research assistant for phd student

What Does a PhD Research Assistant Do? Duties and Responsibilities of Research Assistants

You may have heard about doctoral level research assistantship opportunities through your department or doctoral program and wondered if you should apply. There are many benefits to being a research assistant while you pursue your PhD — from tuition remission, to earning extra cash, to learning the ins and outs of your academic field and professional research. There are several different types of research assistantships that universities offer. You may assist a professor with his or her smaller scale research project or work with a team of professors and professionals from your field on a larger externally funded project.

This post is mainly for current and prospective doctoral students who want to learn more about the benefits of being a research assistant (RA). The ideas listed here are intended to help doctoral students decide if being a research assistant is worth their time and effort —and in most cases I think it is. For those of you applying to doctoral programs, find out which programs offer research assistantships. Use this information to help you decide which program is best for you and in developing a financial plan for paying for school.

This post was written by Stephanie A. Bosco-Ruggiero (PhD candidate in Social Work at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service) on behalf of Dave Maslach. This is part of the R3ciprocity project (Check out the YouTube Channel or the writing feedback software ). R3ciprocity helps students, faculty, and research folk by providing a real and authentic look into doing research. It provides solutions and hope to researchers around the world. Listen to what Dave has to say about the duties and responsibilities of research assistants in this video:

There are many benefits of having a research assistantship while pursuing a doctoral degree including financial and career development benefits. Here are what I think are some of the primary benefits of being a doctoral research assistant:

Stipends and Tuition Remission

Working as an RA may earn you a stipend and/or tuition remission. Some stipends may be small but better paying research assistantships can greatly alleviate the financial burden of getting a doctoral degree. A research assistantship funded by the university and offered through your department or doctoral program help universities help students fund their doctoral studies. It also helps them support research professors who need staff to assist them with important projects. The amount you get paid for a university sponsored RA may not be that that much, but an RA stipend or paycheck can mean the difference between being able to do your PhD program and not having enough resources do it.

A research assistantship can require anywhere from 7 to 21 hours of work a week. If the research assistantship comes as a package with a scholarship or other university support, you may actually get paid and have your tuition covered. I struck gold when I applied to my master’s degree program. Not only did I earn a paycheck for “21” hours of work per week (I did not do 21 hours of work every week) for a university based research institute, but I also received a family foundation scholarship that covered 100% of my tuition. All I had to pay for was room and board and food. Similar opportunities of course were offered to PhD students (but it was an amazing opportunity to have all of these benefits as a grad student). Investigate what kind of research assistant opportunities prospective program offer as you consider program because an RA could be your key to a fulfilling and financially feasible doctoral education experience.

Contributing to important research

Often there are multiple opportunities to work with individual professors in your department on their own personal research projects. These projects can be quite small and even unfunded, or they may have some university based or limited external funding. Professors often apply for small grants in some programs from their department or university to conduct small research studies. Professors go through a process to request and hire an RA to assist them with their research whether or not the research is funded by the university.

As a research assistant, generally, there are things you should and shouldn’t be asked to do. You should not be only grading papers or developing coursework materials. That is generally the job of a teaching assistant. You should not be doing administrative work. There are usually guidelines for professors to follow about what kind of work they can give a doctoral level RA. You should be doing research work that is sufficiently challenging for a doctoral student including gathering and analyzing data, developing research instruments, or co-authoring reports and manuscripts.

As an RA you should not only be given literature reviews to complete or data to enter; the work your professor give you should contribute to your professional development and build your research skills. You should be asked to participate in presenting research findings at conferences and meetings. You have an important role and the professor should consider you a vital part of the team.

Dave says, “Generally, as an RA, what you should be doing is research, and it should be getting you to 75% of where you should be as an independent thinker.” Here are more thoughts from Dave about what an RA’s duties and responsibilities should include:

1. Write reviews of papers.

2. Collect data or clean data.

3. Analyze data for a paper.

4. Perform interviews.

5. Write the bull-work part of a paper.

Here are Dave’s thoughts about what you should not be doing as a research assistant:

1. Laundry or personal tasks for the professor.

2. Things that don’t take advantage of your capabilities.

3. Things that are outside of your scope or responsibility.

4. Feeling like you are being taken advantage of.

I would also add that your boss should not be stealing your ideas or intellectual property. To hear what Dave has to say about what to do in the unfortunate event that someone steals your intellectual property, watch this video:

Working as a research assistant on a larger externally funded project

There may be opportunities at your university to work on large, externally funded grant project. You may work on a project temporarily as an RA with a limited contract (in terms of hours and duration) or you may hold the title of research assistant but not be a university based RA. Here is the difference: the university may provide the principal investigator of the project with an RA who receives a stipend and other benefits like a university based RA, or you may be hired directly by the grant funded project as a staff member. Often large projects employ both student RAs and doctoral students who work as staff. As a staff member you can earn a decent paycheck and perhaps even have full-time work. You may also be considered a full-time university staff member and be eligible for tuition remission and other university benefits.

