INDUSTRY STATS
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Research Assistant positions are at a 7% growth rate, which is as fast as average. With that said, there are currently 87,600 jobs in the market right now. The total number of jobs is expected to increase by 5,900 to 93,500 in the period of 2020-30.
What’s more, the median annual wage for the Research Assistant jobs was $46,340 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $30,440, and the highest 10% more than $74,600.
Our conclusion? The Research Assistant job market is wide open for candidates.
Top Research Assistant sections that make the best resume
- Header
- Professional summary
- Experience (with numbers and results)
- Relevant skills
- Education
- Certifications
How to write a Research Assistant resume experience section
Research Assistant Resume’s Job Experience Checklist:
- Use 4-6 bullet points per job title;
- Don’t go further than a decade behind when describing your job history, unless you’re applying for an executive position;
- Combine job responsibilities as well as achievements with numbers in results when you describe your past work;
- Start each sentence with a power verb and avoid overused buzzwords;
- Use either C-A-R or S-T-A-R methodology, when describing your experience.
The work experience samples below come from real Research Assistant resumes that got people hired at top companies. You can use them as an inspiration to build your own resume:
- Testing and designing the implementation of Argon, an open-standards augmented reality web browser.
- Created ways to incorporate augmented reality into a 2D brochure to create a better user experience.
- Modeled interactive 3D computer graphics in WebGL with the three.js library.
- Acquired strong theoretical understanding of array sensors fixed/mobile,
- Worked in wireless communication research (e.g., MIMO, information theory, OFDM, etc.),
- Developed state-of-the-art array processing algorithms.
- Research assistant at the MeCETES (Mediating Cultural Encounters through European Screens) project. The aim of the project was to analyse the enabling factors for better circulation of European films.
- Researching viewership of non-national European films in the UK through the creation of a database containing figures on budget, team, release, box office, viewers' and critics' appraisal. The database contained over 300 titles.
- Desk research on Netflix and other VoD platforms in Europe in tearms of strategies, operation, customers, potential effect on the business and viewers' habits.
- Testing and designing the implementation of Argon, an open-standards augmented reality web browser.
- Created ways to incorporate augmented reality into a 2D brochure to create a better user experience.
- Modeled interactive 3D computer graphics in WebGL with the three.js library.
- Assisted staff in the evaluation of research projects, including literature reviews, surveys, focus groups and analysis
- Represented the organization as translator at the "Turkey African CSO's Forum" held in Istanbul
- Assisted with coordination of committee meetings and staffing corporate member events
- During the project I Wrote proposals on the key areas of the studies I was to carry out i) Water problems affecting the Aimi Ma Kilungu Ranch ii) Land Degradation in the Aimi Ma Kilungu Ranch
- I carried out research on the two areas of on the ranch and wrote reports showing the current state of the ranch environment and recommendations.
- I assisted in planning and organizing of workshops for stakeholders in the affected communities.
- Research assistant at the MeCETES (Mediating Cultural Encounters through European Screens) project. The aim of the project was to analyse the enabling factors for better circulation of European films.
- Researching viewership of non-national European films in the UK through the creation of a database containing figures on budget, team, release, box office, viewers' and critics' appraisal. The database contained over 300 titles.
- Desk research on Netflix and other VoD platforms in Europe in tearms of strategies, operation, customers, potential effect on the business and viewers' habits.
- Assist the professor and doctoral candidates with academic research sponsored by DBT and DST with research projects and discuss the assignments with the supervisor.
- Supervise all the undergraduate students with their assigned projects.
- Prepare literature review, articles, reports and presentations and perform other duties as assigned by the professor.
- During the project I Wrote proposals on the key areas of the studies I was to carry out i) Water problems affecting the Aimi Ma Kilungu Ranch ii) Land Degradation in the Aimi Ma Kilungu Ranch
- I carried out research on the two areas of on the ranch and wrote reports showing the current state of the ranch environment and recommendations.
- I assisted in planning and organizing of workshops for stakeholders in the affected communities.
- Designed a common source cascode configuration LNA.
- Successfully simulated it on Cadence Virtuoso.
- LNA with a center frequency at 5.8 GHz and a noise figure of 2.5 dB and a gain of 21 dB, was achieved.
- Communicating with clients to understand and document the business objectives;
- Formulating analysis plans and acquiring client sign-off;
- Assisting in the development of questionnaires and moderator guides to ensure the necessary data is captured;
- Data analyses using traditional and advanced methods;
- Authoring reports containing actionable recommendations;
- Making presentations—answering questions and instilling confidence.
- Began working for the University delivering administrative support.
- Progressed onto gaining a successful bid to implement a university-wide employability development Award.
- Oversaw the strategic direction and delivery of the Award, recruiting over 1,060 students to complete the Award within the first two years.
- Management of research project, geological database, and metallogenic models;
- Management, integration, and interpretation of geological and geochemical data;
- Mineral chemistry analysis of silicates by using Electronic Microscopy;
- Geological Mapping, core logging, and data acquisition;
- Petrography of host rocks, altered and ore assemblages, detailed petrography by using SEM-EDS;
- Presentation of project results in conferences and Technical Report
- Primary research focusing on animal modeling for the developing of novel PET probes for the evaluation of indeterminate pulmonary nodules.
- Protocol writing for both VA and NIH funded research.
- Mouse model generation and small animal surgeries for targeted therapy drug development.
- Molecular imaging modalities including PET (Positron emission tomography) and micro-CT
- Evaluation of response to new targeted therapeutic agents.
