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How much do design research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for design research assistant in Iowa is $32.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.28 and $43.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design research assistant?

Design Research Assistants are professionals who support design teams by conducting research to inform and guide the design process. Their responsibilities typically include gathering user insights, analyzing data, assisting in usability testing, and preparing reports that help designers create user-centered products or experiences. They often use both qualitative and quantitative research methods and work closely with designers, researchers, and other stakeholders. This role is essential for ensuring that design solutions are based on real user needs and evidence.

How does a design research assistant typically contribute to collaborative projects within a design team?

As a Design Research Assistant, you play a vital role in supporting collaborative projects by gathering user insights, conducting surveys or interviews, and synthesizing findings for the design team. You often work closely with UX/UI designers, product managers, and other researchers to ensure that user perspectives are integrated into the design process. Your ability to communicate research findings clearly and contribute to brainstorming sessions helps drive informed design decisions and fosters a user-centered approach throughout the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design research assistant, and why are they important?

A Design Research Assistant should have a solid background in user research methods, data analysis, and design principles, often supported by a degree in design, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research tools, survey platforms, and design software like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma is typically required. Strong communication, organization, and critical thinking skills help them effectively collaborate and synthesize insights. These abilities are crucial for delivering actionable research that informs and improves design solutions.

What is the difference between Design Research Assistant vs User Experience Researcher?

AspectDesign Research AssistantUser Experience Researcher
CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in design, psychology, or related fieldsUsually a bachelor's or master's degree in human-computer interaction, psychology, or design
Work EnvironmentAssist in research tasks within design teams, often in agencies or corporate settingsConduct user research to improve digital products, often in tech or software companies
Employer & IndustryDesign firms, product companies, agenciesTech companies, software developers, digital agencies

While both roles involve user research, a Design Research Assistant typically supports research activities within design projects, focusing on gathering insights to inform design decisions. A User Experience Researcher conducts in-depth user studies to enhance digital experiences, often taking on more independent research responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Design Research Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Design Research Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Research Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Research Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Design Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Design Research Assistant job openings:

Design Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,593 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Research Assistant - Trapp/Boes Lab - Psychiatry

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$18.75 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

461st of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Iowa is seeking a Research Assistant.  This position is within the laboratories of Dr. Nicholas Trapp and Dr. Aaron Boes whose lab's current projects aim to better understand the neuroanatomical and circuit-based pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, with an emphasis on the development and optimization of stimulation-based neurotherapeutics.  Research methods include structural and functional neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and clinical trial design.

The Research Assistant will be responsible for coordinating day-to-day clinical research activities by assisting, preparing and submitting the appropriate Human Subjects Review forms and application materials to the Institutional Review Board, assisting with subject recruitment, scheduling, retention, and enrollment; preparing and overseeing data entry; maintaining routine compliance with regulatory agencies; training and assisting new lab members with their projects.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
    Exhibit satisfactory knowledge of research techniques and procedures relating to the performance of clinical research, especially those related to neuropsychiatric disorders and neuromodulation techniques including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and frameless neuronavigation. 
    Display excellent interpersonal sensitivity and communication skills by developing and maintaining a positive working relationship within an interdisciplinary research team.
    Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and documentation in a research setting.
    Assist in the preparation of regulatory submissions and updating documents to necessary agencies.
    Collaborate with Principal Investigators and the study team in the development, execution, administration and maintenance of protocols and clinical studies.  As skills develop, provide input into descriptions of complex research procedures.
    Responsible for scheduling participants for procedures or follow up as required by the study protocol or design, arrange for follow-ups with study participants and maintain records of their visits and interviews. 
    Update and maintain lab manuals for onboarding and training lab members.
    Obtain informed consent and other required regulatory documents and monitor participant experience for reportable events. 
    Participate in the collection, and entry of data into clinical trial research data systems.
    Perform data management and analysis with standard software.
    As skills develop, coordinate with staff or students engaged in data collection to provide instruction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work.
    Assist with the preparation and submission of documents related to research protocol annual reviews, modifications, Adverse Events, Safety Reports and other reportable events to IRB, as needed.
    May be called upon to interview and train new staff on clinical trial and testing procedures and supervise implementation of research protocols. May supervise and/or facilitate the progress of students working on research projects.

Staff Type: Professional and Scientific
Pay Level: 3A
Type of Position: Full-time, Specified Term, 12 months with possibility of extension
 

Required Qualifications
    Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
    Minimum 1 year of clinical research experience.
    Baseline knowledge of statistical software, such as SPSS, RStudio or MATLAB.
    Demonstrated ability to successfully multitask by effectively allocating time and managing involvement in several research projects.
    Demonstrated ability to manage complex information with attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
    Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Desirable Qualifications
    Advanced degree in psychology, neuroscience, or other health sciences.
    Experience with individuals with various neuropsychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, or epilepsy.
    Prior experience performing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on human subject participants.
    Experience collecting various physiological measures such as electroencephalography (EEG), autonomic measures (galvanic skin response), and electrocardiograms (ECG).
    Prior knowledge and experience with designing and implementing REDCap projects and Qualtrics surveys.
    Knowledge of University of Iowa policies, procedures, and regulations.

Application Process
To be considered, applicants must upload a Cover Letter and Resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. 
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Professional references will be required at a later time in the recruitment process. 
For more information, contact lori-posey@uiowa.edu .

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Research Assistant
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 3A
Contact Information
  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Lori Posey
  • Contact Email: lori-posey@uiowa.edu

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