Working on a large grant funded project can be the most interesting, challenging, and beneficial experience of your doctoral program. Professors who lead large externally funded research project are often the principal investigators of the project. They design and lead the evaluation or other type of study. You will learn about the role of a PI when working on a large grant and hopefully learn the ins and outs of a large research project. As an RA, you will assist the PI and research team and have an integral role in the project. You should be doing much of the same work described above, and more including attending professional meetings and conferences, project-wide meetings, collaborating with other universities, and preparing or site visits by the grantor.

As a research assistant for two federally funded grants prior to and during my time as a doctoral student I learned more about my field, and about research, than I did in any of my classes. Of course, coursework supplements your knowledge, but there is no replacing that real world, hands on, research experience that work on a grant funded project can give you. If you have an opportunity to work on a large government or foundation funded grant as a doctoral student, DO IT. You will not regret it.

Finding a mentor

Whether you work on a large federal grant, a smaller state funded grant, or with a professor on a smaller scale research project, you will hopefully gain a mentor who will show you what you need to know about research, your field, or your industry. Pay attention when you interview for a research assistantship. Do you feel like you could connect with this person on a professional level? Do they seem interested in your professional development, knowledge, and accomplishments as a student?

I had an amazing mentor when I worked on two federally funded grant projects. The match couldn’t have been better, and I had sensed a great opportunity when I interviewed for the job. You may not connect 100% with a project PI or a professor you work with, but if you have opportunities to learn from them, and like the work, that is fine too. You do not have to go out for beer together weekly; if it’s a good working relationships and you feel comfortable in your role and that you’re being sufficiently challenged, then stick with this person for as long as you can.

Meeting new colleagues and networking

Working as an RA should provide you with a host of opportunities to meet and work with new colleagues and network with professionals and/or academics in your field. You may have more opportunities to do so working on large grant projects. Often these projects span multiple universities and cities, and even countries. They also may employee multiple professors from your university and outside your university. You will have opportunities to attend conferences and professional meetings and meet key people in your field. You will also hear about inside opportunities to connect with experts in the field or to do additional research.

Take advantage of every opportunity to network whether you are working on a small or very large project. If you are working on a smaller project, ask the professor if she can introduce you to some of her colleagues in the field. Attend every meeting the professor invites you to. Learn about who the professor has worked with in the past and who she wants to collaborate with in the future.

Also, take advantage of opportunities to connect with fellow RAs whether you are working on a large or small project. This may be easier to do on a larger project which employees several doctoral RAs, but a professor may also be able to connect you with students working on similar projects even if he or she does not employ them directly. Attend doctoral student meetings and lunches at conferences and learn about scholarship and presentation opportunities for students in your field. Your professor should be able to connect you with these additional opportunities.

Some other things to consider about research assistantships

As you can see, I’m very big on RAs. Because of the research skills I learned as an RA I was well prepared to jump into advanced research projects as a doctoral student. I felt confident in my skills and had an insider perspective on what it is like to be a researcher in my field. The RA thing worked in my favor big time; but everyone has different circumstanced and there are a few things you may want to consider before assuming being an RA is the right path for you.

First, do you have the time to commit to being an RA? Some RAs require as little as seven hours of work a week, but others require a much larger time commitment. Do you work full-time to support yourself or your family, in addition to going to school? It may be difficult to fit in an RA under these circumstances; but if there is an opportunity for say a seven-hour job that can be done at any time of day or night, go for it. You cannot, however, work full time and be on site at a university one or more days a week.

Also, if your main interest and talent is teaching, then apply for a teaching assistantship position. This type of doctoral level position will benefit you more, develop your teaching skills, and lead to many more teaching opportunities. It may pay just about as much as an RA as well. Know what your goals are and take a university-based position that is in line with your goals and talents. Finally, if you feel that you would be more productive doing your own independent research and pursing your own funding opportunities or scholarships, do that. I do think the experience an RA can give you is pretty unparalleled, but I am in the social sciences. You may be in a field where independent work is better for your CV and for you.

