How to become a Research Assistant

Supports academic, clinical, laboratory, and engineering research through participant recruitment, data collection and management, laboratory procedures, regulatory compliance, literature review, and preparation of research outputs under the direction of a principal investigator or research team.

Top Skills Required

  • Quantitative and qualitative research methods
  • Clinical data collection and management
  • Participant recruitment, screening, enrollment, and consent

Education & Certifications

Typical: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as health sciences, nursing, public health, psychology, sociology, biology, biochemistry, clinical research, engineering, or a related discipline.

Alternative paths:

  • Associate degree with relevant research or healthcare experience
  • High school diploma or GED with approximately three years of work experience, including two years in research or healthcare
  • Master's degree preferred for some academic research positions
  • Foreign medical graduates may qualify for some clinical research roles