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Research Associate Job Description

What does a Research Associate do?

A Research Associate is responsible for planning, conducting, and analyzing research in a variety of fields, including academic, scientific, medical, or corporate research. They may work in teams or independently, and their duties typically involve designing and carrying out experiments, collecting and analyzing data, writing research reports, and presenting findings to other researchers or stakeholders. Research Associates often need to keep up-to-date with developments in their field, collaborate with other researchers, and may also get involved in grant applications or other fundraising activities to support their research projects.

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

Research Associate Example


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

What does a Research Associate do?

The Research Associate will join a team of scientists engaged in research into new and innovative technologies. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the development of new concepts and ideas, as well as provide technical support to the research team. This role is ideal for someone with a passion for research and a desire to work in a fast-paced, challenging environment.

The Research Associate will work closely with the team leader and other senior researchers to set research goals and develop strategies for achieving them. The Associate will be responsible for conducting literature reviews, designing experiments, collecting and analysing data, and writing up research findings. They will also be required to provide technical advice and assistance to other team members and to collaborate with external partners.

The successful candidate will have a degree in a relevant field, such as science, engineering, mathematics, or computer science. They should have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to work both independently and as part of a team. They should also have strong analytical skills and be comfortable working with complex data. Knowledge of statistical software and programming languages is also desirable.

Research Associate Role Purpose

The purpose of a Research Associate job role is to assist in the planning, execution and management of research projects. This includes working with academic and industry partners to develop research proposals, conducting literature reviews, collecting and analysing data, and preparing results for publication and presentation. Research Associates may also be responsible for developing practical solutions to research problems, managing project budgets and resources, and providing support and mentoring to junior researchers.

Research Associate Role

Research Associate is a position typically held within a research or academic institution. The primary responsibility of a Research Associate is to support and lead research projects, under the guidance of a senior researcher, in order to advance the research objectives of the organisation. This may involve collecting and analysing data, writing reports and papers, attending meetings and conferences and liaising with external stakeholders. Research Associates are also expected to assist with the supervision of junior research staff, and to take on administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of the research project.

Research Associate Duties

  • Planning and conducting experiments
  • Analyzing and interpreting data
  • Writing reports and presenting findings
  • Collaborating with other researchers
  • Attending conferences and seminars

Research Associate Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
  • Strong research skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Organizational and problem solving abilities

Research Associate Skills

  • Developing research protocols
  • Designing experiments
  • Conducting data analysis and interpretation
  • Writing research papers and reports

How to write a Research Associate 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 Research Associate 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 Research Associate 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 Research Associate 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 Research Associate

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