Research Assistant
Also advertised as: Graduate Research Assistant, Project Research Assistant, Research Assistant, Research Officer, Research Support Officer
Supports researchers with data collection, literature review and administration of studies.
What the job involves
Research assistants provide the practical support that keeps research projects moving, from recruiting participants and collecting data to reviewing academic literature and helping prepare reports. You work under the direction of a lead researcher or academic, often on fixed-term contracts tied to project funding. It is a common stepping stone towards further postgraduate study or a research career.
Typical responsibilities
- Collect and record research data
- Conduct literature reviews
- Support participant recruitment and consent processes
- Assist with data analysis and report writing
- Maintain accurate research records
Common employers
- Universities
- Government research bodies
- Charities
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Market research firms
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£23,000 – £28,000 a year
With experience
£30,000 – £38,000 a year
Typical hours
37.5 hours, often on fixed-term contracts
Working environment
Office, laboratory or fieldwork depending on the study
Remote working
hybrid
Demand for this work
steady
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Research methods
- Data analysis
- Written communication
- Organisation
- Attention to detail
Transferable skills you may already have
- Dissertation or project work
- Data entry and analysis
- Report writing
Requirements employers ask for
- Research methods
- Data analysis
- Written communication
- Organisation
- Attention to detail
- Degree in a relevant subject
Useful but not essential
- Dissertation or project work
- Data entry and analysis
- Report writing
- Postgraduate qualification or working towards one
- Statistical software experience
Helpful qualifications
- Postgraduate qualification or working towards one
- Statistical software experience
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- No standard apprenticeship route; usually graduate entry
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Sciences
- Related subject: Social sciences
- Related subject: Psychology
Where this career can lead
next
Research Fellow
next
PhD Researcher
next
Research Manager
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Good grounding for a research career
- Intellectually engaging work
- Exposure to published research
What people find hard
- Roles are often fixed-term and project dependent
- Competitive graduate job market
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a research assistant?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. required
- How much does a research assistant earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £23,000 to £28,000 a year, rising towards £38,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Dissertation or project work, Data entry and analysis, Report writing.
Related careers
Laboratory Analyst
Carries out tests and analysis on samples to support research or quality standards.
Laboratory Technician
Prepares, runs and records scientific tests and keeps the laboratory working correctly.
Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
Read how our career data is built and reviewed, or tell us if something here is wrong.