Research Assistant Job Description
Use this template to create a clear, role-specific Research Assistant job advert for laboratory, clinical or academic projects. It’s written for UK employers and includes responsibilities, realistic essential criteria and candidate questions to help you shortlist efficiently.
What does a Research Assistant professional do?
A Research Assistant provides technical and administrative support to research projects — running experiments or surveys, collecting and managing data, maintaining equipment and contributing to analysis and write-ups. Roles vary by discipline and are commonly fixed-term to match project funding.
Research Assistant job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
Research Assistant
About the role
[Company Name] is seeking a Research Assistant to support [project or team] at [Location]. You will carry out experimental/data-collection work, manage and analyse datasets, maintain accurate records and contribute to reports and publications. This is a [full-time/part-time] fixed-term position for [duration or 'until project end']; training and supervision will be provided. Salary: [£X] and benefits:
.Key responsibilities
- Set up, perform and record experiments, surveys or fieldwork according to established protocols and study plans.
- Collect, clean and maintain datasets; ensure data quality, version control and secure storage.
- Carry out routine statistical analysis and produce summary tables, figures and written results.
- Prepare reagents, equipment and samples; perform routine maintenance, calibration and basic troubleshooting.
- Support literature searches, reference management and preparation of methods sections and figures for reports or manuscripts.
- Maintain laboratory/field/site safety and compliance with institutional or funder requirements (e.g. risk assessments, sample traceability).
- Order and manage consumables and maintain accurate inventories.
- Attend team meetings, present progress updates and contribute to project planning.
Essential skills and experience
- Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent practical research experience.
- Practical experience of laboratory, field or research data collection techniques relevant to the project.
- Ability to follow written protocols and record methods and results accurately.
- Competence with data handling and analysis using spreadsheets and/or basic statistical software.
- Strong attention to detail, organisational skills and the ability to work to deadlines.
- Good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work within a research team.
Desirable
- Experience with specialised techniques used in your project area (e.g. PCR, chromatography, microscopy, qualitative interviewing, survey software).
- Familiarity with analysis tools such as R, Python, SPSS, NVivo or MATLAB.
- Previous contribution to academic publications or conferences.
- Training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), GLP, ethics approvals or relevant regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic data capture platforms.
What we offer
- [Competitive pension scheme]
- [Generous annual leave entitlement]
- [Flexible / hybrid working options where role permits]
- [Training and professional development budget]
- [Employee assistance programme and health benefits]
- [Cycle to Work or travel subsidy option]
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is a Research Assistant role?
Research Assistants provide hands-on support for research projects across academic, commercial and public-sector settings. Tasks commonly include running experiments or fieldwork, collecting and cleaning data, maintaining equipment and contributing to analysis and reporting. Positions are often time-limited to match grant funding and can be a route into specialist technical roles or further study.
Typical employers
Universities, contract research organisations, NHS trusts, private R&D teams, charities and government research units.
Working pattern
Often full- or part-time fixed-term contracts; may include bench or fieldwork, occasional early/late shifts and scheduled project deadlines.
Progression
Experienced Research Assistants may progress to Research Associate, specialist technical roles or postgraduate study (MSc/PhD).
Typical Research Assistant responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Set up
Set up, perform and record experiments, surveys or fieldwork according to established protocols and study plans.
Collect
Collect, clean and maintain datasets; ensure data quality, version control and secure storage.
Carry out routine statistical analysis
Carry out routine statistical analysis and produce summary tables, figures and written results.
Prepare reagents
Prepare reagents, equipment and samples; perform routine maintenance, calibration and basic troubleshooting.
Support literature searches
Support literature searches, reference management and preparation of methods sections and figures for reports or manuscripts.
Maintain laboratory/field/site safety
Maintain laboratory/field/site safety and compliance with institutional or funder requirements (e.g. risk assessments, sample traceability).
Order
Order and manage consumables and maintain accurate inventories.
Attend team meetings
Attend team meetings, present progress updates and contribute to project planning.
Research Assistant skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent practical research experience.
- Practical experience of laboratory, field or research data collection techniques relevant to the project.
- Ability to follow written protocols and record methods and results accurately.
- Competence with data handling and analysis using spreadsheets and/or basic statistical software.
- Strong attention to detail, organisational skills and the ability to work to deadlines.
- Good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work within a research team.
Useful where relevant
- Experience with specialised techniques used in your project area (e.g. PCR, chromatography, microscopy, qualitative interviewing, survey software).
- Familiarity with analysis tools such as R, Python, SPSS, NVivo or MATLAB.
- Previous contribution to academic publications or conferences.
- Training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), GLP, ethics approvals or relevant regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic data capture platforms.
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a Research Assistant job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
Be specific about techniques
List the key laboratory, field or analytical techniques candidates must use day-to-day so applicants can self‑select.
State contract details clearly
Specify whether the role is fixed-term, the expected duration and funding source (if appropriate) to reduce unsuitable applications.
Describe supervision and development
Explain who the successful applicant reports to and any training, mentoring or routes to publish their work.
Clarify working patterns
Note expected hours, on-site bench time vs remote data work, and any requirement for travel or field visits.
Research Assistant salary considerations
Salary for Research Assistant roles varies widely. Employers should set pay based on factors such as sector, funding, the specialist skills required and the candidate's level of experience rather than a single market figure.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What Research Assistant candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
What is the length and funding source of the contract?
Experienced applicants will want to know whether the role is fixed-term, funded by a grant and the expected end date or extension prospects.
Who will I report to and what supervision will be available?
Candidates look for clarity on day-to-day supervision, line management and access to training or mentorship.
Which techniques, equipment or software will I use regularly?
List instrument names, analysis packages or field activities so applicants can assess fit with their skills.
Will I have opportunities to contribute to publications or conferences?
Many research candidates value chances to co-author papers or present findings; be clear on expectations and support.
What are the typical working hours and any on-call or travel requirements?
Clarify bench hours, field visits, shift patterns and flexibility options to set expectations about time commitments.
Where to post a Research Assistant job
Choose channels that match the research discipline and candidate background: academic and clinical roles perform well on university careers pages, specialist sector boards and professional networks, while industry roles also benefit from widely used UK job boards and LinkedIn. Local recruitment channels are useful for lab‑based roles that require regular on-site attendance; for niche technical skills, target specialist forums and research community mailing lists.
Related research & development / academic job descriptions
Recruiting for a slightly different role? These templates may be a closer fit.
Research Assistant job description FAQs
Do Research Assistants always need a degree?
Not always. Many positions require a degree in a relevant subject, but practical experience or vocational qualifications can be acceptable. Specify which is mandatory and which is desirable for the role.
Should I test technical skills during recruitment?
For roles requiring hands-on techniques or data-analysis skills, a practical assessment or work-sample task helps verify competence. Keep tests relevant, time-limited and explained in advance.
How do I check lab competence and safety awareness?
Request examples of prior procedures, ask for demonstrable experience of following SOPs and risk assessments, and check references for past compliance with safety and quality systems.
Is it acceptable to offer fixed-term contracts for project roles?
Yes — project funding commonly dictates contract length. Be transparent about duration, renewal prospects and any support for career development.
What must I include to attract strong candidates?
Be clear on the techniques they will use, the project aim, contract length, supervision and training opportunities, and list realistic essential criteria rather than a long wish-list.
Ready to publish your Research Assistant vacancy?
Use the template above to craft a targeted advert, then promote it through the channels best suited to your discipline. If you need support with distribution or tests, consider specialist research recruitment services.
