EducationISCO 2310
University research assistant
University research assistants conduct academic research for the university or college they are employed in. They may assist professors they are affiliated with, their supervisor, in their research or develop their own in the related field of that professor.
Check yourself in a minute: university research assistant
Rate 5 of the 41 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
manage research data
write research proposals
use data processing techniques
interact professionally in research and professional environments
monitor developments in field of expertise
About university research assistant
As a university research assistant, you will be at the forefront of academic inquiry, conducting scholarly research under the mentorship of experienced professors while developing expertise in your discipline. Your role involves designing research studies, conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data using sophisticated methodologies, and drafting academic papers and technical documentation. You will engage with the scientific community through conferences and publications, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in your field. Your responsibilities include managing research data according to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), utilizing open-source software and programming languages, and sometimes learning additional languages to access international research. Polish universities and research institutions increasingly value research assistants who can bridge theory and practice, with growing opportunities in EU-funded research projects and interdisciplinary collaborations that address real-world challenges.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a university research assistant.
1
Research Design and Methodology
- Develop and refine research design and methodologies appropriate for your research questions
- Conduct comprehensive scientific literature reviews to identify research gaps and inform study design
- Apply scientific research methodology and research design principles from your discipline
- Collaborate with professors and research teams to develop research proposals and obtain funding
2
Data Management and Analysis
- Collect research data through experiments, surveys, interviews, or literature analysis according to protocol
- Manage research data according to FAIR principles ensuring findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability
- Use data processing techniques and statistical analysis tools to analyze research findings
- Maintain detailed research notes and data documentation to ensure transparency and reproducibility
3
Academic Writing and Dissemination
- Draft scientific and academic papers including literature reviews, methodology sections, results, and discussions
- Prepare technical documentation, research reports, and conference abstracts for publication
- Disseminate research results to the scientific community through publications and conference presentations
- Write research proposals and grant applications to secure funding for ongoing and future projects
4
Professional Development and Collaboration
- Demonstrate disciplinary expertise and keep current with developments in your field of expertise
- Interact professionally in research and professional environments, including conferences and seminars
- Monitor developments in your field and discuss research proposals with colleagues and supervisors
- Increase the impact of science on policy and society through engagement and knowledge transfer activities
5
Technical and Software Skills
- Operate open-source software and programming languages appropriate for data analysis and research visualization
- Learn and speak different languages to access and engage with international research literature and communities
- Evaluate research activities and methodologies against international standards and best practices
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (41)
research designresearch designThe set of methods and techniques of research that are used to conduct a study. It includes practical steps in research such as purpose statement, data collection, methodology, and data analysis.scientific literaturescientific literatureThe medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of ...scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...write research proposalswrite research proposalsSynthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the ...use data processing techniquesuse data processing techniquesGather, process and analyse relevant data and information, properly store and update data and represent figures and data using charts and statistical diagrams.interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.monitor developments in field of expertisemonitor developments in field of expertiseKeep up with new research, regulations, and other significant changes, labour market related or otherwise, occurring within the field of specialisation.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...conduct scholarly researchconduct scholarly researchPlan scholarly research by formulating the research question and conducting empirical or literature research in order to investigate the truth of the research question.perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.study topicsstudy topicsCarry out effective research on relevant topics to be able to produce summary information appropriate to different audiences. The research may involve looking at books, journals, the internet, and/or ...apply scientific methodsapply scientific methodsApply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).assist scientific researchassist scientific researchAssist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.archive scientific documentationarchive scientific documentationStore documents such as protocols, analysis results and scientific data using archiving systems to enable scientists and engineers to take methods and results from previous studies into account for th...promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...discuss research proposalsdiscuss research proposalsDiscuss proposals and projects with researchers, decide on resources to allocate and whether to move forward with the study.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessar...evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achiev...university proceduresuniversity proceduresThe inner workings of a university, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...develop scientific theoriesdevelop scientific theoriesFormulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...
