Research Assistant

Career Description:

• Assist researchers in laboratory settings or our in the field
• Tasks may include interviewing, enrolling and communication with patients in clinical trials, collecting data, maintaining patient information databases, and coordinating and tracking specimens, etc.
• May perform some clinical tests such as EKG and phlebotomy (drawing blood).
• Work with ongoing projects related to specific areas of science such as cellular and molecular biology, neurology, genetics, hematology/oncology, immunology, neuroscience and stem cell research
• Perform basic experimental protocols with lab animals, prepare specimens, maintain lab equipment, analyze statistics, and collect and track data
• May also be responsible for writing reports, working on grant applications, and other administrative tasks

Work Environment:

• Hospital
• Medical schools
• Clinical laboratories

 Working Conditions:

• Work in teams including the Principal Investigator, Program Administrator, Study sponsors, and clinic staff of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers

Career Advancement:

• With experience, may advance to Research Assistant I or Research Assistant II, or a Senior Research Assistant
• Can advance to more complicated tasks, become a supervisor, or play a more significant role in a clinical trial or project
• Can specialize in one area and become a Research Analyst or Biostatistician
• A MS or PhD in a focused area of science is required to become a Principal Investigator who leads projects
• An MS degree can lead to higher level administrative positions such as Project Director

Earnings:

• Average salary for entry level Research Assistants ranges from $30,000 to $35,000 annually
  
  Salary information is based on data extracted from the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development Career Information System, the Massachusetts Hospital Association “Pulse” website, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages vary by employer, geographical location, experience and level of education. Salaries in the Boston area are generally higher than stated Massachusetts and National averages.
  

Education/Training Required:

• B.S. degree in science and laboratory experience are typically required to become a Research Assistant
• Undergraduate degrees in Chemistry, Biology, or physiology are common entrance credentials
• For research primarily focusing on public health projects, grants management, or qualitative research, a bachelor’s degree in arts (B.A.) is also acceptable

Prerequisite Educational Requirements:

• H.S. diploma or GED
• H.S. classes in health and science important for admission into college science program

Is this career for you?

• Are you able to master college level math and science courses?
• Are you naturally curious?
• Can you pay attention to the smallest details?
• Are you well organized?
• Do you have good written and verbal communication skills?

For more information on this career, please visit:

Mass Pulse - Research Assistant