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Professional Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Brown University

Research Assistant

Sidney, OH · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with co-workers * Ability to complete accurate ... Research Assistant Department: Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry Grade:

New

Headlands Research

Research Assistant

Lake Worth, FL

$17 - $23.50/hr

Opportunities for professional development and career growth * A mission-driven culture focused on advancing medicine and improving patient outcomes Responsibilities: * Assist research coordinators ...

Virginia Tech

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Research Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 533999 Work type: Staff Senior ... This professional research position is an excellent opportunity for individuals with strong ...

Headlands Research

Research Assistant

Lake Worth, FL · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

Opportunities for professional development and career growth * A mission-driven culture focused on advancing medicine and improving patient outcomes Responsibilities: * Assist research coordinators ...

Virginia Tech

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Research Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535375 Work type: Staff Senior ... Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and ...

Headlands Research

Research Assistant

Detroit, MI

$22 - $24/hr

... professional with a passion for advancing medicine? Join a leading, integrated clinical research ... As a Clinical Research Assistant, you'll work side-by-side with experienced Clinical Research ...

New

Federal Reserve System

Research Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

Mentorship and professional development focused on graduate study and career planning. * Building relationships across the Federal Reserve and broader research community. The Research Assistant ...

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How much do professional research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional research assistant in the United States is $55,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional research assistant?

To thrive as a Professional Research Assistant, you need a strong background in scientific research methods, data collection, and analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS or R), laboratory equipment, and compliance protocols like IRB processes is often required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating on research teams and presenting findings. These skills ensure high-quality, ethical research that advances project goals and scientific understanding.

What are some typical challenges professional research assistants face when managing multiple research projects simultaneously?

Professional Research Assistants often juggle several projects at once, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Balancing administrative duties, data collection, and analysis across different studies requires strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt to shifting deadlines. Collaborating with various principal investigators and team members also means clear communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings and ensure research integrity. Developing efficient workflows and regularly updating project timelines can help manage these demands effectively.

What is the difference between Professional Research Assistant vs Research Associate?

AspectProfessional Research AssistantResearch Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, relevant research experienceBachelor's or Master's degree, more specialized experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesResearch labs, academic settings, industry projects
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, non-profitsAcademic, government, private sector research
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Professional Research Assistant and a Research Associate lies in experience and educational requirements. Research Associates typically have more advanced degrees and specialized experience, often taking on more complex projects. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but Research Associates usually work on higher-level tasks and may have greater responsibilities.

Is it hard to get a job as a professional research assistant?

Securing a position as a professional research assistant can be competitive and often requires relevant education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, along with strong organizational and research skills. Experience with data analysis tools and familiarity with the research environment can improve job prospects, but the difficulty varies depending on the field and level of experience.

What does a professional research assistant do?

A professional research assistant supports research projects by collecting, analyzing, and organizing data, often using tools like spreadsheets and statistical software. They may assist with literature reviews, prepare reports, and ensure accuracy and compliance with research protocols, typically working under the supervision of lead researchers.

What qualifications do I need to be a professional research assistant?

To become a professional research assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, social science, or engineering. Strong analytical skills, proficiency with research tools and software, and good communication abilities are also important; some positions may require experience with data analysis or laboratory work.
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Professional Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,253 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Professional Research Assistant

Boulder, CO • On-site

University of Colorado
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Coloradoexternal

$44K - $49K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary
A Professional Research Assistant Position is available in the Park laboratory in the MCDB Department at University of Colorado-Boulder.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
We study how cells destroy old or damaged proteins, by building a molecular machine, known as the proteasome. In many cancers and neurodegenerative syndromes (e.g. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease), the proteasome is known to malfunction. Consequently, "bad" proteins build up and form toxic aggregates. Our goal is to find a new rationale to fix proteasome malfunction. For this, we discovered how cells build functional proteasomes, using dedicated proteins-assembly chaperones. The Park laboratory has established both in vitro and in vivo systems to address this fundamentally important problem. To learn more about our research, please refer to the website (https://www.colorado.edu/mcdb/soyeon-park ).
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
  • A prospective Professional Research Assistant will learn and utilize various genetic, biochemical and cell biological strategies to study "novel spatial quality control" during proteasome assembly (see our recent paper in Nature Communications, 2025, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58703-8 ). This mechanism involves nuclear localization signals of proteasome subunits, and evolutionarily conserved chaperones, including Gankyrin, a known onco-protein in humans.

What You Should Know
  • A minimum two year commitment for the position is desired.

What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $44,000 to $49,000 annually.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require
  • Bachelor's Degree preferably in Biology or related scientific field.

What You Will Need
  • Experience with any model organisms (e.g. yeast, plant, worm) is important, including handling, culture, and storage.

What We Would Like You to Have
  • Proficiency with PCR, plasmid cloning, DNA gel electrophoresis, basic protein methods (protein extraction, SDS-PAGE etc.) is a plus.
  • Some experience with structural analysis of proteins is a plus (e.g. alphafold, Chimera etc.)

Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials as PDFs:
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version (if applicable) as an optional attachment.
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference who can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. We will request letters and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
Please apply by August 25, 2026 for full consideration. The position will remain posted until filled.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

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