research assistant technician

Research Technician vs. Research Assistant: What Are the Differences?

Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.

A research technician and research assistant are both important roles in the scientific research process. Both positions require excellent organizational skills, the ability to work independently and a keen attention to detail. However, research technicians typically have more experience and education than research assistants, and they often take on more responsibility in the laboratory. In this article, we compare and contrast the job duties, education requirements and career outlooks for research technicians and research assistants.

What is a Research Technician?

Research Technicians work in a variety of settings, including colleges and universities, government agencies, and private companies. They provide support for research projects by conducting experiments, collecting data, and maintaining research equipment. They may also be responsible for writing reports and presenting findings to their supervisor. Research Technicians typically have a bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, such as biology or chemistry. Some positions may require experience in a specific area of research, such as medical research or environmental science.

What is a Research Assistant?

Research Assistants support the work of senior research staff in a variety of ways. They may be responsible for conducting literature reviews, data collection and entry, and basic analysis. They may also be responsible for assisting with the development of research proposals and grant applications. In some cases, Research Assistants may also be responsible for presenting research findings at conferences or in other venues. Research Assistants typically work in academic or government settings, although they may also work in private industry.

Research Technician vs. Research Assistant

Here are the main differences between a research technician and a research assistant.

Research technicians carry out the experiments that research directors design. They’re trained in scientific methods and techniques, so they can execute these plans successfully. Research technicians monitor all aspects of an experiment, from designing it to carrying it out. They may prepare lab equipment, administer test subjects’ surveys or question participants about their feelings on a particular study.

Research assistants support researchers by performing administrative tasks. They may schedule appointments, remind researchers of upcoming events or organize paperwork. Research assistants also provide support to study participants, either by explaining a study clearly or offering emotional support if participants need it.

Job Requirements

Research technicians and research assistants typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field, such as biology, chemistry or physics. Some research positions may require a master’s degree or higher. Many research technician and assistant positions are entry-level jobs that provide on-the-job training. However, some employers prefer candidates who have previous experience working in a laboratory setting.

Work Environment

Research technicians and research assistants typically work in similar environments. Both professionals may work in laboratories, where they use equipment to test samples or perform experiments. They also may work in offices, where they conduct research using computers or other technology. Research technicians often have more responsibilities than research assistants because of their experience with the field.

Research assistants usually work under a supervisor who provides direction on projects and helps them learn new skills. Research technicians are more likely to be self-directed, as they may have more experience working independently.

Both research technicians and research assistants use basic laboratory skills, such as measuring, mixing and recording data. They also need to be able to follow instructions carefully and pay attention to detail. However, research technicians typically have more experience and knowledge than research assistants and are able to work more independently. They may also be responsible for training new employees or students on proper laboratory procedures.

Research assistants usually have less experience than research technicians and often work under the supervision of a research technician or scientist. They may be responsible for tasks like setting up experiments, collecting data and cleaning equipment. In some cases, they may also help analyze data or write reports.

Research technicians earn an average salary of $50,577 per year, while research assistants earn an average salary of $42,572 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the type of research you’re doing, the size of the company you work for and your level of experience.

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• CAREER FEATURE
• 21 August 2018

How working as a research technician can bolster your scientific career

• Charlotte Schubert 0

Charlotte Schubert is a freelance writer in Seattle, Washington.

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Dunja Ferring-Appel landed a job as a research technician at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, in 2002. She loves the international environment, the constant exchange of ideas, the research puzzles and her work analysing RNA-binding proteins in mice.

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Nature 560 , 517-519 (2018)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-018-05991-4

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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Research Assistant /Technician

• Dept of Biomedical Engineering
• Morningside
• Opening on: Apr 3 2024
• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• End Date if Temporary: 5/1/25
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $40,900 - $45,000

Position Summary

The UEIL is seeking a (grant-funded) Research Assistant (RA)/Technician. The RA will be responsible for maintaining breeding colonies, running behavioral procedures, perfusions, and sectioning for IHC. Additional duties and responsibilities include (not limited to) checking and maintaining stocks and solutions in a lab, staying up to date with regulatory trainings, and general lab support. We are seeking a motivated individual with experience with animal behavior, histology, and mouse colony handling. There is potential for growth and opportunities with this position and this is to be expected. This is an ideal position for a recent graduate looking to pursue further graduate studies or medical professions.

UEIL is led by Dr. Konofagou, in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, we are a translational science lab focused on using ultrasound in the areas of real-time imaging and as a theranostic tool in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This position will be assisting with studies using focused ultrasound in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders as well as support other groups as needed.

Responsibilities

• (30%)  Assist with mouse colony handling
• (30%) Handling small animals and perfusions.
• (20%)Perform and assist with mouse behavior as needed
• (10%) Perform cryostat sectioning and immunohistochemistry.
• (5%) Assist in the maintenance of lab safety protocols
• (5%) Performs other tasks, duties, and responsibilities as required

Minimum Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year of experience in a research environment. At least one year of experience handling rodents in a laboratory setting and/or wet-laboratory experience
• Skills and Knowledge: The ideal candidate must be able to work independently, be self-motivated, and positively contribute. to labs aims and objectives. Strong organization, communication, and computer skills. Ability to prioritize, and work independently and under direct supervision from senior lab personnel.
• Preferred: Preference will be given to individuals with prior experience working independently with animals (i.e. breeding, behavior, surgery) and laboratory experience (can include undergrad volunteering in a research lab) in chemistry, biology, physics, or a related science, although neuroscience or behavioral psychology is highly preferred

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Research Technician Associate

How to apply.

