupational outlook data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, I would advise
students to speak with their academic advisors, professors, and their college/university career
services personnel about their specific interests, strengths, and opportunities to further develop
various transferable skills throughout (and beyond) their college career. For some students, this
may mean taking certain electives (such as those geared towards maximizing research skills),
and/or adding a minor or a second major. This can also include internships and other experiential
learning opportunities. In addition, students should think about which subfields of sociology
interest them most, and how they see themselves applying their knowledge in a specific field.
Some subfields include urban sociology, medical sociology, political sociology, global and
transnational sociology, law and crime, social inequality, collective behavior, economic
sociology, environmental sociology, and the sociology of education. Sociology students develop
knowledge and skills that are valuable to several fields, including education, legal assistance,
business, public relations, human services/social work, government, public health, urban
planning, criminal justice, market and/or user experience research, and administration. Sociology
students learn to apply a historically and theoretically grounded lens to understanding human
behavior, social institutions, and the interactions between various actors in society across
national and cultural contexts. In addition, they develop both qualitative and quantitative
research skills and are uniquely positioned to apply these skills in a variety of roles to find
solutions to social problems. Accordingly, they are encouraged to develop both cultural humility
and cultural competence, which is critical for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in any
professional setting. As a result, sociology graduates may pursue jobs including (but not limited
to) the following: research assistant at a non-profit organization, probation officer, community
health worker, residential counselor, case manager, legislative aide, policy analyst, and user
experience researcher for a corporation.
In terms of job searching, I would recommend consulting with professors, advisors, and your
college/university's career services office on the best strategies for highlighting your transferable
skills and tailoring your resume and cover letter to specific job postings. Many organizations
utilize AI to review and narrow down job application materials before they are even reviewed by
human eyes. Also, I would encourage graduates to keep an open mind as they search job postings
as their knowledge and skills can be applied in a variety of settings. Additionally, students may
think about whether or not their long-term career goals require a graduate degree. Some
employers offer tuition reimbursement for graduate education.
What will help Research Project Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Autumn Mathias Ph.D., LCSW: I think it is important for graduates to look at projections on the Bureau of Labor Statistics
website and to conduct general research on the state of certain industries at the time of
graduation. For instance, the tech industry is currently very saturated; some people who started
positions as user experience researchers just a few years ago were laid off. Individuals who have
years of experience in these positions will then have an advantage in securing new positions.
That being said, I believe that quantitative research skills in particular are advantageous for many
positions. This includes attaining coding skills and learning coding languages such as Python, R,
and Java.
In addition to the tech industry, the higher education market for individuals with a Master's
degree or PhD in sociology for tenure-track, full-time assistant professor positions in sociology
proves to remain highly competitive, as there are far more graduates than full-time positions.
That being said, some Master's programs emphasize an applied focus that prepares students for a
variety of research and evaluation positions.
In relation to research skills focused on data collection and analysis, sociology majors develop
writing and presentation skills that are crucial to success in any field. Also, the major's emphasis
on a critical global perspective along with cultural humility, cultural competence, empathy, and
overall interpersonal skills are sought-after skills in many fields. For instance, the U.S. is
experiencing a serious shortage of mental health professionals. Although some mental health
positions require a bachelor's or Master's degree in social work, others are also open to
individuals with a bachelor's degree in sociology or psychology.
Mary Neuburger
Director, Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian StudiesUniversity of Texas at Austin
Slavic, Baltic And Albanian Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Research Project Coordinator?
Mary Neuburger: Network as much as possible, online (LinkedIn or social media) and at events related to Russian studies or policy. These tend to be open to the public at most large er universities and some smaller. Attend, ask good questions, and introduce yourself to people. Make sure you highlight all of the skills you have gained on your CV-include projects in courses, extracurricular activities, study abroad etc.
What Research Project Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mary Neuburger: Language skills are always important, as well as research skills, and experience working on team projects. I also think deep interdisciplinary knowledge of Russia and its sphere of influence will continue to be important, as well as teachnical skills and knowledge of the information environment-and especially disinformation. UT Austin has a new Global Disinformation Lab, in which study of Russian disinformation (among other things) is carried out.
