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

If you’re interested in a career in research, you may be wondering what the difference is between a research assistant and a research coordinator. Both roles are important in the research process, but they have different responsibilities. In this article, we compare and contrast the job duties of research assistants and research coordinators, and we provide information on education and skills requirements.

What is a Research Assistant?

A research assistant is a professional who supports the work of scientists, typically in academic or industrial research laboratories. They may be involved in a range of activities, from conducting experiments to maintaining equipment to documenting results. Many research assistants are undergraduate or graduate students who are working towards a degree in a scientific field, although some may be experienced professionals. In some cases, research assistants may be responsible for leading a project or team of researchers.

What is a Research Coordinator?

Research Coordinators work in academic, government and private industry settings to manage research projects from start to finish. They develop research proposals, secure funding and ethical approval, recruit and manage research staff, collect and analyze data, write reports and papers, and present findings to clients or other interested parties. Research Coordinators typically have a background in research methods and statistics, and they use their skills to design and implement studies that produce valid and reliable results. They must be able to effectively communicate with research staff, clients and other stakeholders to ensure that all parties are kept up to date on the progress of the project and that the final product meets the needs of the client.

Research Assistant vs. Research Coordinator

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

Job Duties

Research assistants perform more hands-on tasks and research coordinators handle more administrative responsibilities. For example, a research assistant might interview study participants, administer questionnaires or conduct laboratory tests. They also analyze the data and write reports based on their findings.

Research coordinators may schedule research assistants’ appointments, provide them with support and communicate with them about project details. They also maintain research records, such as test results and previous research papers. Additionally, research coordinators may help researchers develop research proposals and manage budgets.

Job Requirements

Research assistants and research coordinators typically need a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field, such as biology, chemistry or physics. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or higher. Additionally, research assistants and research coordinators might need to have experience working in a laboratory setting. Many professionals in these roles start out as lab technicians before moving into more senior positions.

Work Environment

Research assistants typically work in a variety of environments, depending on the project they’re working on. They may spend time in libraries or other research facilities to find information for their projects. Some research assistants also work directly with clients and collaborate with them to determine what information is needed for their projects.

Research coordinators usually work in an office environment where they manage all aspects of their department’s operations. They often have regular hours and perform administrative tasks like scheduling meetings and managing budgets.

Skills

Both research assistants and research coordinators need to have excellent research skills. This includes the ability to find relevant information, critically evaluate sources and synthesize data. They also both need to be able to communicate effectively, whether it is writing reports or presenting findings to colleagues.

However, research coordinators tend to have more responsibilities than research assistants. In addition to conducting research, they may also be responsible for managing projects, supervising other research staff and coordinating with different teams. This can require additional skills, such as project management, team leadership and budgeting.

Salary

Research assistants earn an average salary of $42,572 per year, while research coordinators earn an average salary of $62,030 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the type of research you’re conducting, the size of the company you work for and the level of experience you have in the field.