What does a research specialist do?
In a laboratory setting, a research specialist's responsibilities primarily revolve around conducting thorough research and analysis, producing extensive detailed reports, reviewing results, and coordinating with senior researchers and other laboratory personnel to ensure the accuracy of results. Furthermore, a research specialist may contribute their expertise to other publications and articles, train or supervise new researchers, and implement all laboratory guidelines and safety regulations at all times.
Research specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real research specialist resumes:
- Manage both GLP and non-GLP studies that are contracted to CROs.
- Create weekly presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint and manage monthly board meetings.
- Manage social media publications to spread awareness and notifications on Facebook.
- Assist in surgical procedures on both rabbits and rats to obtain tissue specimens for RNA isolation for subsequent RT-PCR
- Perform and supervise applied bench scale and pilot scale process research on extraction, distillation, and reaction processes.
- Perform the timely and accurate execution of CESG protocols, procedures and results within the cloning and crystallography teams.
- Develop IRB compliant protocols and complete necessary modifications and continuing reviews.
- Develop a multiplex pcr-base DNA hybridization assay to rapidly diagnose tick-borne illnesses.
- Document regulatory determinations make by the IRB at board meetings for auditing purposes
- Organize data sets and retrieve data using Microsoft SQL relational database management.
- Develop sequential extraction procedure for iron rich precipitates associate with coal mine drainage.
- Addressed technical challenges, such as optimized purification of RNA from newly discover microorganisms.
- Train new students and laboratory personnel on immunology research techniques and other lab protocols.
- Enhance real-time tourist database by organizing and retrieving relevant information from different sources using SQL
- Prepare and present PowerPoint briefings to senior management about a centralize repository for historical records.
Research specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Research Specialists are proficient in Data Collection, Patients, and Research Projects. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Research Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Collection, 7%
Collaborate with investigators to optimize CRF design, optimize quality data collection and ensure regulatory compliance; specialize in clinical trials.
- Patients, 7%
Managed an Adult/Pediatric Outpatient Clinic that was once weekly to follow-up with any oncology/hematology patients in need of nutrition support.
- Research Projects, 7%
Participate in the development, coordination and execution of various research projects involving the development of colitis and its secondary effects.
- Data Analysis, 5%
Carried out protocols pertaining to resuscitation in a swine model, assisted in data analysis, and designed/fabricated instrumentation.
- Molecular Biology, 5%
Designed experiments, performed all assays in molecular biology and tissue culture, analyzed data and maintained laboratory records.
- Cell Culture, 4%
Maintained cell culture lines and experiments using strict aseptic techniques for 10+ laboratory members without using anti-bacterial or anti-fungal agents.
Most research specialists use their skills in "data collection," "patients," and "research projects" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential research specialist responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. One of the key soft skills for a research specialist to have is detail oriented. You can see how this relates to what research specialists do because "market research analysts must pay attention to minutiae to evaluate data." Additionally, a research specialist resume shows how research specialists use detail oriented: "complete insurance claims orders, detailed data entry. "
Analytical skills. Many research specialist duties rely on analytical skills. "market research analysts must evaluate large amounts of data and information related to market conditions.," so a research specialist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways research specialist responsibilities rely on analytical skills: "submitted adverse reports to the cdc and fda for analysis of problematic public health concerns. "
Communication skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of research specialists is communication skills. This skill is critical to many everyday research specialist duties, as "market research analysts must be able to clearly convey information when gathering material, interpreting data, and presenting results to clients." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "provide medical safety support- safety issues, adverse events, saes (reports and resolutions), fda and nih communication. "
The three companies that hire the most research specialists are:
- University of Pennsylvania324 research specialists jobs
- Emory Healthcare62 research specialists jobs
- ICF53 research specialists jobs
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Compare different research specialists
Research specialist vs. Product specialist/sales specialist
A product specialist/sales specialist is responsible for developing sales strategies, ensuring to reach sales targets and customer satisfaction. They typically offer products and services to walk-in clients or reach out to them through calls or correspondence, discuss product specifications, answer inquiries, conduct demonstrations, process payments, and handle issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, a product specialist/ sales specialist must conduct research and analysis to identify new marketing opportunities, develop business plans, and plan sales events in adherence to the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, research specialist responsibilities require skills like "data collection," "patients," "research projects," and "data analysis." Meanwhile a typical product specialist/sales specialist has skills in areas such as "customer satisfaction," "product knowledge," "product sales," and "pos." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
The education levels that product specialists/sales specialists earn slightly differ from research specialists. In particular, product specialists/sales specialists are 10.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a research specialist. Additionally, they're 4.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Research specialist vs. Marketing specialist internship
A marketing specialist internship involves a trainee who wants to gain working experience in marketing by helping companies develop marketing programs and strategies. Marketing specialist interns collaborate with marketing professionals in researching target markets and analyze trends to identify new marketing opportunities. They assist in developing marketing materials to ensure that brand guidelines are being achieved. Marketing specialist interns are also required to help professionals in writing, proof-reading, and editing technical and creative content across different mediums.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that research specialist responsibilities requires skills like "data collection," "patients," "research projects," and "data analysis." But a marketing specialist internship might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "community resources," "intake assessments," "mental health," and "child abuse."
Marketing specialist interns may earn a lower salary than research specialists, but marketing specialist interns earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $39,914. On the other hand, research specialists receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $75,769.marketing specialist interns earn lower levels of education than research specialists in general. They're 8.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 4.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for research specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Betsy Smith
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College
Research specialist vs. Marketing & sales specialist
A marketing/sales specialist is responsible for analyzing the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and promotional strategies, evaluating market data trends to identify business opportunities for revenue resources and profitability. Marketing/sales specialists conduct surveys on various social media platforms and other communication mediums to determine consumer demands and public interests. They also coordinate with the senior management to develop efficient program management systems and execute deliverables with the highest customer satisfaction. A marketing/sales specialist meets with potential clients, negotiates contracts, and addresses their inquiries, concerns, and special requests.
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 specialist resumes include skills like "data collection," "patients," "research projects," and "data analysis," whereas a marketing & sales specialist is more likely to list skills in "digital marketing," "roi," "product line," and "brand awareness. "
Marketing & sales specialists make a very good living in the telecommunication industry with an average annual salary of $52,906. On the other hand, research specialists are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $75,769.Most marketing & sales specialists achieve a lower degree level compared to research specialists. For example, they're 9.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 4.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Research specialist vs. Digital marketing specialist
A digital marketing specialist is an individual who is responsible for promoting products or services of a company using appropriate technology platforms effectively. Digital marketing specialists collaborate with marketing teams to plan and execute digital programs such as online advertising, social media, and mobile. They are proficient in digital technology tools that can include web advertising, social media, and web development. Digital marketing specialists must also develop multimedia packages and present recommendations to the company's director of marketing and communications.
Types of research specialist
Updated January 8, 2025