What will help Research Project Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Mary Neuburger: Increase your experience and education in the field. Think about a Russian Studies master's program, for which you can get funding and gain more education and professional experience. UT Austin is looking for good applicants! Also think about doing workshops in various technical skills or platforms to bolster your resume. Think about initiating a club, small organization or project, and taking a leadership role. Highlight these efforts on your cv.
Alessandra Bryant PhD, LMFT
Assistant Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy Fairfield UniversityFairfield University
Human Development, Family Studies, And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Research Project Coordinator?
Alessandra Bryant PhD, LMFT: -Human development is an interdisciplinary major with multiple avenues to pursue post-bachelor's degree. You really need to pursue a master's degree post bachelor's to ensure job security post-grad. Have an idea in mind of what you'd like to pursue-whether it be education or mental health.
What Research Project Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alessandra Bryant PhD, LMFT: -Research proficiency-get involved in undergrad if you can. As the field progresses, we need innovative thinkers to keep advancing our knowledge.
What will help Research Project Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Alessandra Bryant PhD, LMFT: -Pursue a master's degree in a more specific human development related field. Do your research-look for reputable programs in areas with earning potential post-grad.
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSeattle University
Department of Anthropology and Sociology
What skills stand out on Research Project Coordinator resumes?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Understanding human diversity, Difference is viewed not as an obstacle but as an opportunity for generating new ideas, etc.
What soft skills should all Research Project Coordinators possess?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Understanding human diversity, effective communication (speaking and writing: the ability to convey complex ideas respectfully to a diverse audience) across differences, adept at working in groups, yet also independent thinkers.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Research Project Coordinators?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Empirical data collection: Research skills for collecting original data, analyzing the data, writing up the information collected, and presenting it in a professional manner.
What skills will help Research Project Coordinators earn the most?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Anthropologists are analysts and researchers with sharp thinking skills who have the ability to collect, manage, evaluate, and interpret large volumes of data on human behavior.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Project Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Julia Kushigian Ph.D.: The exciting trends for students graduating in Hispanic Studies and for those already in the job market are the potential benefits of a remote learning anticipated years ago through pedagogical tools designed by those in language, literature and culture. The interactive formulas, ability to engage participants and broaden the definition of language learning to include cultural studies of a variety of professional fields were already in the works and Covid was the impetus to move even faster. We know from a variety of studies, including a major report by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages, for example, that 9 out of 10 U.S. employers rely on employees with language skills other than English. Spanish being in high demand is the most sought after language. Of course, beyond the more obvious benefits of being bilingual ("Why Bilinguals are Smarter" NYT 2012) are the less obvious of being adept at solving certain mental problems, thriving in ambiguity, flexibility with unknowns and the potential to stave off dementia later in life.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Project Coordinators?
Roger Travis: The BA in a humanities field continues to mark a candidate who know how to think and how to write. A BA in classics will continue to distinguish a candidate as having particularly strong skills in critical thinking.
What will help Research Project Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Roger Travis: Those choosing a teaching career should consider seeking certification through a concurrent enrollment program that can get them a Masters in Education soon after graduation with the BA.
What will help Research Project Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Michael Brown: I think having a suite of skills is the best strategy. Our graduates learn physics analysis and problem solving skills, but also computer modelling skills, experimental techniques, writing skills, and even how to make an effective presentation.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Research Project Coordinators?
Michael Brown: I don't think so. This has been a challenging year, but 10 years from now, I think graduates will reflect back and see this year as just that: a challenge that we eventually overcame. We developed tools for remote meetings and interviews that I think we will use moving forward.
What's a day at work look like for a Research Project Coordinator?
Michael Brown: Hard to say. I predict that there will be more remote work than we've had in the past. Our physics graduates engaged in experimental or hands-on research will need to be in a physical laboratory. Our graduates are learning how to do computer modelling in the cloud from home.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Project Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Marianela Rivera Ph.D.: The pandemic has had a strong impact on the job market, and it seems that many of those changes are not necessarily going to go away once the situation goes back to normal. The market is highly competitive, even more than before; therefore candidates should be able to demonstrate that they are not limiting themselves to their degrees. Looking for ways to keep up with technology and teaching trends is a must. Flexibility and the willingness and ability to work remotely I think are some of the most important trends in the job market as well. Candidates should be able to demonstrate that they are able to adapt and that they are willing to keep learning. Another significant factor to keep in mind is the importance given to diverse and inclusive environments. The pandemic has also highlighted issues related to sexism, racism, and inequality. Departments of Romance languages, literatures, and linguistics are looking to become more inclusive, therefore, they look for candidates who support an inclusive curriculum, show experience working with diverse populations of students, and demonstrate a commitment to teaching in and about multicultural environments.
