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11 Research Assistant Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Becoming a research assistant is an ideal path for those who love to learn new things and challenge themselves intellectually. with a growing demand for capable research assistants, there’s never been a better time to apply. this guide contains everything you need to land the right position, including essential skills and sample resume templates for you to use..

Research assistants provide support to individuals or research teams conducting experiments, analyzing data, and collecting information. Many research assistants work in academia for colleges and universities, but are also in demand from research centers, think tanks, public interest groups, and private consulting and market research firms. Most research assistant jobs are temporary contract positions. While this means that there are fewer permanent roles for those seeking additional job security, it provides a high level of flexibility, with many jobs available part-time. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an employment growth of 5%, which is above the national average. Becoming a research assistant generally requires at least an undergraduate degree in a related field, though some positions will require postgraduate qualifications. The role is ideal for recent graduates and PhD candidates, as it provides hands-on experience with applied research, including opportunities to publish papers. Whatever your academic background, all positions will require you to possess technical skills, experience in the field, and an aptitude for data analysis, problem solving, communication, and time management.

Research Assistant Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• Research Assistant
• Clinical Research Assistant
• Laboratory Research Assistant
• Graduate Research Assistant
• Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Entry Level Research Assistant
• Psychology Research Assistant

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Research Assistant Resumes

Research Assistant Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Bullet Points on Research Assistant Resumes
• Related Research & Science Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 11: Research Assistant Resume Example

Research assistants work with lead researchers and scientists to conduct experiments in a specific field. They may work at a variety of organizations from universities to private companies. Many students pursuing a master’s degree may take a research assistant position in their chosen field to gain expertise. Research assistants will file and organize paperwork, assist senior researchers with experiments, help perform data analysis, and more. To become a research assistant, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in a closely related field. Previous experience with research or data is preferable, and prior roles as a data specialist or data analyst can help you land the role. Ideal candidates for this role will have superb research and data collection skills, developed time management skills, and the ability to create accurate reports.

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Tips to help you write your Research Assistant resume in 2024

   tailor your resume to the industry you want to work in as a research assistant.

Research assistants are needed in a variety of fields from marketing to medical devices. Since this job title can be so broad, it’s important to tailor your resume to the type of research you want to do. For example, if you want to become a research assistant in the field of biology, you should highlight relevant coursework and work experience you have working in medicine, healthcare, or biology.

   Obtain certifications to stand out

If you are trying to get a research assistant job directly out of college, certifications can help show hiring managers your knowledge in a comprehensive fashion. You can obtain credentials like the CRA (certified research assistant) and highlight it on your resume.

Skills you can include on your Research Assistant resume

Template 2 of 11: research assistant resume example.

The duties of a research assistant will vary depending on the field you’re working in, but will almost always include planning research projects, reviewing literature, writing proposals and grant applications, conducting interviews and surveys, developing statistical models, analyzing data, producing reports, and presenting research findings. While research assistants can be found in just about any academic field, they all share a need for communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.

   Tailored to the research assistant job

Your resume needs to be tailored to the job you’re applying for — every time. There are plenty of ways to do this quickly and easily, like adding a resume title, using the exact title of the position you’re applying for, and writing a quick resume summary that highlights your most relevant achievements.

   Demonstrates research skills through accomplishments

When listing your skills at the end of your resume, stick to hard skills only. If you want to emphasize soft skills, you can do this through your bullet points instead. Accomplishments like “streamlined work instructions and developed easy-to-use checklists” show attention to detail, while “developed surveys to collect information and implemented automated reminders” highlights problem solving and communication skills.

Template 3 of 11: Clinical Research Assistant Resume Example

As a Clinical Research Assistant, your role is focused on supporting the clinical research process, which may include tasks like data collection, management, and analysis. In recent years, the emphasis on data-driven discoveries and the use of technology in research have become prevalent trends in this field. When writing your resume, it's important to highlight the specific skills and experience that make you a strong candidate for this specialized role. In addition to demonstrating your knowledge of research methodologies, it's essential to showcase your expertise in relevant software and technologies, as well as emphasizing your attention to detail and organizational skills. These qualities are crucial for a Clinical Research Assistant, as they directly impact the success of the research projects you'll be working on.