Ultimately, consider your opportunities carefully. Will an RA help you further your career and goals? Does your economic status and the amount of time you have to dedicate to research make an RA feasible? Do what feels right. If someone is telling you to do an RA just because “this is how we advance in this field” but it doesn’t feel like the right opportunity for you, listen to your inner voice and do something that feels more productive and comfortable for you.

Generally, you can get information about RA opportunities from your school’s Dean, the head of the doctoral program, or a professor. Some larger grant opportunities may even be advertised on the school’s human resources site. Keep your eyes open and something great will come your way if an RA is something that you think is right for you!

Check out these other recent posts from the R3ciprocity project:

20 Ways to Make the Most of your PhD Program

16 PhD Program Basics: 16 Things You Should Know Before You Do A Doctorate

10 Myths About Doing a PhD

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Teaching & Research Assistantships

“Academic Apprentice Personnel” is the term applied to registered graduate students who have fulfilled the University’s established criteria for appointment (no more than 50% time) to teaching or research assistantships and for which they are compensated at rates approved annually by the Regents of the University of California. These apprenticeships are intended to provide qualified students with relevant training experience for academic and academic-related careers in teaching and research and to augment limited resources from within the University for graduate student support. As a matter of University policy, apprentice personnel in both the teaching and research series are considered primarily as students being professionally trained.

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Research assistants are appointed to the title Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) and are selected on the basis of scholastic achievement and promise as creative scholars and serve an apprenticeship under the direction and supervision of a faculty member.

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What is a Research Assistant?

• After a PhD

Research assistants are employed by research institutes to assist with academic or private research. The primary responsibility of a research assistant is to provide support to either a research fellow or a research team, through collecting, analysing and interpreting data.

Institutes which use research assistants include universities, research centres (e.g. the Russell Group) and private organisations. Research assistants usually operate on a temporary basis, though permanent positions exist. In an academic setting, research assistants work under the supervision of research fellows.

Research assistant roles are often undertaken by postgraduate students who are completing their PhD programme. This provides income for the doctoral student, but also prepares them for an academic career once their programme is complete.

What are the Typical Duties of a Research Assistant?

Duties of a research assistant can vary throughout the life of a research project. In the early stages, you may be required to look for grants or funding opportunities. Many research projects cannot be undertaken without funding from an overseeing body such as a government department, research council or private company. Research assistants can be asked to prepare supporting material and help develop a proposal to secure funding.

Research assistants may also be responsible for planning the research project, coordinating tasks, preparing surveys, scheduling interviews and identifying statistical models and analysis techniques to use. In the middle stages of the project, research assistants may collect, analyse and interpret data. To do this, they will use data analysation techniques and use graphs, tables and charts to present key findings.

Finally, towards the end of the project, they may need to prepare a written discussion of the findings and help produce reports or articles. The research team may need to present the outcome of the research project at a conference to the funding agency or any other interested parties. Research assistants commonly help prepare material such as presentation slides and posters for these conferences.

In summary, the core duties of a research assistant include:

• Preparing materials to support grant applications
• Reviewing published literature and producing literature reviews
• Data collection and storage
• Assist in lab work, ordering of materials, inventory management and preparation of samples
• Conduct analysis of data
• Statistical manipulation and graphical presentation of data
• Assist with the recruitment of staff and performing interviews
• Regular note taking (e.g. meetings, interviews, lab results)
• Attending internal project meetings, seminars and external conferences
• Supervision of undergraduate researchers
• Preparation of reports, presentations and posters
• Review of reports produced by others
• Presenting findings on behalf of research team
• Management of research project finances
• Liaison with funding agency
• Project correspondence and website management
• Development of research protocols
• Management of project programme
• Evaluation and development of new tools and practices

This is a non-exhaustive list, and there will be several day-to-day tasks specific to your job.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

What are the Benefits of becoming a Research Assistant?

Becoming a research assistant is a great way to get hands on experience and prepare yourself for a career in academia or applied research. You will get to experience many aspects of research life, and develop skills such as data analysis, communication and problem solving which can be applied to any industry. Being a research assistant allows you to ‘earn whilst you learn’ and is ideal for those who want to bring in additional income to support their studies.

Beyond this, the short-term nature of research assistant positions suits those looking for flexible working arrangements and those who want to get a taste of research life without committing to a full-time career. For this reason, many research assistants are recent Bachelor’s or Master’s graduates who are looking to experience a research project before deciding on whether a PhD is right for them.

Another advantage of this is that it allows researchers to move from project to project and get experience working in different environments and teams.

As a research assistant you will have the opportunity to become involved in publishing papers. If you have been involved in the research study and made a significant contribution, then you should be an author on the paper. As with all papers, if you lead the research and write up the manuscript, then you should also be the first author.