How have salaries changed over time for Research Project Coordinators?
Marianela Rivera Ph.D.: I think in terms of the salary, there has not been a significant change, especially for those who recently graduate and go into the job market; however, there are many more opportunities in terms of professional development and also to promote and implement interdisciplinary projects. Additional financial support is usually available for those who demonstrate interest and/or experience in developing research and/or service-learning projects, but it all depends on the institution.
What technical skills for a Research Project Coordinator stand out to employers?
Marianela Rivera Ph.D.: In the past, technology was not necessarily one of the main concerns for people interested in romance languages, literatures, and linguistics; however, even before the pandemic, a variety of platforms and resources were made available to facilitate teaching courses related to those fields. The pandemic has highlighted the need to adapt to evolving times, so now technical skills are definitely something employers look for in potential candidates in addition to teaching and research excellence. Knowledge of and experience in online course development, technical writing, social media management, learning management systems, and project management are definitely skills that would stand out to employers.
Hunter Hampton Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorStephen F. Austin State University
Department of History
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Project Coordinators?
Hunter Hampton Ph.D.: Historically, the biggest impact on a person's job prospects is an undergraduate degree. As I tell my students, the most important thing you can major in is the one that you finish. But I believe flexibility in an undergraduate degree is beneficial for future employment. Majoring in the humanities provides job seekers cultural awareness, written and oral communication skills, and critical thinking. If the past year has taught us anything about work, cultural awareness, clear communication, critical thinking, and flexibility are essential for successful employers and employees. This skillset also widens job prospects for applicants. As the nature of work continues to change in the wake of the pandemic, I think that employers will seek out employees with a flexible skill set that can adapt quickly to unforeseen of conditions and tasks.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Project Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Hunter Hampton Ph.D.: As someone who graduated from college in 2008 and sought refuge in graduate school, I believe we will see a similar influx in graduate student enrollments over the next two or three years as the economy hopefully recovers. Immediately after I graduated, I applied to about twenty minimum-wage retail jobs. I got two interviews and only one job offer. I saw graduate school as a tool to both buy time in hopes of improved job prospects and increase my qualifications for that future job market. I could see a similar trend now. People that lost their job due to the pandemic may return to finish their undergraduate degree or begin a graduate program for the same reason that I did.
How have salaries changed over time for Research Project Coordinators?
Hunter Hampton Ph.D.: This is difficult to answer because of the variety of fields that someone with a history degree can go into. They range from lawyers, museum curators, writers, business owners, teachers, and a few that get a Ph.D to teach at the college level. For my field as a professor specifically, the salaries are near flat over the past four years. I don't foresee them improving in the near future as state funding continues to decline for higher education. But I do believe that the salary for history majors will increase as employers continue to see the value of hiring humanities graduates.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Research Project Coordinators?
Tao Peng Ph.D.: In the pandemic period, it will become more difficult to find history-related jobs. Some graduates may only find jobs that do not require historical skills.
To make themselves more competitive, students may consider developing new skills: not only historical research and writing skills, but also foreign language skill, programming skill, and/or other interdisciplinary skill(s). They may also consider applying for graduate programs to pursue advanced degrees. Besides, students may find it helpful to find opportunities to practice and teach history: for example, doing interns in local museums or historical societies, or teaching some history courses in local schools.
What soft skills should all Research Project Coordinators possess?
Lee Penn Ph.D.: I hear over and over again from recruiters - they want candidates with strong backgrounds in their majors PLUS two things.
1 - experience with data science, statistics, or some kind of computer science
2 - soft skills (communication, playing well with other, collaboration, etc...)
