Career Overview
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Also Known As
- Graduate Research Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Research Associate
- Social Research Assistant
Alternate Job Titles
- Bilingual Research Interviewer
- Clinical Research Assistant
- Data Analyst
- Economic Research Assistant
- Economist Research Assistant
- Graduate Assistant
- Graduate Research Assistant
- Historian Research Assistant
- Laboratory Assistant
- Market Research Interviewer
- Political Affairs Intern
- Political Science Research Assistant
- Postdoctoral Associate (Postdoc Associate)
- Postdoctoral Fellow (Postdoc Fellow)
- Postdoctoral Research Associate
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
- Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
- Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
- Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
- Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Write grant proposals.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Information Ordering
- Deductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Inductive Reasoning
- Speech Clarity
- Problem Sensitivity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Integrity
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- C++
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Extensible markup language XML
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
Tools & Equipment
- Computer data input scanners
- Computer laser printers
- Desktop computers
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Personal computers
- Photocopying equipment
- Tablet computers
- Transcription equipment
Work Environment
- Spend Time Sitting
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $36,410 |
| Median | $58,040 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $100,620 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 32,940
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Data Scientists
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $112,590
Clinical Data Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $112,590
Survey Researchers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $63,380
Clinical Research Coordinators
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $161,180
Statisticians
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $103,300
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.