What is the Salary of a Research Assistant?

Due to the wide variety of environments research assistants can operate in, salaries are varied. That being said, the typical starting salary for research assistants in the UK is around £20,000 to £25,000. Funded PhD students usually receive a tax-free stipend as their salary, typically worth £15,000 to £20,000 .

Who are the Typical Employers?

The most common employer for research assistant positions are Universities. However, other employers include the NHS, charities and trusts, private research companies, and public/government research councils.

What are the Entry Requirements for a Research Assistant position?

Most research assistant positions will require you to possess a good (2:1 or above) undergraduate degree, preferably a Master’s degree, in a relevant subject. Some positions require candidates to either possess a postgraduate degree or be enrolled on a PhD programme. Regardless of the qualification requirement, you will need to have a thorough understanding of the subject area, and be able to show examples of research skills such as data collection and analysis.

Some universities run undergraduate research assistant programmes which allow undergraduates to engage in academic research with the support of university staff and prepare them for a career in academia. An example is the University of St Andrews whose scheme pays undergraduate students £54 for each 6-hour block worked.

Key Skills for a Research Assistant

There are several key skills employers look for when assessing the suitability of candidates for research assistant jobs. We have outlined these below and you should highlight them in your application to make you stand out.

What is the Typical Day of a Research Assistant?

The typical day of a research assistant will vary depending on the field of research you operate in and institute to work for. However, there are some things which most research assistants can expect in a typical day.

They are responsible for basic administrative tasks such as record keeping and account management. Since research assistants are likely to be working under the supervision of a lead researcher, they will be required to support their supervisor in their day-to-day tasks, and provide them with regular progress updates.

If working in a large research team, research assistants can be asked to check in with various members of the team, coordinate tasks and ensure progress is on track. Similarly, research assistants are responsible for planning and scheduling and may organise interviews and meetings on behalf of others.

Research assistants can expect flexible working hours, which vary greatly depending on the project they are involved in. Working hours tend to increase as the deadline approaches, and many research assistants frequently work on weekends.

Most research assistants will operate from either a laboratory or an office. Occasionally, they may go ‘onsite’ to conduct fieldwork.

How to find Research Assistant Positions

One issue with research assistant jobs is that they are not well advertised. The best place to start is to search our extensive database of PhD programmes to see whether there are any research assistant positions available, or browse the research section on the websites of the universities you’re interested in.

Beyond this you can speak to university staff who can advise you on the best course of action to take for applying to research positions within their department. Some organisations advertise on social media, so joining facebook groups and following twitter accounts (e.g. alumni and department pages) is a good idea.

Interview Tips for Research Assistants

Before attending your interview, have a good idea of the current state of knowledge in the field of research you are applying to. Has there been any recent breakthroughs? What are the current gaps in knowledge? What research is being undertaken and what is the direction for the future?

It is also an advantage to know the institution you are applying to. Specifically, how does the research department operate, what equipment does the lab have, is the department currently involved in any noteworthy search projects?

You should also expect to talk about your interest in the research field, your career plans and what makes you a suitable candidate for the job.

Some example questions you may face include:

• How does this research assistant position align with your long-term aspirations?
• Do you have any previous experience?
• What relevant skills do you possess?
• Do you have any skills beyond research? (For example, foreign languages)
• What was your dissertation or thesis title and what did it involve? (If you have done one)

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IT CAREER GUIDES

Research Assistant Career

What is a research assistant  .

Research assistants are primarily employed by organizations to assist with academic, scientific, or private studies. Their primary responsibility is to provide support to either a research fellow or team by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Organizations that use research assistants include universities, research centers, and private companies.

Research assistant roles are often undertaken by graduate or postgraduate students who are or will be pursuing a Ph.D. This allows students to earn an income while preparing them for a career in their chosen field of study. Research assistants provide support by collecting data and information through lab studies, surveys, and other means. They may work in clinical or academic settings, performing and documenting experiments and reporting on findings.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What Does a Research Assistant Do?  

From data collection to project coordination and administrative support, research assistants are vital for executing and managing various aspects of projects. Here are some common day-to-day responsibilities:

• Data collection: Gathering results through experimentation, surveys, and focus groups.
• Data entry: Entering collected data into databases for analysis.
• Conducting experiments: Facilitating the collection of data as determined by the head of the research project. 
• Creating reports: Compiling and writing detailed reports to document research findings and progress.
• Project management: Leading smaller projects that are part of the primary research.
• Assisting with lab work: Helping lab technicians with experiments related to the study.
• Administrative tasks: Managing test subject records, answering phone calls, and conducting lab maintenance.