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Project Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Ionut Florescu: When the pandemic started in March 2020 the job market drained. I had students with internships blocked and job offers rescinded over night. The fact that we had 87% employment 3 months after graduation for the program I am leading, during pandemic times I think is a testimonial of the strength of our career development team. This changed in December 2020 and I believe this spring we will see a return to normality. We are already doing better than last year and the semester is not even finished.
I am seeing all interviews going online even for companies that are next to us. So, in theory at least, our advantage being right next to Manhattan and Jersey City is not as prominent as before the pandemic. Yet, in the last two months our students are doing as well as before the pandemic. The reason, I think they keep coming back to us is tradition and the fact that our graduates are very technically sound.
Our undergraduate program Quantitative Finance was completely unaffected by the pandemic. The reason is the students typically get offers in their third year. So seniors were unaffected and juniors are now getting offers. This is because the QF program is extremely technical. It probably is the only program in Business Schools in US where students are taking Calc I through IV, and more probability and statistics than any engineering program. I think going forward, those traits are going to become the norm not the exception. I believe every graduate in the future will need to know how to program.
What soft skills should all Research Project Coordinators possess?
Dr. Ionut Florescu: I believe in terms of soft skills, every graduate should be able to explain the results of their complex models to someone who isn't technically sound. So, presentation skills are extremely important. Then the capability of approaching a presenter at a conference or workshop and ask pertinent questions about what they just presented is really important. We require all our students to not only make presentations but also ask questions during other teams' presentations. I believe the most important thing as a teacher in the course is to criticize them when their presentation is not crisp or when the question isn't clear or appropriate.
How have salaries changed over time for Research Project Coordinators?
Dr. Ionut Florescu: Our programs are producing graduates who work in the financial services industry, and our salaries are high compared to other domains. However, in 2019 the year before the pandemic, it was the first time when our graduates were attracted to the technology sector because the compensation was higher. It was also the first time when our Business School data science programs had a higher stating salary than the traditionally finance programs. Thus, I saw a shift in the skills, with statistics now being a required skill and not a "good to have" anymore. I do believe this trend will continue for at least a couple of years. The salaries will go up going forward. They did go down in 2020.
Rogelio Minana Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Global Engagement, Head of Global Studies and Modern LanguagesDrexel University
Office of Global Engagement
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Research Project Coordinators?
Rogelio Minana Ph.D.: It is still unclear the concrete impacts of the pandemic on jobs (working remotely vs on site, and the like), but it is clear that technology, adaptability, and a sense of how the global affects the local and vice versa are indispensable features in today's professional and civic life. Higher education institutions must focus on these skills in order to prepare students beyond disciplinary knowledge, as careers prove more fluid than ever before and the world as a whole becomes even more connected.
What's a good job out of college for Research Project Coordinators?
Rogelio Minana Ph.D.: In today's global world, a good job out of college is one that enables a young graduate to explore a variety of career paths. The jobs of the future will require imagination, creativity, adaptability, and in many cases the ability to move one's career in different directions by means of interdisciplinarity and intercultural competency. Careers are living entities in today's market, and a job that allows a recent graduate to explore and not feel constrained to just one discipline or task will best prepare them to thrive as they become lifelong learners.
What will help Research Project Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Rogelio Minana Ph.D.: In any field, having broad global qualifications, from experience studying and living abroad to language skills and the ability to work as part of international teams, provides a clear edge. Data indicates that international/global experience leads to higher graduation rates and higher GPA in college, as well as to higher earnings and higher change of promotion to decision-making positions after graduation. Developing intercultural competency and proactively seeking and appreciating diversity, both domestic and international, are critical not only for a healthy job market but also for a fairer society.
Paige Atterholt
Adjunct ProfessorHeidelberg University
What will help Research Project Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Paige Atterholt: There are many ways a teacher can increase their earning potential. This can be done through continuing education, maybe looking at a Masters or more to move up on the pay scale. Teachers can advise student council, tutoring, or even look at coaching to earn more money. There's vast opportunities in the world of education! Schools always need teachers who are well-rounded.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Research Project Coordinators?
Paige Atterholt: I think now, being in year 2 of the pandemic, I think if anything there will be more jobs for graduates. Just looking through the jobs online, there are many opportunities for graduates to get a job. I think the older community retired when things got bad, which opened the door for the younger generation.
What soft skills should all Research Project Coordinators possess?