Tips to help you write your Clinical Research Assistant resume in 2024

   highlight relevant experience.

Make sure you highlight any experience that demonstrates your ability to work on clinical research projects, whether it's through internships, volunteer work, or previous employment. This could include data collection, analysis, or managing research databases.

   Showcase specific skills and certifications

As a Clinical Research Assistant, proficiency in tools like statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS), electronic data capture systems (e.g., REDCap), and other relevant programs is essential. List any certifications you've earned (e.g., Good Clinical Practice) to further demonstrate your expertise in this field.

Skills you can include on your Clinical Research Assistant resume

Template 4 of 11: clinical research assistant resume example.

Clinical research assistants work on clinical trials in hospitals and medical research centers. As a clinical research assistant, you’ll be assisting doctors and senior researchers by recruiting and enrolling research subjects, developing protocols, setting up and managing trials, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to trial reports, regulatory authority applications, and grant writing. Ideally, you’ll need some experience or a degree in the field of study and clinical trial experience.

   Focused on clinical research

When applying for a more specialized position like clinical research assistant, you want to keep your resume as tightly focused as possible. That means prioritizing clinical research experience. It’s fine to include general research experience, but try to tailor your bullet points by including accomplishments relevant to clinical research, like preparing regulatory documents and conducting medical research.

   Good use of skills section to highlight research skills and tools

Jobs that require a lot of hard skills, like clinical research, may end up with a larger than usual skills section. Avoid making recruiters’ eyes glaze over by splitting it into subsections, like certifications, techniques, and technical skills. Make sure you’re exclusively listing hard skills — employers want to see things like relevant software skills and clinical trial experience.

Template 5 of 11: Laboratory Research Assistant Resume Example

As a Laboratory Research Assistant, you're part of the backbone of scientific exploration. Your role is hands-on and often behind-the-scenes, contributing to scientific knowledge and advancements. When it comes to your resume, remember just how crucial your role is - you're not just a cog in the machine, but an active participant in the process of discovery. One recent trend in the industry is the growing importance of computational skills. This role isn't just about pipettes and petri dishes anymore - increasingly, labs want assistants with a knack for data analysis and bioinformatics. Make sure to highlight these skills on your resume. Show them you're not just a traditional lab rat, but a 21st century researcher.

Tips to help you write your Laboratory Research Assistant resume in 2024

   highlight specific lab skills.

In a sea of resumes, yours should stand out by pinpointing the unique lab skills you possess. Mention precise techniques you’re proficient in, like PCR, cell culture, spectrophotometry, etc. It proves you're not just familiar with the lab, but you can actually get things done.

   Showcase Computational Skills

Lab work has gone digital! Highlight your proficiency in data analysis or bioinformatics. Show them you can handle complex datasets, understand predictive modeling, or have experience with research software like SPSS or Python. Excite them with your digital prowess.

Skills you can include on your Laboratory Research Assistant resume

Template 6 of 11: laboratory research assistant resume example.

As a laboratory research assistant, you’ll be working in a laboratory environment to design projects, conduct research and experiments, write reports, perform general laboratory maintenance, and assist senior laboratory staff — so make sure to emphasize your technical skills. You may be working for a private laboratory, medical or research facility, or pharmaceutical company. Unlike standard research assistant positions, lab assistants typically work full-time, including weekend and evening shifts.

   Bullet points feature strong action verbs

Every bullet point should start with a strong action verb. Remember, your resume is supposed to highlight your accomplishments, not simply list your job duties. As a laboratory research assistant, you’ll want to emphasize your scientific expertise. Verbs like Researched, Designed, and Developed all reflect the skills you’ll be expected to use on the job.

   Uses hard numbers and metrics

Including metrics in your bullet points is the best way to demonstrate the outcome of your work. This doesn’t mean every bullet point needs to include numbers but try to quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. If you analyzed data with 98% accuracy, reduced processing times by 25%, or performed research on 1,000 subjects, say exactly that.

