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Research Writing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 candidate will possess exceptional writing skills, strong research capabilities, and time management ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$56.20K - $81.50K/yr

Write and edit press releases, feature stories, and media pitches for assigned beats * Conduct background research and interviews to accurately translate complex subject matter * Collaborate with ...

Common Good

Grant Writer/Grant Researcher

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$25 - $35/hr

Strong research, writing, and editing skills. Experience with grant CRMs (Airtable, Salesforce, or similar). Interest in cooperative development, sustainability, or community resilience. Students ...

Penn State University

Research Writer

University Park, PA · On-site

$56.20K - $81.50K/yr

Write and edit press releases, feature stories, and media pitches for assigned beats * Conduct background research and interviews to accurately translate complex subject matter * Collaborate with ...

Bullish

Research Analyst

New York, NY

This role focuses on analysing complex on-chain and exchange-level datasets and translating them into high-quality written research used in paid client engagements, benchmarks, and flagship reports.

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How much do research writing jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for research writing in the United States is $28.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Research Writer, you need strong analytical skills, advanced writing proficiency, and typically a relevant academic background such as a degree in English, communications, or a specialized field. Familiarity with citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago), research databases, and reference management software like EndNote or Zotero is commonly required. Exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly are key soft skills. These competencies ensure that research findings are accurately interpreted, well-articulated, and credible, supporting the integrity and impact of scholarly or professional publications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in research writing roles, and how can they be addressed?

Research writers often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, maintaining objectivity, and ensuring accuracy in presenting complex data. Balancing clarity with technical detail can also be demanding, especially when writing for diverse audiences. To address these challenges, it's essential to develop strong time management skills, stay informed about the latest research in the field, and seek regular feedback from peers or subject matter experts. Collaboration with researchers, editors, and other writers can further help refine content quality and maintain high standards of integrity.

What is research writing?

Research writing is the process of investigating a topic, gathering and analyzing information, and presenting findings in a structured, formal manner. It typically involves formulating a research question or hypothesis, conducting a literature review, collecting data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Research writing is commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional fields to communicate new knowledge, support arguments, and contribute to ongoing discussions. Strong research writing requires critical thinking, clarity, proper citation, and adherence to specific formatting guidelines. The primary goal is to inform, persuade, or solve a problem using reliable and well-documented information.

Is research writing difficult?

Research writing can be challenging due to the need for thorough analysis, accurate sourcing, and clear communication of complex ideas. Success often depends on strong research skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with writing tools like citation management software. Developing expertise and experience can make the process more manageable over time.

What is the difference between Research Writing vs Content Writing?

AspectResearch WritingContent Writing
CredentialsTypically requires strong academic background, research skills, and familiarity with citation stylesOften requires good writing skills, SEO knowledge, and understanding of target audiences
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research institutions, or specialized industriesDigital marketing, media, corporate websites
Industry UsageUsed in academia, scientific research, and technical fieldsUsed in marketing, advertising, and online media

Research Writing focuses on creating detailed, evidence-based content often for academic or scientific purposes, requiring research skills and citation knowledge. Content Writing is geared towards producing engaging, SEO-friendly material for online audiences, emphasizing readability and marketing goals. While both involve writing, their audiences, objectives, and skill sets differ significantly.

More about Research Writing jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Writing jobs? Cities with the most Research Writing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Writing jobs? The most popular types of Research Writing jobs are:
What states have the most Research Writing jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Writing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Research Writing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research Writing jobs are:
Research Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Writing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,710 per year, or $28.2 per hour.
Research Assistant

Research Assistant

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

238th of 529 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Description
The Institute of National Security is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the Institute team. This position also collaborates with staff, faculty, researchers, and external partners in the Institute to advance research in national security, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and international affairs.
The Research Assistant will support research, writing, and editing for the Institute. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional writing skills, strong research capabilities, and time management abilities. This position is perfect for a recent undergraduate with a background in national security, public policy, and/or foreign affairs.
The Vanderbilt University Institute of National Security is an academic proving ground for future national security leaders and a hub for innovation. The Institute offers the national security community access to top student talent and fresh thinking from a university rooted in open debate, radical collaboration, and real-world impact. The Institute also provides a trusted space to convene leaders, experts, and students for conversations about the pressing challenges facing our nation and the world.
The Institute's research initiatives, containing the nationally-recognized Wicked Problems Lab, bring cutting-edge research together with real-world expertise to develop pragmatic solutions to tackle national security challenges-bridging the gap between policy and implementation. The Institute's research focuses on high-impact issues at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and national security. Work from the Institute has been featured in the New York Times, Foreign Affairs, and U.S. congressional testimony.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Conduct thorough research on assigned topics
  • Provide research, writing, copyediting, and fact-checking support for Institute publications
  • Develop high-quality presentations or research briefs that effectively communicate research findings and Institute priorities
  • Write clear, concise, and well-structured reports and summaries
  • Assist in the preparation of documents and materials
  • Collaborate with team members to support various research projects

Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Operations.
Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. (e.g., Political Science, International Relations, Foreign Languages, National Security, Cybersecurity)
  • Familiarity with contemporary and emerging issues in national security is strongly preferred, particularly in the domains of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and international affairs
  • Eligibility for a U.S. security clearance is strongly preferred
  • Exceptional writing and editing skills
  • Proficiency in creating visually appealing presentations using software such as PowerPoint
  • Proven research capabilities, including data collection, analysis, and the ability to retrieve articles to find references or verify facts
  • Ability to work under tight timelines
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills

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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