Brady Collins Ph.D.: Ability to collaborate and work in teams, delegate tasks, manage short-term and long-term projects simultaneously.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Project Coordinators?
Sean Cunningham Ph.D.: Graduates in any field should be looking to supplement their degree with additional certifications, though I haven't seen any evidence of a single "most important" certificate or license for history majors. The one possible exception would be for those who want to translate their history degree into a career in national security or public service of some other sort. In those cases, a certificate in Strategic Studies, such as the one we offer at Texas Tech, has been shown to help.
David Brown
Professor of HistoryElizabethtown College
History Department
What soft skills should all Research Project Coordinators possess?
David Brown: It's critical to be able to work as a team. Empathy, understanding, a bit of diplomacy, and integrity - aside from the obvious need of technical competency - are highly valued. As always, motivation is terribly important and this can be conjoined with flexibility. If energy and attitude remain positive this will rub off on others and create an attractive dynamic that draws people in. Finally, the ability to make a decision and follow through with it is perhaps too little appreciated.
What will help Research Project Coordinators increase their earning potential?
David Brown: Salaries have generally kept up with inflation, though with the decline of funding in the Humanities disciplines, the number of jobs has not been robust. There is a wide variance in compensation within a highly stratified university system that includes adjuncts, lecturers, visiting faculty and full-time faculty in the ranks of assistant, associate, and full professor. There is an increasing interest in pubic history - in museums, archives, and historical societies - that provide opportunities for those seeking opportunities outside of the academy.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Project Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Ronald Boucher: Given the pandemic, the hospitality industry is in the process of re-inventing itself. This shift has been needed for a long time and the pandemic is demanding that these changes take place. Smart operators are changing how they conduct business and figuring out how to best meet not only their customer's needs but also their employees needs as well.
All of these changes will shrink the labor pool because of streamlining operational efficiencies. However, the pleasure of dining out will not go away. In fact, the industry will need educated and trained professionals to meet this new demand. In fact, the good part is that salaries and benefits to employees will increase as well. This will mean that it is going out to eat will get more expensive for the consumer but that has to be expected and accepted.
I recently informed my freshmen students that they are positioned to have many new opportunities afforded to them for personal and job growth after graduation in four years. In addition the work place environment will be a much friendlier, more respectful and more appreciative environment.
What will help Research Project Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Heidi Jo Newberg: Students who have a strong command of programming are in heavy demand whether they stay in astronomy or decide to pursue employment in the private sector. Taking programming classes and getting computational experience in research settings will put students in a good position to earn higher salaries.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Research Project Coordinators?
Heidi Jo Newberg: The pandemic has certainly had an impact on me that will be hard to forget, as I'm sure it has everyone. I suspect that we will have much more remote interaction in the workplace since everyone is now very familiar with video conferencing! Also, it will be more common to work part of the time from home. But remote working is not a good substitute for visiting observatories, face-to-face meetings, in person classes, or working in the laboratory. Most of astronomy will continue as usual after vaccinations.
What's a day at work look like for a Research Project Coordinator?
Heidi Jo Newberg: A recent graduate will be expected to search through data (usually using Python), communicate results effectively through lectures and written reports, and carefully assess the significance of findings.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Project Coordinators?
DJ Wagner Ph.D.: I would have to say that the biggest impact is due not to the courses a student takes but to what professional opportunities outside of the classroom the student pursues. The employers with which I've spoken suggest that evidence of independent research projects and of the ability to work collaboratively are very important considerations in the hiring process. Networking is also key. At Grove City College, we encourage our physics majors to get involved in research starting their freshman year, and we provide many opportunities for them to network with alumni in the field and by attending conferences. Research builds several critical skills of value to employers: the ability to take ownership of a project and follow it through over a period of time, the ability to work as a team toward a common goal, the ability to operate and trouble-shoot apparatus (for experimental research), the ability to extract meaning from data, etc. Interacting with professionals in the field gives students a wide perspective about possible career paths, connections within those careers, and an understanding of the current state of the field not typically obtained in college courses.
When I have heard professionals speak to students at conferences, they often recommend that physics majors take communication and management courses in addition to their required physics curriculum. The skills and knowledge gained in those courses can help graduates navigate the corporate world successfully.