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The Rahman research laboratory in the Department of Psychiatry and the Research Program on Cognition and Neuromodulation Based Initiatives (RP-CNBI) is recruiting a full-time Research Technician Associate. The emphasis of this research position is on the administration of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and biomarker health education and neuropsychological testing as part of efforts to develop culturally informed AD risk disclosure protocols. The broader emphasis of this laboratory is to develop tools to address racial-ethnic disparities in AD assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. This laboratory is part of the RP-CNBI, which focuses on non-pharmacologic interventions for cognitive decline. 

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Responsibilities*

The successful candidate must be able to operate in a semi-independent manner to assist in clinical research and related projects. The candidate will be expected to work closely with faculty and staff at the RP-CNBI and Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (MADRC) to accomplish study-specific and lab management tasks. These will include: 

• the preparation and management of Institutional Review Board applications, amendments, and reports
• ensuring compliance and regulatory management reporting
• including scheduling, coordinating, and transporting participants to study appointments at the University of Michigan MRI & PET scanners.
• including administering and scoring standardized behavioral and cognitive tests and interviews with participants across the lifespan
• database management and analysis. 
• assisting with the creation of posters, papers, and presentations for scientific meetings
• participating in professional development activities and grant preparation
• supporting community engagement and support efforts. 

Required Qualifications*

To be considered for this position, all applicants must: 

• have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Biology, Neuroscience, Public Health, or a related health science discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• be able to participate in research activities in both Ann Arbor and Detroit locations. 
• be proficient with Microsoft applications (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and EndNote). 
• have previous experience working with basic statistical processing program (e.g. SPSS or R). 
• be confident, highly motivated, positive, and responsible.
• have outstanding organizations skills with meticulous attention to detail in record-keeping. 
• have a professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal and communication skills
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• have the ability to problem-solve and establish timelines and priorities.  

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Preference will be given to applicants with previous experience in conducting research face to face with participants, especially in a clinical trial context. Individuals with an interest in community engagement, outreach, and advocacy or experience and interest working with minoritized populations and/or older adults would be an ideal fit for this position. 

Other qualities that would prepare you well for this position include: 

• previous experience working with older adults with cognitive impairment and/or psychological disorders who come from diverse racial-ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. 
• previous experience with neuropsychological test administration and scoring, or administering and coding semi-structured interviews. 
• being invested in community engagement and outreach. 
• previous experience with qualitative research. 
• having a demonstrated understanding of Good Clinical Practice, HIPPA, and certification in the responsible conduct of research (through PEERRS or CITI). 

Work Schedule

This position is a full-time role, with most work taking place Monday through Friday, between 8AM and 4:30 PM. However, this role will require flexibility to work occasional evening shifts. 

Work Locations

This position is fully in-person. Most work will be conducted at the Research Program on Cognition & Neuromodulation Based Interventions space located at Arbor Lakes on Plymouth Rd. in Ann Arbor. However, this position also involves significant community based participatory research and community outreach/engagement. Therefore the individual in this role will be expected to see participants in Detroit (typically 1 - 4 times per month), and participate in health education events around Southeast Michigan (occasionally). 

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

In addition to the screenings indicated above under Michigan law, a criminal history check including fingerprinting is required as a condition of transfer or employment for this position.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan participates with the federal EVerify system.  Individuals hired into positions that are funded by a federal contract with the FAR EVerify clause must have their identity and work eligibility confirmed by the EVerify system.  This position is identified as a position that may include the EVerify requirement.

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The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

THSTI Jobs 2024 Apply for 07 Technician, Lab Technician, Senior Technician, and Research Assistant Posts

Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) has invited applications for the Technician, Lab Technician, Senior Technician, and Research Assistant Posts. The THSTI Jobs 2024 started the application dates on 10-04-2024. Candidates who have completed their GNM /ANM, B.SC Nursing, and DMLT at a respective university are eligible for the  THSTI Recruitment  2024. Eligible and interested candidates may submit their application form before the last date of application.

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This question is about what a research technician does and research technician .

What is the difference between research assistants and technicians?

The difference between research assistants and technicians is that research assistants test and work to further a product's creation, whereas research technicians do routine work.

At first glance, the position of a research technician and a research associate seem very similar, though the difference lies in their own respective goals. The titles and responsibilities usually vary between the schools and laboratories, with many of the responsibilities being interchangeable between the positions.

A research technician is specifically hired to do the lab work they are instructed to do, along with maintaining a lab and implementing new procedures that are being developed. Meanwhile, a research assistant does independent research, usually alongside the lab's goals.

A research technician tends to be paid more than an assistant, as they are being hired on due to their expertise and experience with lab work, whereas a research assistant is someone who shows promise in their research ability and is usually working on their own independent project alongside the lab.

Both of these positions tend to be the best fit for people mainly seeking lab experience to further their careers, via either a Ph.D. or looking for promotion into better-paying lab positions.

Search for research technician jobs

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