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Researcher Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The University Of Iowa

Research Assistant

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $26/hr

The University of Iowa Health Care is looking for a Research Assistant (RA) to support the Geerling laboratory mission of investigating neural circuits that control homeostatic functions, including ...

University of Iowa

Research Assistant

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $26/hr

The University of Iowa Health Care is looking for a Research Assistant (RA) to support the Geerling laboratory mission of investigating neural circuits that control homeostatic functions, including ...

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Researcher Assistant information

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

To thrive as a Researcher Assistant, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a relevant academic background, often in the field of research. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS or Excel), online research databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment is typically required. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively help someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate data collection, efficient project support, and meaningful contributions to research outcomes.

What is the difference between Researcher Assistant vs Research Associate?

AspectResearcher AssistantResearch Associate
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree or ongoing education in a related fieldUsually a master's degree or higher in a relevant discipline
Work EnvironmentSupportive research settings, labs, or academic institutionsIndependent research projects, often with more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, research organizations, private sector R&D
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level research rolesCompared for more advanced research positions

The main difference between a Researcher Assistant and a Research Associate lies in their experience, education, and responsibilities. Researcher Assistants typically hold a bachelor's degree and support research activities, while Research Associates usually have higher qualifications and take on more independent research tasks. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but they differ in scope and level of responsibility.

What are some typical challenges researcher assistants face when balancing multiple projects, and how are these usually managed within research teams?

Researcher Assistants often juggle several projects with overlapping deadlines and priorities. This can be challenging, especially when coordinating data collection, literature reviews, and reporting tasks simultaneously. Most research teams address this by holding regular check-ins, using project management tools, and setting clear expectations about deliverables. Developing strong organizational skills and proactive communication with supervisors and team members are key strategies to manage workload effectively.

Do research assistants get paid a lot?

Research assistants' salaries vary depending on the industry, location, and level of experience, but they generally earn modest wages compared to other roles in research or academia. Entry-level research assistants often earn hourly wages that align with minimum wage standards, while those with specialized skills or advanced degrees may earn higher pay. Compensation can also include benefits such as academic credits or stipends in some settings.

What qualifications do I need to be a research assistant?

Research assistants typically need a minimum of 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, proficiency with data analysis tools, and good communication abilities are also important qualifications.

What is a researcher assistant?

Researcher Assistants are professionals who support scientists, scholars, or other researchers in conducting studies and experiments. Their tasks often include collecting and analyzing data, preparing materials, conducting literature reviews, and maintaining laboratory equipment or records. Researcher Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that research projects run smoothly and efficiently. They may work in academic, scientific, technical, or medical settings, and often gain valuable experience that can lead to further career advancement in research or academia.

How much does a research assistant get paid?

Research assistants typically earn an hourly wage or a stipend, with salaries ranging from around $12 to $25 per hour depending on experience, location, and field. In academic settings, they may also receive stipends or part-time salaries, often requiring basic skills in data collection and analysis.
What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Researcher Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Researcher Assistant job openings:
Researcher Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Researcher Assistant job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Research Assistant - Pediatric Pulmonology

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$18.75 - $26/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 615 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Within the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics Pulmonary Division, we are hiring a Research Assistant to promote the University's research mission by supporting scientific, scholarly and creative activities through scientific inquiry, open discovery, dissemination of new knowledge, administering programs, procedures and policies to assure compliance and to advance research, technology commercialization, or economic development.

This is a specified term position.

Duties to Include:

  • Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project.

  • Read and review articles as assigned.

  • As individual skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypothesis for discussion with other researchers or principal investigator.

  • Read and understand protocols.

  • As individual skills develop, troubleshoot and analyze protocols; propose modifications to other researchers or principal investigator.

  • Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for experimental protocols.

  • As individual skills develop, perform complex techniques as outlined in research protocols and test and evaluate current procedures. Set up and operate equipment for experiments.

  • Perform experimental procedures assuring fidelity to protocols; record and consolidate data as directed by Principal Investigator (PI).

  • Track progress and success of research project.

  • As skills develop, may present results at lab meetings; develop and monitor quality controls.

  • Collect, track, and perform data entry for reports.

  • As skills develop, analyze data.

  • Prepare abstracts for presentations or publications.

  • Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.

  • Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.

  • Assist with procurement of supplies and materials.

  • May train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of employees to assure outcomes are achieved.

  • Take a proactive approach to learning and implementing new techniques and approaches.

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in science, engineering or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and related laboratory experience.

Experience Requirements

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Minimum of 3 months experience in research and data analysis.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.

  • Demonstrated excellent organizational skills.

Highly Desired Qualifications

  • 6 months experience in microscopy is highly desirable.

  • 6 months experience with tissue culture is highly desirable.

  • 6 months experience in molecular biology skills such as cloning, PCR, western blotting, or flow cytometry highly desirable.

  • Experience handling adenoviruses, AAV and lentivirus highly desirable.

  • Experience with gene editing (CRISPR/Cas or base editing) highly desirable.

Desired Qualifications

  • Prior experience in caring for laboratory animals.

  • Experience with plasmid preps and gene subcloning, and primer design.

  • Experience with Snapgene or equivalent DNA software.
    Experience in cell-based screening assays such as luciferase, fluorescence, immunostaining and western blotting.
    Knowledge in how to assemble and present data in figure form.

Position and Application details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original 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. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact pedsuichildrenshr@healthcare.uiowa.edu

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

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: Natasha Johnson
  • Contact Email: pedsuichildrenshr@healthcare.uiowa.edu

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