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Research Assistant Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

ARi

Project Engineer - Mechanical

East Peoria, IL

... Research Assistant or related. The Benefits of Working at ARi If you work for ARi, we ensure the benefits extend beyond the workplace. From day one, we offer our full-time employees group health ...

Advance Trading, Inc

Broker Assistant

Bloomington, IL · On-site

... on extensive research and market analysis, giving our clients a competitive edge in today ... The Broker Assistant (BA) provides support to Commodity Trading Brokers by maintaining their ...

TEKsystems

Underwriting Assistant

Bloomington, IL

$18 - $20/hr

Identify and resolve discrepancies through research and collaboration with internal teams ... information. * Assist with monitoring policy issuance timelines and endorsement processing ...

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All JobsResearch JobsResearch Assistant JobsResearch Assistant Jobs in Normal, IL

Research Assistant information

See Normal, IL salary details

$8

$21

$31

How much do research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for research assistant in Normal, IL is $21.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectResearch AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in a related field; some roles require a master'sAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory techniques
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research institutions, or corporate R&D settingsLaboratories, hospitals, or industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesHospitals, diagnostic labs, manufacturing plants
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The main difference between a Research Assistant and a Laboratory Technician lies in their roles and qualifications. Research Assistants typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and focus on supporting research projects, data analysis, and academic studies. Laboratory Technicians usually have an associate's degree or certification and perform routine lab tests and maintenance. Both roles work in laboratory environments but serve different functions within research and clinical settings.

What are some common challenges research assistants face when balancing multiple projects, and how can they effectively manage their workload?

Research Assistants often juggle several projects simultaneously, which can lead to competing deadlines and shifting priorities. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain clear communication with supervising researchers, use organizational tools such as project management software or detailed timelines, and regularly review progress with the team. Setting realistic expectations and proactively seeking clarification on priorities can also help ensure tasks are completed efficiently. Developing these time management and collaboration skills is crucial for success in a dynamic research environment.

What does a research assistant do?

Research assistants gather and document information for their employer. As a research assistant, your responsibilities vary depending on the setting and field in which you work. Most research assistants work in academia, either in the science or humanities departments at a university, or for research institutes. Duties may include collecting data from the library and other sources, conducting surveys, and recruiting volunteers. In a laboratory setting, you may prepare, clean, and maintain lab equipment, assist with experiments, and log readings and results.

What is a research assistant job salary?

The salary for a research assistant varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. Graduate students or those working part-time may earn hourly wages between $12 and $20. Skills in data analysis and familiarity with research tools can influence compensation levels.

What qualifications do I need to be a research assistant?

Research assistants typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, social science, or engineering. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with research tools or software are also important qualifications.

How hard is it to get a job as a research assistant?

Securing a research assistant position typically requires relevant academic background, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, and strong organizational or analytical skills. Competition can be high, especially for positions in prestigious institutions or specialized fields, and some roles may require prior research experience or familiarity with specific tools like statistical software.

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

To thrive as a Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a relevant academic background, often with a bachelor's or master's degree in the field. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Excel), literature databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment is typically required. Effective communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities help Research Assistants collaborate and manage complex tasks efficiently. These skills are crucial for producing accurate, reliable research results and supporting the project's overall success.

What is a research assistant?

Research assistants are individuals who support research projects by helping with data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and administrative tasks. They often work under the supervision of a lead researcher or professor in academic, scientific, or industry settings. Research assistants may also contribute to the preparation of reports, presentations, and publications. Their role is essential in ensuring that research projects are conducted efficiently and accurately.
More about Research Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Normal, IL? The most popular types of Research jobs in Normal, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Research Assistant jobs in Normal, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Research Assistant jobs in Normal, IL are:
What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Normal, IL with the most Research Assistant job openings:
Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Assistant job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,553 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Project Engineer - Mechanical

ARi

East Peoria, IL

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description ARi is a global engineering firm headquartered in East Peoria, Illinois, USA offering services for Embedded Software, Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Testing & Validation, Automation & Robotics, and Digital Transformation. We work with 3 of the top 5 Heavy Equipment Players, as well as industry leaders in Automotive, Aerospace, and Industrial Manufacturing sectors. Our power of "i" represents the innovation, intelligence, ingenuity, and insight that differentiates us from our competition.

With 1,500+ engineering talent worldwide, representing multiple nationalities and countries with office locations in North America and India, we are well-positioned to deliver sophisticated and custom solutions to our clients. The Project Engineer will: Apply mechanical engineering principles for the assigned projects. Integrate 9 to 18 liters capacity electric power generator set engines.

Conceptualize product scope and structure, integrate components and release bills of materials for complete offerings. Support field application and installation of generator sets. Support testing and validation of new and redesigned components.

Conduct design reviews for new and revised components. Co-ordinate with internal teams and suppliers to ensure production against demand readiness. Create and maintain 2D and 3D prints / models database for internal teams and customer usage.

Use Creo, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Python, Abaqus. Primary worksite is East Peoria IL but relocation possible. Requirements: Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related any Engineering field with 5 months experience as Project Engineer or Mechanical Engineer or Design Engineer or Intern or Research Assistant or related.

The Benefits of Working at ARi If you work for ARi, we ensure the benefits extend beyond the workplace. From day one, we offer our full-time employees group health, dental, and life insurance coverage. Vision coverage is available on the first of the following month.

We also understand the importance of recharging your batteries, and that is why we offer paid time off, sick days, company holidays, maternity/paternity leave, and bereavement to full-time employees. We also maintain a 401(k) program for all employees that meet specific eligibility requirements. We hire talented people from all walks of life because we believe it strengthens our company.

If you want to join a team with a diverse culture that strictly upholds and fulfills employee needs, please apply today. #LI-DNI

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About ARi

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Industrial machinery manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

East Peoria, IL, US

Year founded

2006

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