Optional (37) — show
computer simulationcomputer simulationA programme run on a computer that represents dynamic responses of a system to explore a mathematical model behaviour, using a model of a real system, composed of mathematical equations.European integrationEuropean integrationThe evolving and ongoing process of economic, social, and political integration among European countries to enhance their cooperation, collaboration, and prosperity, as well as to overcome historical ...quantitative analysisquantitative analysisThe technique of employing statistical and mathematical modelling and measurement to represent a specific reality through numbers.stem cellsstem cellsThe biological development of human embryonic stem cells, together with the ethical concerns related and the legal requirements involved.statisticsstatisticsThe study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of ...multidisciplinary researchmultidisciplinary researchThe research technique where a common issue is investigated using approaches from different disciplines with the aim of finding a comprehensive solution to it.computational mechanicscomputational mechanicsThe use of modelling and simulation to predict complex physical behaviours in science and engineering. It interacts with other areas in mechanics including solid mechanics and fluid mechanics, but als...cognitive computingcognitive computingThe interdisciplinary field between cognitive science and computer science that involves simulating human thinking processes through a computerised approach. It makes use of algorithms for data mining...geographygeographyThe scientific discipline that studies the land, phenomena, characteristics and inhabitants of Earth. This field seeks to understand the natural and man-made complexities of Earth. It explores the soc...computational chemistrycomputational chemistryThe branch of chemistry that aims at addressing complex chemical problems through computer simulations.computational biologycomputational biologyThe interdisciplinary scientific field that focus on employing data analytics and theories to investigate biological systems obtained through experiments.industrial research and developmentindustrial research and developmentThe set of activities that companies carry out to do industrial innovation and introduce new engineering products and services or new industrial production processes.perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.consult students on learning contentconsult students on learning contentTake students' opinions and preferences into consideration when determining learning content.prepare lesson contentprepare lesson contentPrepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.execute analytical mathematical calculationsexecute analytical mathematical calculationsApply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.record test datarecord test dataRecord data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptiona...apply statistical analysis techniquesapply statistical analysis techniquesUse models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.report test findingsreport test findingsReport test results with a focus on findings and recommendations, differentiating results by levels of severity. Include relevant information from the test plan and outline the test methodologies, usi...apply teaching strategiesapply teaching strategiesEmploy various approaches, learning styles, and channels to instruct students, such as communicating content in terms they can understand, organising talking points for clarity, and repeating argument...participate in scientific colloquiaparticipate in scientific colloquiaTake part in symposia, international experts’ conferences, and congresses to present research projects, methods, and results and to gather information on developments in academic research.analyse test dataanalyse test dataInterpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.calibrate laboratory equipmentcalibrate laboratory equipmentCalibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment....conduct quantitative researchconduct quantitative researchExecute a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques.assist students with their dissertationassist students with their dissertationSupport university students with the writing of their paper or theses. Advise on research methods or additions to certain parts of their dissertations. Report different types of errors, such as resear...develop scientific research protocolsdevelop scientific research protocolsDevelop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.search databasessearch databasesSearch for information or people using databases.analyse experimental laboratory dataanalyse experimental laboratory dataAnalyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.operate scientific measuring equipmentoperate scientific measuring equipmentOperate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.provide assistance to lecturerprovide assistance to lecturerAssist the lecturer or professor by doing several educational tasks including helping with the preparation of lessons or the grading of students. Support the professor with academic and scientific res...supervise practical coursessupervise practical coursesPrepare the content and the material required for practical lessons, explain technical notions to students, answer their questions and evaluate their progress on a regular basis.provide lesson materialsprovide lesson materialsEnsure that the necessary materials for teaching a class, such as visual aids, are prepared, up-to-date, and present in the instruction space.assist students in their learningassist students in their learningSupport and coach students in their work, give learners practical support and encouragement.mathematical modellingmathematical modellingThe process of establishing a mathematical representation problem, such as equations, of a real-word to provide insights, discover new features about the problematic scenario, better understand the or...collect samples for analysiscollect samples for analysisCollect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a university research assistant do?
University research assistants conduct academic research for the university or college they are employed in. They may assist professors they are affiliated with, their supervisor, in their research or develop their own in the related field of that professor.
What skills does a university research assistant need?
A university research assistant needs 41 essential skills, including research design, scientific literature, scientific research methodology, draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation, manage research data.
Will AI replace university research assistant jobs?
The AI disruption score for university research assistant is 66/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: archive scientific documentation, record test data, use data processing techniques. Most resilient: mentor individuals, interact professionally in research and professional environments, develop professional network with researchers and scientists.
AI Replacement Risk
66/ 100
High Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.
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