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

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.

Job Duties

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.

Skills

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.

Salary

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.