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Graduate Research Assistant Job Description

What does a Graduate Research Assistant do?

A Graduate Research Assistant typically assists in research projects under the guidance of a faculty member or senior researcher, while pursuing their own academic and research goals. They may be involved in a variety of tasks, including conducting experiments, gathering and analyzing data, and preparing reports or presentations on their findings. Additionally, they may assist in writing grant proposals, monitoring project budgets, and collaborating with other team members. Graduate Research Assistants play a crucial role in advancing research in their field, while gaining valuable experience and skills for their own academic and professional development.

Our Graduate Research Assistant job description includes the Graduate Research Assistant responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Graduate Research Assistant Example


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If you need an example job description for a Graduate Research Assistant download the one below, alternatively we have many other Science job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Graduate Research Assistant do?

Graduate Research Assistant

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Graduate Research Assistant to join our team. The successful candidate will assist in the development and implementation of research projects and support the research team.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support to the team in the development and implementation of projects
• Assist in the collection and analysis of research data
• Prepare and maintain research documents and presentations
• Develop and maintain databases and provide statistical support
• Research and analyse relevant literature
• Assist in the preparation of grant applications
• Assist in the preparation of manuscripts for publication
• Assist in other research related activities as needed

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Previous research experience is desirable
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and statistical software
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks
• Ability to work flexibly, creatively and under pressure
• Attention to detail and accuracy

Graduate Research Assistant Role Purpose

The purpose of a Graduate Research Assistant job role is to provide support to a university research team by undertaking research tasks, analysing data, and preparing research reports, papers and presentations. Graduate Research Assistants are often responsible for conducting literature reviews, designing experiments and analysing data. They may also be required to support the team with administrative tasks, such as budgeting, data entry and filing. The job role may also involve attending conferences and presenting research findings.

Graduate Research Assistant Role

Graduate Research Assistants are responsible for providing support to experienced researchers in the completion of specific research projects. Tasks may include conducting literature reviews, data collection and analysis, drafting of reports, and other duties as assigned. They must possess strong organisational skills, the ability to work independently, and excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Graduate Research Assistant Duties

  • Carrying out research activities in line with the research project aims
  • Managing research data and developing data analysis processes
  • Producing research reports and other written material
  • Presenting research findings at conferences and other events
  • Carrying out literature searches and reviews
  • Managing research budgets

Graduate Research Assistant Requirements

  • A Masters degree in a relevant subject
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to multitask and manage competing demands

Graduate Research Assistant Skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Research skills
  • Organisational skills
  • Problem solving

Graduate Research Assistant Personal Traits

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks
  • Able to work in a team environment
  • Able to work with tight deadlines

How to write a Graduate Research Assistant Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Graduate Research Assistant Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Graduate Research Assistant Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Graduate Research Assistant Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Graduate Research Assistant

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