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Research Assistant

Carry out specified research tasks and analyse data.

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Job opportunities

301

Jobs on SEEK right now

Job growth

N/A*

Projected job growth in 5 years

What's it like to be a Research Assistant?

Research Assistants provide support to research teams who are conducting experiments or gathering and analysing data. They work in different kinds of organisations including medical research centres, consulting firms, universities, market research firms and think tanks. Research Assistants typically work under the supervision of Research Fellows.

Tasks and duties

Carrying out experiments and research in alignment with protocols set by senior team members.
Collecting and recording data.
Conducting analyses of datasets.
Preparing models to display results.
Reviewing academic literature.
Creating presentations based off key results.
Fact checking, editing and proofreading research documents for accuracy and consistency.
Maintaining laboratory equipment and inventory.
Recruiting study participants.

What can I earn as a Research Assistant?

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NSW

VIC

QLD

TAS

ACT

The most common annual salary in AUS for a Research Assistant is between $70k and $80k

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Researcher

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15%

Research Fellow

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$50k$85k$160k

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14%

Lecturer

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Teacher's Aide

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$20k$70k$120k

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Close salary comparison

Source: SEEK job ads

How to become a Research Assistant

The minimum educational requirements to become a Research Assistant will depend on the employer. A degree in a relevant discipline with research experience (Honours) is commonly required, although some employers may require a Masters level qualification.

Complete a bachelor degree in your field of interest. Depending on the course you choose, it will take between 3-6 years to complete.
Consider completing a Masters degree, which will take between 1-2 years.
If you go on to complete a PhD in your chosen field, you may be able to advance to become a Research Fellow.

Explore related qualifications

SEEK users who have worked as a Research Assistant have studied these qualifications.

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NSW

VIC

QLD

TAS

ACT

Bachelor of Arts

This qualification gives you broad skills and knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation to get you started in your career.

Compare institutions

See 33 institutions that offer this course in Australia and Online.

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Develop your knowledge of the human body from a scientific and health perspective with this qualification.

Compare institutions

See 18 institutions that offer this course in Australia and Online.

Skills and experience employers are looking for

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Molecular Biology

Science

Flow Cytometry

Cell Culture

Research Projects

Statistical Analysis

Biochemistry

Animal Handling

Ethics

Data Analysis

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How do Research Assistants rate their role?

Latest reviews from 9 Research Assistants surveyed on SEEK

Work-life balance

4.1

Job satisfaction

3.9

Career progression opportunities

2.7

Job security

2.9

Pay / Salary

2.9

Variety of work

3.7

Latest reviews

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Positive

Negative

Aug 2019

Medical research is as challenging as it is rewarding.

Reviewer's Qualification

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Experience

Less than a year

Organisation size

Large (200+ employees)

Specialisation

Neuroscience

The good things

Being a Research Assistant is a highly rewarding experience. Through volunteering, I was ultimately put forward for a full-time position in a renowned laboratory. I was able to learn from highly exper...

The challenges

Working temporarily without an income comes with inherent challenges, however, it is one of the most important ways of demonstrating your interest and dedication in a competitive environment. Workin...

Aug 2019

Research is challenging but rewarding job that helps to make a real impact on people’s lives

Reviewer's Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (Honours)

Experience

5 – 9 years

Organisation size

Medium (20-199 employees)

Specialisation

Health Research

The good things

Research work is good for people who are retail oriented and organised. Particularly in health research, you can see that the work you do makes a real impact on people’s lives. There are a lot of oppo...

The challenges

Working as a researcher can be challenging, particularly outside of the university context as you’re responsible for many projects and need to be able to distribute your time across the demands of var...

Source: SEEK Role Reviews