- High throughput assay development
- Project 1 : Currently assisting in creating an exhaustive compilation of research done since 1990, in the area of urban poverty in Maharashtra
- Project 2 : Wrote an extensive 10,000 word review of the changing definitions (official and scholarly) of Urban Poverty in India since 1990
- Project 3 : Assisted in primary data collection for an International Labour Oraganisation (ILO) funded project titled ‘Employers of Domestic Workers’
- Project 4 : Assisted in secondary data collection and analysis for a United Nations Women (UNW) funded project titled ‘Patriarchy and Employment in an Urban Macroeconomic Setting (Mumbai)’. A state-wise comparison was done using a host of social and economic indicators to examine empowerment of women vis-a-vis general population, over a span of two decades
PRO TIP
Make sure to relate your experience to your job description, but never lie. That’s not tolerated and will show up in the face-to-face interview later on.
Action Verbs for your Research Assistant Resume
Recommended reads:
Research Assistant Resume Skills’ Tips & Tricks to Impress Recruiters
Resume Skills Section Checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top Skills for your Research Assistant resume
- Microsoft Office Tools
- aryan
- Python
- Flask
- JavaScript
- NodeJs
- AngularJS
- Critical thinking
- Problem Solving
- Creativity
- Innovation
- Organisation
- Attention to details
- Caution
PRO TIP
Avoid getting sidetracked by Applicant tracking software by including a tech skills' section matching the job description and your own qualifications.
Recommended reads:
Research Assistant Resume Header: Tips, Red Flags, and Best Practices
CHECKLIST For Your Research Assistant Resume Header
- Your name and surname in a legible and larger resume font
- The job title you’re applying for or your current job title as a subheading to your name
- Link to your portfolio or online profile, such as LinkedIn
- Address (City and State for the US; just your city for rest of the world)
- Email address
- Headshot (required or welcomed in the EU; not required and sometimes frowned upon in the US)
Stick to popular email providers such as Gmail or Outlook. And use these professional formats to create your username:
- first.last@gmail.com
- last.first@gmail.com
- firstlast@gmail.com
- f.last@gmail.com
- first.l@gmail.com
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Include a link to your portfolio in your Research Assistant resume header. Most companies will require that you include one in your resume, and even if they don’t, it’s an excellent opportunity to directly show them your proudest projects.
Research Assistant Resume Summary Best Practices
Checklist: What to include in your Research Assistant resume summary:
- Years of experience;
- Highlight top 3 skills and proficiencies;
- One big professional accomplishment you’re most proud of, that you can tie with the aforementioned skills;
- Use short, direct sentences - but no more than three - to keep the HRs interested.
Resume Summary Formula:
PRO TIP
You’re not going to get hired simply because of a good summary or objective. However, your recruiter can bump you up in front of similarly experienced candidates who didn’t demonstrate such passion and drive.
Recommended reads:
Listing Your Education, Certifications and Courses
Resume Education Section Checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top Certifications for your Research Assistant resume
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
There are dozens of certifications that you can claim as a Research Assistant. But, some are more effective than others. That’s why you mustn’t include every certificate other applicants might have. Try instead to earn and list a few of the difficult ones.
Research Assistant Resume: Additional Writing & Formatting Tips
There are three basic resume formats you can choose from:
- Reverse-chronological resume format;
- Functional resume format;
- Hybrid (or Combination) resume format;
The most optimal format for your particular case will depend on your years of experience, as well as whether you’re switching industries or not.
Reverse chronological resumes are best suited for experienced individuals who are sticking to their industry. The experience section takes a central place, and its bullets contain your responsibilities and achievements, coupled with numbers and results.
Functional resumes are used by less experienced jobseekers or career changers. Note that it’s not a format that recruiters prefer, as most are used to the classic chronological alignment. Instead of a list of job titles, functional resumes focus on your skills, and through what experiences you gained them.
Hybrid resumes are great for both experienced and entry-level candidates, as well as career changers. They combine the best of both worlds - most often in a double column format, where one side of the content is focused on your experience, whereas the other - on your skills, strengths, and proudest moments.
Research Assistant Resume Summary best practices
Here are more resume tips regarding your layout and style:
- Clear and legible 12p resume font size;
- Use 10’’ resume margins - that’s default for a great resume design;
- Use a one-page template resume length if you’ve got less than 10 years of experience; otherwise, opt for a two-page resume;
- Save your resume as PDF before sending it to the recruiter.
To take it a step further, check out how your resume can stand out without leaning too much on the creative side.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Test your draft Research Assistant resume by sending it out to peers and mentors in your circles. Ask them to review it as if they are hiring you for a project and implement the feedback afterwards.
Other sections to include in your resume
Depending on the type of company (corporation or start-up; innovative or traditional), job seniority level and your location, you may want to include more sections to your Research Assistant resume:
Research Assistant Resume: How to Make Yours More Creative & Stand Out
When you send your resume to a potential employer, chances are it's the fiftieth one they've seen that day. That's why you need to make your Research Assistant resume stand out for the right reasons. That means showing your personality, not just your professional experience. Employers are far more likely to remember a candidate who seems like a genuine person and not a robot. Do this by including your passions (which is also a great place to demonstrate skills on a resume), share your favorite books, or even what your usual day looks like.
What Makes a Great Research Assistant Resume: Key Takeaways
- Choose a resume layout that sends the right message across and fits your current career situation;
- Create a resume header that shows your desired job title, and easy to find contact numbers;
- Be specific about your experience, accomplishments and future goals in your summary;
- Feature detailed metrics and specific examples that show the impact you made in your previous roles when describing your experience;
- List soft skills backed by examples;
- Add all of your technical skills and certifications that you have and match the job description;
- Show off a dash of personality in your resume that will demonstrate your culture fit and the right mix of hard and soft skills.