Template 7 of 11: Graduate Research Assistant Resume Example

A graduate research assistant is typically someone carrying out research as part of their master’s or PhD program. Graduate research positions can be found in a variety of fields and disciplines. Usually, graduate research assistants help conduct experiments, research, and collect data for a university department or professor. They may also help teach undergraduate lectures in their field of study. To become a graduate research assistant, you usually must be pursuing a continuing education degree, such as a master’s degree. Typically, students will hold these positions at the university they attend. You must also have a strong academic track record. Professors will look to hire graduate research assistants who are well-versed in their area of study. Moreover, graduate research assistants must be highly organized because these roles are held simultaneously alongside their coursework.

Tips to help you write your Graduate Research Assistant resume in 2024

   showcase your ability to compile data and create reports.

Regardless of the field, graduate research assistants can expect to have to compile data and present it efficiently. For this reason, it’s important to highlight projects where you have had to compile various sets of data and information, and had to synthesize it to create a comprehensive report. You can use examples from your undergraduate degree.

   Detail your expertise and passion for your chosen field

Graduate research assistants typically work in the field they are studying. As such, it’s important to show you are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the field. If you can highlight any achievements you enjoyed during your undergraduate studies, such as awards, leading student clubs, or earning honor roll - it will show you are committed to your specific field of study.

Skills you can include on your Graduate Research Assistant resume

Template 8 of 11: graduate research assistant resume example.

Graduate research assistants are able to work while they study, receiving a tuition reimbursement or stipend as well as valuable experience working in academia. As a graduate research assistant, you’ll have completed an undergraduate degree and be pursuing a master’s degree or PhD. You’ll generally be working closely with a supervisor to support their projects, including conducting research, analyzing data, writing reports, and supervising undergraduate research assistants.

   Highlights university research projects

As a graduate research assistant, hiring managers won’t expect you to have extensive paid experience. If you’ve worked on previous research projects as a student, you can list these under your work experience or in an education or projects section. For greater impact, use action verbs and metrics to frame your accomplishments in an action-focused way.

   Includes a resume summary focused on graduate research interests and experience

Even as a graduate, you may have significant research experience, especially if you’ve been heavily involved in student research. You can highlight your skills and background with a short resume summary — no more than 100 words — explaining your years of experience, research or educational specialization, and 1-2 of your most impressive accomplishments.

Template 9 of 11: Undergraduate Research Assistant Resume Example

An undergraduate research assistant is someone who assists in the act of executing experiments, collecting data, and executing analysis of data collected. Typically, the undergraduate research assistant is guided by a master's student or postdoctoral researcher, who guides the undergraduate research assistant. To land a job as an undergraduate research assistant, you’ll need strong attention to detail, superb communication skills, and critical thinking abilities. Hiring managers for the position will be looking to see relevant experience, whether that be coursework, research reports you’ve published, and relevant internship and/or past job experience. Technical skills developed through relevant coursework, such as technical writing and quantitative research, should be noted on your resume.

Tips to help you write your Undergraduate Research Assistant resume in 2024

   apply to research assistant positions that intersect with your field of study.

To get an undergraduate research assistant position, hiring managers will be interested in candidates with relevant knowledge to the subject matter they research. If you have a psychology degree, you should apply to work in departments that primarily conduct research having to do with the brain. You will be better able to utilize your knowledge with experiments that relate to your chosen field.

   Highlight previous projects or research you have completed

Showcasing that you are able to write using scientific and technical principles will go a long way when trying to get an undergraduate research assistant position. You should make note of any published writing or research you’ve done in your resume. Being able to showcase the relevant technical skills you have will catch the eye of hiring managers.

Skills you can include on your Undergraduate Research Assistant resume

Template 10 of 11: entry level research assistant resume example.

An entry research assistant is someone who helps prepare studies, conduct them, record findings, and synthesize the information. You may work with undergraduate students who will assist you in conducting studies and learn from your area of expertise. To get a position as an entry level research assistant, you’ll need a strong educational background in science or another technical field. You’ll also need experience assisting with conducting research, great attention to detail, and strong technical writing skills. Usually, people who get roles as entry level research assistants have a combination of relevant education and experiences. Experience using data management tools like SOLIDWORKS and IBM SPSS, as shown in the example resume, is also good to demonstrate.

Tips to help you write your Entry Level Research Assistant resume in 2024

   show off your knowledge on the topic you will be researching.

To get an entry level research assistant role, it will help if you are familiar with the area of study the lab is focused on. For example, if you know the lab you are applying to mainly studies genetics, you will want to include any relevant educational or research experience you’ve had in the field. This could be academic or past job experience. Showing you are well versed in the area of study you’ll be researching will make you more credible to hiring managers.

