Research Assistant

Duties and Responsibilities of Various Research Assistant Levels

Also see Research Technician job levels.

162001 Research Assistant 1 (nonexempt salary grade 07, working 37.5-hour week)

Research Assistant 1 Job Description Template and follow the RA1 Guide

  • Work under moderate supervision
  • Perform research work in medical and related technical areas involving the use of lab/ research skills
  • Conduct analysis of samples
  • Record results for a particular experiment or closely related series of experiments
  • Maintain records of experiments
  • Maintain test equipment utilized in experiments
  • Order laboratory supplies
  • Bachelor of science degree and 0 to 1 year of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 0 to 2 years experience

162051 Senior Research Assistant 1 (nonexempt salary grade 09, working 40-hour week)

Senior Research Assistant 1 Job Description Template

  • Perform duties of Research Assistant 1 and in addition:
  • Work under general supervision
  • Carry out experiments according to specific instructions. Assist with planning experiments
  • Collaborate with lab staff and principal investigator to conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project. May conduct specific experiments and tasks independently. Organize samples and analyze data to contribute to large projects. Provide interpretation of data and suggest potential improvements to techniques and procedures
  • Maintain certain equipment and/or facilities
  • Manage supplies of the lab, include inventory and submitting orders as requested
  • May assist in training new staff and student on lab operations and maintenance; direct the work of students
  • Bachelor of science degree and at least 6 months of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and at least 1 years experience

162002 Research Assistant 2 (nonexempt salary grade 10, working 40-hour week)

Research Assistant 2 Job Description Template and follow the RA2 Guide

  • Perform duties of Research Assistant 1 and in addition:
  • Work under general supervision
  • Plan and carry out project in accordance with general plans
  • Conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project
  • May assist in developing improved techniques, projection methods or procedures
  • Collect and analyze data
  • Oversee inventory
  • Train new staff; direct the work of students
  • Bachelor of science degree and 1 to 3 years of experience or Associate's degree in an approved biotechnology program and 2 to 4 years of experience

161023 Research Assistant 3 (exempt salary grade 12, working 40-hour week)

Research Assistant 3 Job Description Template and follow the RA3 Guide

  • Perform duties of Research Assistant 2 and in addition:
  • Work under limited supervision
  • Work closely with the principal investigator
  • Coordinate laboratory/ research activities
  • Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature
  • Utilize new and innovative research techniques involving a high degree of skill and training
  • Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyses
  • Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects
  • May monitor the laboratory budget
  • May supervise students and technicians
  • May co-author research projects
  • Bachelor of science degree and 3 to 5 years of experience

161024 Research Assistant 4 (exempt salary grade 14, working 40-hour week)

Research Assistant 4 Job Description Template and follow the RA4 Guide

  • Perform duties of Research Assistant 3 and in addition:
  • Work with a high degree of independence and under general direction
  • Coordinate major activities of laboratory/ research staff
  • Perform the most complex quantitative analytical procedures
  • Provide input and recommendations to the principle investigator regarding significant developments in research projects
  • Assist in developing procedures, coordinate information with others as needed
  • May supervise research assistants and technicians
  • Co-author research projects
  • Teach or instruct others in research techniques
  • Bachelor of science degree and 5 to 8 years of experience