If you are enrolled in university working toward a graduate degree, either a master’s or doctoral degree, you can get a job as a research assistant. This position is a temporary one, as you will be hired for a contracted period of time. In the job you will work with a research associate, assisting him/her with a research project. For the most part, though, these jobs are awarded to graduate assistants who are working towards attaining a Ph.D.
Once you apply to a university to pursue your graduate studies, you can also apply for the position of a research assistant. The best way to go about this is to do your own research on universities and apply to those that have openings for such assistant positions. You will be paid a stipend for your work and this is helpful in paying your tuition or living expenses.
You can also enroll in a Graduate Research Assistant program if your area of concentration is in the technical or scientific field. This allows you to conduct research you need for your thesis or studies, while you are taking your courses. The selection process is rigid and only those with a high grade point average are selected. Your research interests are also considered in the selection process. This means that you must be diligent in your undergraduate studies in order to be considered for such a position. In this program your enrollment as an assistant can be renewed each year and the number of renewals depends on your degree program. For example, if you have a bachelor’s degree, the maximum renewals are 4 years for students pursuing a Master of Science degree and up to eight years for those pursuing a doctorate degree. If you already hold a Master of Science degree, your contract can be renewed for two years in order to pursue a second Master’s degree, or four years to pursue a Ph.D. Appointments to the program vary from a period of 90 days to one year.
Nurses can also obtain positions as research assistants at participating hospitals. In order to qualify for such a position, you do need to have at least a 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate degree or in the courses you have completed towards that degree. This type of program is open to both graduate and student nurses who want to obtain more education about medical research. Some of the ways that you can obtain credits in this program involve the substitution of experience for study or by conducting an independent study on a topic of your choosing. You are expected to be able to work with a minimum of supervision.
By browsing the Internet for available positions for research assistants, you will see that you can work all over the world in your field. This presents a valuable opportunity to travel and enhance your education and experience. Not only will you gain experience for your resumes, but you will work with many different people and enhance your communication skills.
