How to Become a Top Research Assistant
Posted December 22nd, 2016
For those interested in the sciences, being able to work in the research your desired field can be very exciting. You may get the opportunity to explore new ideas or be a part of a life-changing discovery. But, if you want the ability to assist on some of the most ground-breaking projects in the area of science, you need to reach the highest echelon of available research assistants.
To become a top research assistant in your field, here are some tips to help you stand out from the crowd.
Education and Training
Working in the sciences requires a strong educational foundation. Getting your college degree is the best place to start. As a student at a university, you will be exposed to more advanced knowledge and understandings. You will also learn about various lab procedures and techniques related to your particular field of study.
Depending on your career goals, you will likely need a bachelor’s degree to pursue scientific research as a profession. In some cases, a master’s or doctorate may be required. Before you begin pursuing your education, determine what degree level is most commonly requested on job positions that mimic your ideal future working environment. Then you will know precisely how far you need to go to get the job you want.
Research Skills
Research skills can be seen as hard or soft skills depending on your perspective. Many college degree programs will include courses that focus on research strategy, methodology and design. You will also learn about statistical analysis, data collections and results interpretations.
But certain research skills are more innate than what can be taught in college. Often, this includes a drive to discover and a thirst for knowledge. You also need to have great attention to detail and superior organizational skills.
Communication Skills
As a research assistant, you will never be working entirely on your own. You may work directly for a primary researcher or might work as part of a larger research team. Either way, the ability to communicate effectively will make the job much easier to manage. Hone your skills in written and spoken forms of communication, as both can be regularly required to meet the expectations set forth in your job duties.
Additionally, you may be called upon to present complex scientific information to an audience that does not possess your level of education or experience. In those cases, you need to be able to convey information in a way that is accessible to the audience in front of you.
Ethics and Integrity
Research assistants need to be infallible in the areas of ethics and integrity. The course of future developments directly relates to the quality of the information you provide as well as the accuracy of your data. This means you always need to record and analyze data based on what actually occurred and while respecting the parameters set forth in the study guidelines.
Additionally, you must be willing to protect participant data based on any applicable rules, regulations or standards set forth. This includes knowing how to properly store the information. You will also need to respect any expectations of privacy. Don’t share data with any person who is not actively working on the study. And keep paper and electronic records properly secured.
If you are interested in finding new opportunities as a research assistant, Bayside Solutions is here to lend a hand. Contact us today and see what the future may hold for you.
