Psychology Research Jobs – Research Psychologists & Psychology Research Assistants

A psychology research assistant is someone who works under the supervision of a research psychologist to assist with research projects.

To become a research assistant, it can be helpful to have a degree in psychology or a related field, but it is not always a requirement. Some research assistant positions may only require a high school diploma or an associate’s degree, while others may require a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree.

Here are the key responsibilities of a psychology research assistant:

• Supporting research activities: This may involve assisting with study design, data collection, data management, and data analysis.
• Recruiting participants: recruiting study participants through various means such as online recruitment, telephone, or face-to-face contact.
• Conducting literature reviews: assist in conducting literature reviews to help researchers identify existing research on a topic and inform their research questions.
• Administering surveys and assessments: responsible for administering surveys and assessments to study participants, either in-person or online.
• Data entry and management: responsible for entering data into a computer program, organizing data sets, or managing research databases.
• Assisting with ethical considerations: assist in ensuring ethical considerations are met during the research process, including obtaining informed consent from participants, protecting their privacy and confidentiality, and minimizing any potential harm or discomfort to participants.
• Supporting research dissemination: assist in disseminating research findings through academic publications, presentations, or other means.

Here is an example daily schedule of a psychology research assistant:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Check and respond to emails, review literature relevant to current projects

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Assist with recruitment efforts, such as posting flyers or sending emails to potential study participants

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Conduct participant interviews or administer surveys, record data

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Manage research databases

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Conduct literature reviews to help researchers identify existing research on a topic and inform their research questions

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Meet with research team to discuss ongoing projects, review progress, and plan next steps

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Attend a departmental meeting or seminar to learn about the latest research findings in the field

• Universities and research institutions: Many research psychologists also teach psychology in addition to their research duties.
• Government agencies: employed by government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to conduct research related to public health or other government priorities.
• Private research firms: Some research psychologists and research assistants may work for private research firms that conduct research on behalf of clients, such as pharmaceutical companies or marketing firms.
• Non-profit organizations: Research psychologists and research assistants may also be employed by non-profit organizations that conduct research related to social or environmental issues.
• Hospitals and clinics: Research psychologists and research assistants may also work in hospitals and clinics, conducting research related to mental health disorders or other health issues.

1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent: Most research assistant positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field: While not always required, having a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field can be beneficial for securing a research assistant position. This can provide you with a strong foundation in research methods, statistics, and psychology.
3. Gain relevant experience: Many research assistant positions require previous research experience, which can be obtained through internships, volunteer work, or research assistantships while in college.
4. Develop necessary skills and qualifications: Research assistant positions require specific skills and qualifications, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office and statistical software, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Developing these skills through coursework or relevant work experience can help you to be a competitive candidate for these positions.
5. Search for research assistant positions: Research assistant positions can be found through PsychologyJobs.com, university career centers, and professional networking sites. You may also consider reaching out directly to research institutions or labs to inquire about potential opportunities.

Becoming a research psychologist requires a more significant investment of time and effort.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree: The first step to becoming a research psychologist is to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.
2. Earn a master’s degree: many doctoral programs require a master’s degree in psychology or a related field.
3. Obtain a doctoral degree: Research psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree in psychology, such as a PhD or a PsyD. These programs typically take 5-7 years to complete and involve coursework, research, and clinical experience.
4. Gain research experience: Research experience is essential for becoming a research psychologist. You can gain research experience through internships, research assistantships, or working as a research coordinator.
5. Obtain licensure or certification: Depending on the state where you plan to work, you may need to obtain licensure to practice as a psychologist. Licensure requirements vary, but typically involve completing supervised clinical experience, and passing the EPPP licensing exam.
6. Find a job: You can search for job opportunities through PsychologyJobs.com, professional networking sites, or contacting potential employers directly.

See also; how to become a psychologist.