   Showcase your experiences that are relevant to being an entry level research assistant

Usually, hiring managers are looking for a specific skill set when it comes to hiring for an entry level research assistant. Some things they might be looking for include experience with scientific writing, composing reports, data analysis, and more. If you can bring up past examples of times you have used relevant skills, such as scientific writing, it will help you land the job. You can use projects completed in an academic setting if you do not have relevant work experience.

Skills you can include on your Entry Level Research Assistant resume

Template 11 of 11: psychology research assistant resume example.

If you have an interest in studying people’s psychology and behavior, a role as a psychology research assistant might be right for you. Psychology research assistants help conduct studies that test hypotheses about the human brain and behaviors. Using findings from the studies, you will help people by using the new data to choose suitable treatment plans for their psychological disorders. To land a job as an undergraduate research assistant, you’ll need a bachelor's degree in a technical field like statistics or a biology-related degree like abnormal psychology. Sometimes, a master's degree is required depending on where you want to work and your location. Extra credentials, such as a behavior analysis certification, can help you land this job more easily. Hiring managers will be looking for candidates with solid technical skills, a background in science, great writing abilities, and strong attention to detail.

Tips to help you write your Psychology Research Assistant resume in 2024

   obtain certification to broaden your opportunities as a psychology research assistant.

To get a psychology research assistant position, some workplaces may require a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. If you take a master's program in a relevant field, this certification is usually offered as a part of the degree. However, you do not need a master's degree to get this certification. A BCBA can be obtained through a standalone course. Taking this course, and obtaining your BCBA, can make you stand out among other applicants.

   Highlight your crisis intervention skills

Though the role of a psychology research assistant is a very technical one, it also requires good foundations for counseling and interacting with a vulnerable population. Research assistants may be helping psychiatric patients through a crisis or traumatic events. To stand out, it’s important to show you have experience handling and de-escalating patients in a psychiatric setting.

Skills you can include on your Psychology Research Assistant resume

We spoke with hiring managers at top research institutions, including Harvard University, Stanford University, and the National Institutes of Health, to gather their best tips for creating a strong research assistant resume. These tips will help you showcase your qualifications and stand out from other candidates in this competitive field.

   Highlight your research experience

Hiring managers want to see that you have hands-on experience conducting research. Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, provide specific examples of your contributions to research projects.

• Conducted literature reviews and synthesized findings to support research on the impact of social media on adolescent mental health
• Collaborated with a team of researchers to design and implement a study on the effectiveness of a new drug treatment for Alzheimer's disease

Quantify your contributions whenever possible to give hiring managers a clear picture of your impact.

• Analyzed data from a survey of 500 participants using SPSS, resulting in the identification of key trends and insights
• Assisted in the preparation of 3 grant proposals, resulting in $500,000 in funding for the research project

   Showcase your technical skills

Research assistants often need a variety of technical skills, such as proficiency in statistical software, programming languages, or lab techniques. Make sure to highlight these skills on your resume.

• Familiar with research methods
• Experienced with data analysis

Instead, be specific about the tools and techniques you have used:

• Proficient in SPSS, R, and Python for statistical analysis and data visualization
• Skilled in using lab equipment such as PCR machines, microscopes, and centrifuges

If you have completed relevant coursework or training, include that as well to show your commitment to developing your technical skills.

   Tailor your resume to the job description

Research assistant positions can vary widely depending on the field and the specific project. Carefully review the job description and tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant.

For example, if the job description emphasizes data analysis skills:

• Analyzed large datasets using R to identify patterns and trends in patient outcomes
• Created data visualizations using ggplot2 to communicate findings to research team and stakeholders

If the job description emphasizes lab skills:

• Conducted DNA extractions and PCR amplification on over 200 samples as part of a genetic study
• Maintained detailed lab notebooks and followed strict protocols to ensure accuracy and reproducibility of results

   Include relevant projects and publications

If you have worked on research projects or contributed to publications, make sure to include them on your resume. This can help demonstrate your ability to contribute to the research process and communicate findings.