Research assistants who are pursuing a Ph.D. may also have teaching responsibilities. These varied tasks show how an assistant can be involved in all aspects of a research project.

EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES

How do i become a research assistant  .

Selecting a specific field that resonates with your undergraduate training and passion is the first step towards a rewarding career as a research assistant. Most research assistant positions will require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. Many roles will also require a master’s degree, and some employers may prefer candidates who possess a postgraduate degree or are enrolled in a Ph.D. program. 

Regardless of the degree qualifications, candidates will need a thorough understanding of the subject area and demonstrate research skills such as data collection and analysis. Clinical research assistant roles, for example, may require specific knowledge related to medical or health sciences, while a research coordinator might need strong organizational and project management skills. Earning a degree in public health or data analytics provides the foundational skills needed to succeed in this role. 

Best Degrees for a Research Assistant

Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:...

Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:

• Time:  62% of graduates finish within 36 months.
• Tuition and fees:  $3,835 per 6-month term.
• Courses:  39 total courses in this program.

Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:

• AWS Cloud Practitioner
• CompTIA Data+
• CompTIA Project+
• Udacity Nanodegree—a unique, highly recognized credential designed to prepare you for a career in data science
• MSI Change Management (Optional Certification)
• Certiprof Design Thinking Professional Certificate (Optional Certification)

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

• Data management
• Data wrangling
• Statistical analysis
• Visualization
• Leadership and management 
• Model deployment & storytelling

This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for...

This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for students who want to make a difference in their community.

• Time:  60% of students finish similar programs in 21 months.
• Tuition:  $4,995 per 6-month term
• Courses:  12 total courses in this program

Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:

• Biostatistics and analysis
• Environmental health
• Epidemiology
• Global health
• Public health policy and advocacy
• Health education and promotion

This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.

Public Health - B.S.

This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact...

This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact your community and make a difference.

• Time:  63% of students finish similar programs in 24 months.
• Tuition:  $4,210 per 6-month term
• Courses:  33 total courses in this program
• Cognitive psychology
• Public health approaches
• Biopsychosocial health models

How Much Does a Research Assistant Make?

Research assistants earn around $50,954 per year, according to Glassdoor. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, field of study, and level of education and experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while more experienced research assistants or those in specialized fields can earn higher salaries.

What Is the Job Outlook? 

According to Zippia, the job outlook for research assistants is positive, with steady demand expected across various fields. Employment in research-related positions will continue to grow as the need for data-driven decision-making and scientific advancement increases. Open jobs in this area often highlight diverse opportunities, from research technician roles to program assistant positions. Opportunities for career advancement are also strong, with many research assistants moving on to senior research roles or advanced academic positions. 

What Skills Does a Research Assistant Need?

Employers look for several key skills when assessing candidates for research assistant jobs. These include:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills 
• Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data
• Familiarity with statistical software and research methodologies
• Capability to perform experiments and conduct research without close supervision
• Ability to prepare accurate reports and express research findings
• Commitment to performing ethical and accurate research
• Understanding of lab safety protocols and research techniques
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a research team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail 
• Willingness to be flexible and adaptable according to project needs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis software

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Interested in Becoming a Research Assistant?

Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.

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Research Assistant (RA)

A Research Assistant (RA) must be a graduate student working toward a master’s or doctoral degree. Research Assistants are UW–Madison graduate students who are given stipends to support their own education and training. RAs should not be given work assignments unrelated to their own educational pursuits – graduate assistants with significant duties unrelated to their own course of study should be appointed as a PA rather than an RA.

The program will give consideration for an RA appointment based on information provided in the application for admission or, in some cases, in a specific program application form. Research Assistants will receive a letter of appointment or reappointment each semester or year they hold their assistantship. If appointed students have not received such a letter, they should contact their payrolling office.

Note that the RA appointment percentage is merely a mechanism for setting the stipend amount, and does not correlate to any particular requirement for hours of work. The maximum appointment percentage is 50%. However, to account for the potential that RAs may occasionally perform duties that are not directly related to their course of study, the university has deemed an RA appointment to entail 5 hours of compensated employment per week. In no event may an RA be asked to perform more than 5 hours per week of work unrelated to their course of study, regardless of percentage of RA appointment.

Graduate Assistant Policies and Procedures (GAPP) outlining employment-related practices for graduate student research assistants are available from the Office of Human Resources .

See  Enrollment Requirements ,  Maximum Levels of Appointments

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