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Research Project Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Mercer University

$24.04/hr

The Research Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting our research projects by conducting literature reviews, interviewing individuals, facilitating focus groups, conducting windshield ...

Mercer University

$24.04/hr

The Research Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting our research projects by conducting literature reviews, interviewing individuals, facilitating focus groups, conducting windshield ...

Vanderbilt University

Research Assistant

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

This position will set up and conduct experiments, and implement long-term research projects following protocols including the appropriate recording and reporting of data. This position will assist ...

Vanderbilt Health

Research Assistant 3 - ON SITE

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... research projects following protocols including the appropriate recording of data and reporting of ... The RAIII will also assist in other laboratory and research functions. Exceptional organizational ...

Vanderbilt University

Research Assistant

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Research Assistant will support research, writing, and editing for the Institute. The ideal ... Collaborate with team members to support various research projects Supervisory Relationships: This ...

Mercer University

$24.04/hr

The Research Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting our research projects by conducting literature reviews, interviewing individuals, facilitating focus groups, conducting windshield ...

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Research Project Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$19

$28

How much do research project assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for research project assistant in Tennessee is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $22.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research project assistant do?

A Research Project Assistant supports the planning, coordination, and execution of research projects. Their responsibilities typically include managing project documentation, scheduling meetings, assisting with data collection and analysis, and ensuring compliance with research protocols. They work closely with project managers and researchers to help keep projects on track and meet deadlines. This role often requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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

To thrive as a Research Project Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience with data collection and analysis, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research software, spreadsheets, databases, and sometimes IRB protocols or compliance certification is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and teamwork abilities set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring research accuracy, meeting project deadlines, and supporting effective collaboration within research teams.

What are some common challenges faced by research project assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Research Project Assistants often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple tasks simultaneously, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring accurate data collection and documentation. To manage these effectively, it's important to prioritize tasks, communicate clearly with supervisors and team members, and be proactive in addressing any issues as they arise. Utilizing organizational tools and maintaining detailed records can also help streamline workflow and minimize errors, making the research process more efficient.

What is the difference between Research Project Assistant vs Research Coordinator?

AspectResearch Project AssistantResearch Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a related fieldOften requires a bachelor's or master's degree, with some roles preferring additional certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, research sites, or academic settingsResearch institutions, universities, or healthcare organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in academic, healthcare, and government research projectsCommon in managing research projects, overseeing teams, and coordinating activities
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by those starting in research roles or assisting in studiesCompared for roles involving project management and oversight

The main difference is that a Research Project Assistant typically supports research activities by performing specific tasks, while a Research Coordinator manages and oversees entire research projects, including planning, coordination, and compliance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Project jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Research Project jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Research Project Assistant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Research Project Assistant job openings:

Research Project Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Project Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,674 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Research Assistant - Part Time

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Position Summary:
The Lab Assistant role is part of the Biomedical Engineering work unit within the Vanderbilt
University School of Engineering. This part-time position, with potential to increase to full-time
later, supports the SMILE Lab, directed by Dr. Ruogu Fang, by managing the operational,
regulatory, and administrative functions of the lab's research portfolio. The candidate will work
closely with the principal investigator and lab members to coordinate meetings, prepare and
maintain IRB applications, support research participant recruitment, and manage grant, fiscal,
and data documentation. The position requires strong organizational and communication skills,
close attention to detail, and a proactive approach to managing multiple concurrent projects and
deadlines.
About the Work Unit:
The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt is unique among biomedical
engineering programs in its immediate proximity to the world class Vanderbilt Medical Center,
located on our compact campus. Our School of Medicine is among the top ten in funding from
the National Institutes of Health and includes a National Cancer Institute-recognized
Comprehensive Cancer Center, a major children's hospital and a Level I trauma center. This
proximity and the strong relationships among faculty across multiple schools stimulate high
impact research and provide unique educational and research opportunities for students.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
  • Organizes and coordinates lab and center meetings, including scheduling, preparing
    agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action items
  • Provides day-to-day project management support across multiple concurrent research
    studies, tracking timelines, milestones, and deliverables
  • Prepares, submits, and maintains IRB applications, amendments, and continuing reviews
    to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance
  • Coordinates research participant recruitment, screening, and scheduling in accordance
    with approved study protocols
  • Prepares and organizes grant documents, including progress reports, subaward
    materials, and submission packages
  • Manages fiscal aspects of lab accounts, including monitoring expenditures, reconciling
    accounts, and preparing financial summaries
  • Assists with budgeting and budget projections for current and proposed research projects
  • Manages research data, including organization, quality control, and secure storage in
    accordance with data management plans
  • Coordinates communication with collaborators, sponsors, and external partners on behalf
    of the lab
  • Performs other duties as assigned to support the operational and research goals of the
    lab

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and
functionally to the Professor.
Education and Certifications
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
  • Degrees in Public Health, Health Administration, Business Administration, Biomedical
    Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related fields are preferred.

Experience and Skills:
  • A professional attitude, high level of motivation, initiative and good work ethic is required.
  • 1-2 years minimum experience in research coordination, clinical research, project
    management, or a related administrative role.
  • Experience with IRB submissions, amendments, and regulatory compliance is strongly
    preferred.
  • An ability to manage budgets, track expenditures, and prepare financial and fiscal
    documentation is required.
  • Strong organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and
    deadlines are required.
  • Higher education experience is strongly preferred.
  • An ability to work independently with a high level of self-motivation is preferred.
  • An ability to learn new skills quickly is preferred.
  • Adaptability to ever changing projects and people is preferred.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, experience with research participant
    recruitment, and proficiency with data management tools and standard office software
    (Microsoft Office, Excel) are strongly preferred.

About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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