• Assisted in the development and execution of a study on the effects of mindfulness meditation on stress levels in college students
• Co-authored a paper published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology on the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance

Even if you haven't been published, you can still include relevant projects such as:

• Designed and conducted an independent research project on the impact of social media use on body image in adolescent girls as part of a psychology course
• Collaborated with a team of classmates to develop a research proposal on the effectiveness of different teaching methods in STEM education

   Highlight your communication and collaboration skills

Research assistants often work as part of a team and need to communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and research participants. Highlight experiences that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and communicate complex ideas.

Skilled research assistant with experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and execute complex research projects. Adept at communicating findings to diverse audiences through presentations, reports, and visualizations.

Provide specific examples of how you have collaborated and communicated in your past experiences:

• Worked closely with a team of researchers from multiple disciplines to design a study protocol and coordinate data collection across three research sites
• Presented findings from a research project at a departmental symposium, fielding questions from faculty and graduate students

   Show your attention to detail

Research assistants need to be detail-oriented to ensure the accuracy and integrity of research data. Highlight experiences that demonstrate your ability to work with precision and care.

Detail-oriented research assistant with strong organizational skills.

Instead, provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated attention to detail:

• Reviewed and cleaned data from patient surveys, ensuring accuracy and completeness of over 10,000 entries
• Developed and maintained detailed documentation of research protocols and data management procedures to ensure consistency and reproducibility

Attention to detail is also important when it comes to following research protocols and regulations. If you have experience with research ethics or compliance, make sure to highlight that as well.

• Completed training in responsible conduct of research and HIPAA compliance
• Assisted in the preparation and submission of IRB applications and ensured adherence to approved protocols throughout the research process

Writing Your Research Assistant Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. put your name on the first line.

Your name should be the most prominent element in your header, typically centered at the top of the page. Use a larger font size (18-24 points) than the rest of your resume text.

Avoid nicknames or abbreviations. Use the name you'd like to be called in the workplace, which is usually your full first and last name:

• Samantha Nguyen
• Carlos Ramirez, MBA

Don't make your name hard to read by using cursive, an overly stylized font, or a font color other than black:

• sAmAnTha nGuYeN
• CARLOS RAMIREZ

2. Include essential contact details

Just below your name, add key contact details so employers can easily get in touch with you. Essential details to include are:

• Phone number
• Professional email address
• LinkedIn profile URL
• City and state

Format your contact details concisely on one line, separated by vertical lines, bullets, or other dividers. For example:

• Los Angeles, CA | 555-123-4567 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/samantha-nguyen
• Atlanta, GA • 555-123-4567 • [email protected] • linkedin.com/in/carlosramirez

Don't include personal details or a full mailing address, which hiring managers don't need at this stage:

123 Oak St. Apt #201, Atlanta, GA 30308 | Born 05/17/1995 | Married, 2 kids | [email protected] | 555-123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/carlosramirez

3. Optionally include a job title

If you're targeting a specific research assistant job, consider adding the exact job title to your header to immediately communicate your career focus. For example:

Samantha Nguyen Clinical Research Assistant

However, only include a job title if you can match it exactly to the job posting. Otherwise, it may work against you by pigeon-holing you into one niche. When in doubt, leave it out and let your tailored resume content speak for itself.

Don't include subjective adjectives or buzzwords in your job title:

Carlos Ramirez Detail-Oriented Research Assistant with 5+ Years of Experience

  Summary

A resume summary is an optional section that sits at the top of your resume, just below your name and contact information. It provides a brief overview of your professional background, skills, and career goals. While not required, a well-written summary can help you stand out to hiring managers by highlighting your most relevant qualifications and experiences.

When writing a summary for a research assistant position, focus on your research skills, academic background, and any relevant work experience. Tailor your summary to the specific job you're applying for by using keywords from the job description. Keep it concise and objective, avoiding buzzwords and focusing on measurable achievements.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Research Assistant resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Research Assistant Resume Summary Examples , or Research Assistant Resume Objective Examples .

1. Highlight your research skills and experience

When writing a summary for a research assistant position, it's crucial to showcase your research skills and experience. Mention specific research projects you've worked on, the methodologies you used, and any notable findings or outcomes.

• Research assistant with 2+ years of experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including survey design, data analysis, and report writing.
• Skilled in conducting literature reviews, managing databases, and presenting findings to cross-functional teams.

