Research Assistant

General role description

Research Assistants work under the supervision of senior researchers, contributing to research data collection and analysis, assisting with laboratory procedures, and managing research documentation.

Many roles also involve maintaining databases, recruiting study participants, and assisting with ethics documentation. 

Key responsibilities

  • Perform laboratory-based experiments
  • Contribute to data collection, data entry, and management of research databases
  • Assist with preparation and submission of ethics documentation
  • Support participant recruitment and project logistics
  • Undertake basic data analysis
  • Maintain research records
  • Work collaboratively with academic, clinical, or technical teams.

Workplace settings

  • University and medical research institutes
  • Government, not-for-profit, peak body and advocacy organisations involved in research

Required qualifications

  • A Bachelor’s degree in a health or medical-related discipline
  • Honours or Master’s qualifications sometimes preferred

Other notable requirements

Research Assistant roles often require:

  • Strong ability to work within a team environment
  • Good organisational and communication skills
  • Attention to detail in handling research data and documentation
  • Familiarity with qualitative or quantitative research methods
  • Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Common entry points

Bachelor of Science graduate

Honours or research placement student

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