Avoid generic statements that don't provide concrete examples of your research abilities:

• Experienced researcher with a passion for learning.
• Hardworking and detail-oriented research assistant.

2. Tailor your summary to the job description

To make your summary more effective, tailor it to the specific research assistant position you're applying for. Review the job description carefully and identify the key skills, qualifications, and experience the employer is looking for. Then, incorporate those keywords and phrases into your summary.

Research assistant with a Master's in Psychology and experience in designing and conducting experiments on cognitive processes. Proficient in SPSS, R, and Qualtrics. Seeking to contribute to ABC University's research on decision-making and memory.

Avoid using a generic summary that could apply to any research assistant position:

Recent graduate with a degree in Psychology looking for a challenging research assistant position. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

3. Focus on your most relevant qualifications

When space is limited, focus on highlighting your most relevant qualifications for the research assistant role. This may include your educational background, specific research skills, or experience with particular tools and software.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology with coursework in statistics and research methods.
• Proficient in data collection, data cleaning, and statistical analysis using STATA and SAS.
• Experience with grant writing and manuscript preparation.

Avoid including irrelevant or outdated information that doesn't directly relate to the research assistant position:

• High school diploma from XYZ High School.
• Volunteer experience at local animal shelter.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

  Experience

Your work experience section is the heart of your research assistant resume. It's where you highlight your most relevant and impressive research projects, skills, and accomplishments. Hiring managers want to see that you have the right mix of technical and soft skills to excel in the role. Use these tips to make your work experience section stand out.

1. Highlight your research skills and methods

Research assistants need to be well-versed in various research methods and techniques. Showcase the specific research skills you've used in past roles, such as:

• Conducting literature reviews and synthesizing findings
• Designing and administering surveys and interviews
• Analyzing quantitative and qualitative data using statistical software like SPSS or NVivo
• Presenting findings through reports, presentations, and visualizations

By highlighting your research skills, you demonstrate to employers that you have the technical expertise to support their research projects.

Many research assistant roles require proficiency in specific tools or software. If a job description mentions particular tools, make sure to include them in your work experience bullet points if you have that experience. This will help your resume pass applicant tracking systems and catch the hiring manager's attention.

2. Quantify your impact with metrics

Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify the impact of your work. This helps employers understand the scope and significance of your contributions. For example:

• Conducted 25+ literature reviews to support grant proposals, resulting in $500K in awarded funding
• Analyzed survey data from 1,000+ respondents using SPSS to identify key trends and insights
• Co-authored 3 peer-reviewed journal articles published in top-tier publications

In contrast, vague bullet points without metrics are less impactful:

• Helped with literature reviews for grant proposals
• Used SPSS to analyze survey data
• Assisted with writing journal articles

If you're having trouble quantifying your bullet points, try using our free tool, Score My Resume . It analyzes your resume and provides specific feedback on how to strengthen your bullet points with metrics and active language.

3. Tailor your bullet points to the job description

Research assistant roles can vary widely depending on the field, institution, and project. To make your resume stand out, tailor your work experience bullet points to the specific requirements and responsibilities listed in the job description. For example, if a job posting emphasizes data visualization skills, you might include a bullet point like:

Created interactive Tableau dashboards to visualize research findings, resulting in enhanced stakeholder understanding and engagement

By aligning your bullet points with the job requirements, you demonstrate to employers that you have the specific skills and experience they're looking for.

To ensure your resume is well-tailored, try using our Targeted Resume tool. It analyzes your resume against a specific job description and provides recommendations on how to better align your skills and experience with the role.

4. Show progression and leadership

Employers value research assistants who can take on increasing responsibility and leadership over time. If you've progressed into higher-level roles or taken on leadership tasks, make sure to highlight that in your work experience section. For example:

• Promoted to Senior Research Assistant after one year, managing a team of 3 junior RAs
• Mentored and trained 5 incoming research assistants on lab protocols and best practices
• Led the development and implementation of a new data management system, improving efficiency by 30%

By showcasing your progression and leadership, you demonstrate your potential to grow and contribute at a higher level in the role.

If you're early in your research career and don't yet have formal leadership experience, think about times when you've taken initiative or ownership of projects. Even small examples of leadership, like training a new team member or suggesting process improvements, are worth including.

  Education

Your education section shows hiring managers that you have the necessary knowledge and training for the research assistant role. It also gives them a sense of your background and expertise. Here are some tips to make your education section stand out:

1. Put your education section near the top

If you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience, put your education section above your work experience. This highlights your most relevant qualification for the research assistant job.

For example:

EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Psychology, XYZ University, 2020 Relevant Coursework: Research Methods, Statistics, Cognitive Psychology

However, if you have several years of relevant work experience, move your education to the bottom. Keep it concise, like this:

EDUCATION M.A. Sociology, ABC University B.A. Anthropology, DEF College

2. Include relevant coursework and academic projects

Listing relevant courses and projects shows you have specific knowledge needed for the research assistant job. Include courses that relate to research methods, data analysis, or the subject area you would be researching.

For recent graduates, here is an example of how to list coursework:

B.A. in Sociology, 2021 University of XYZ Relevant Coursework: Social Research Methods, Statistics for Social Sciences, Qualitative Research Senior Thesis: "Factors Influencing Voter Turnout: An Analysis of County-Level Data"

For experienced candidates, only include advanced degrees and specialized coursework that is highly relevant and sets you apart.

3. Consider including select academic accomplishments

Academic awards, publications, or presentations demonstrate excellence and initiative. They can help you stand out, especially if you are an entry-level research assistant.

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude
• Dean's List, 8 semesters
• First Place, XYZ University Undergraduate Research Showcase

Be selective and only include the most impressive achievements. Don't list high school accomplishments or awards unrelated to research.

Action Verbs For Research Assistant Resumes

One of the easiest mistakes to make on your resume is listing the job duties for each position you held instead of focusing on your accomplishments. The best way to prevent this is to start each bullet point with a strong action verb. As a research assistant, you’ll want to choose verbs that highlight clinical, scientific, and technical skills. Use Tested or Analyzed to highlight your experience with running tests and performing data analysis, or Monitored and Documented to show attention to detail. If the position you’re applying for requires soft skills like teamwork and communication, choose verbs like Assisted and Supported to show how you’ve worked with senior researchers and academics, Supervised if you’ll be leading a team of research assistants, and Presented if the role required a lot of public speaking or outreach.

• Streamlined
• Interviewed

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Research Assistant Resumes

Skills for research assistant resumes.

The skills you’ll need as a research assistant will depend on your field and the specific position you’re applying for. Clinical or laboratory positions will require more technical and scientific skills, while academic or market research positions may place a heavier emphasis on soft skills that don’t need to be listed in your skills section. To find out what hard skills you should be including on your resume, the best place to start is the job description itself. Pick out the most important skills from there and make sure to list the ones you have. For more comprehensive suggestions, you can check out our list of top resume skills and keywords or use our free Targeted Resume tool for keyword suggestions and personalized feedback on how to improve your resume.

• Python (Programming Language)
• R (Programming Language)
• Machine Learning
• C (Programming Language)
• Data Analysis
• Microsoft Access
• Deep Learning
• Computer Vision
• Programming
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Cell Culture
• Econometrics
• Microbiology

How To Write Your Skills Section On a Research Assistant Resumes

You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:

Skills Word Cloud For Research Assistant Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Research Assistant job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

Resume bullet points from research assistant resumes.

You should use bullet points to describe your achievements in your Research Assistant resume. Here are sample bullet points to help you get started:

Created and maintained models for M&A plans, Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, Product SVA Analysis, Credit Risk Assessment Models, and Common Stock Liquidity Comparisons

Conducted private equity due diligence in $400M portfolio. Performed strategic and analytical valuation of assets based on interviews with experts and created extensive models of the industries; persuaded client to move forward with acquisition

Created economic model to assess financial feasibility and operational synergies throughout the supply chain; identified >$50M in savings

Generated Excel models which produced risk-weighted composite valuation scores of country and sectors based on quantitative signals

Designed merchandising strategies for grocery retailers based on regression analysis identifying key store attributes to increase traffic and conversion; resulted in a 25% sales lift

For more sample bullet points and details on how to write effective bullet points, see our articles on resume bullet points , how to quantify your resume and resume accomplishments .

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