Researcher Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a researcher. Feel free to use our researcher job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a researcher.
Who is a Researcher?
Research can be described as qualitative data collection. It aims to observe, interact with and understand people in their natural environment. Nature conservationists, for example, observe animals’ behavior in their natural environment and how they react to different situations. Social scientists may also conduct research and interview people to learn how they respond to different situations.
Research can include direct observation, limited participation, and analysis of documents and other information.
A researcher is an information professional who uses research methods to collect data, analyze it and present their findings. Researchers use their findings to address problems, predict trends, and solve issues in a particular field.
Researchers are employed by many organizations. These include government laboratories, utility providers, specialist research organizations, consultancies, environmental agencies, private food companies, universities, chemical companies, and other organizations also employ researchers.
Field researchers are professionals who do research outside of the laboratory. They may work in biology, anthropology, and sociology. They might collect data for universities or research institutions, government agencies, as well as private companies.
These professionals are responsible for conducting research. This is qualitative research that occurs outside of academic or laboratory settings. This research is used to gather data about phenomena or subjects while they are being observed in their natural environment.
Research professionals are skilled in different fields.
There are different types of research careers. These are some of the most common types:
- Market researchers
To understand buyer behavior, market research requires data collection from the target audience of an organization, its competitors, and current customers. It also helps identify industry trends that may affect future buyer behavior or product requirements.
- Clinical researchers
Clinical research involves running clinical trials to determine if new drugs are safe and effective for consumers. These researchers are often employed by pharmaceutical companies.
- Field researchers
These scientists are responsible to perform experiments and trials in a lab. They can work in many scientific fields, such as computer science and environmental science.
- Economic researchers
An economist or economic researcher analyzes the relationships between society and its use of resources to predict trends for government or business purposes.
Researcher Job Description
Below are the researcher job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a researcher job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Using books, journal articles, and newspaper sources to collect data.
- Interpreting and analyzing patterns and trends.
- Recording your findings using the appropriate software and written notes.
- Protecting electronic databases.
- Assisting with time and budget management.
- Anticipating research problems and resolving them quickly.
- Reporting any issues promptly to the appropriate stakeholders
- Respecting confidentiality and adhering to a code of ethics is a must.
- Preparing proposals and delivering presentations when required
- Identifying funding sources, writing research proposals, and submitting funding applications.
- Planning and conducting experiments and surveys.
- Collecting, recording, and analyzing data
- Interpreting the data analysis results and drawing inferences.
- Using research results to write papers, reviews, and reports.
- Collaborating with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and research teams.
The following are other important tasks:
- Researching topics selection
Researchers must coordinate with their management team to decide on research topics and prioritize.
- Research project planning
To ensure their research project is complete on time, within budget, and with sufficient resources, a researcher must create a plan that includes detailed steps, deliverables, and timelines. The objective of the project plan is to ensure that the research conducted meets the organization’s research objectives as defined by the management team.
- Regular updates
Researchers must inform all parties about the progress of the research project. Reports on how the budget was used can be included in these updates.
- Gathering the required data
Before deciding on the method for collecting that data, a researcher must determine the requirements of the research project. Researchers can gather data using a variety of methods including interviews, fieldwork, surveys, and questionnaires. You can also use existing research as a source of data.
- Analyzing data
After collecting data, researchers analyze it to find trends and patterns. All data must be entered into the research database and organized. To ensure that the data is consistent and error-free, the researcher must conduct self-audits.
- Documenting results
Researchers must document their findings after analyzing the data. They will need to organize and compile the research results in charts, diagrams, and mock-ups. Researchers must also document, report, and present research results to stakeholders.
- Observation
Researchers are often required to observe the subjects of their research. It could involve watching people at work, observing animals in their natural habitats, or simply observing their everyday activities. The purpose of observation is to gather reliable information in realistic situations that libraries and laboratories often cannot provide. To gain accurate data for their projects, researchers must observe their subjects objectively and without prejudice.
- Interviews
Many researchers conduct interviews when studying human behavior and interactions. Interviews can provide information that observation cannot. Interviewing can give you a deeper understanding of human subjects. Interviewing allows researchers to understand the motivations, attitudes, and thoughts of individuals in their own words. This information is especially useful in studies of perception, culture, and social dynamics.
The researcher’s decisions to conduct interviews are often affected by the work conditions. Interviews may be pursued by researchers who are acting as overt researchers. This is when their subjects have a clear understanding of the research they’re doing. Researchers may choose to interview informants if they are using covert research methods and want to keep their subjects anonymous.
- Material analysis
Researchers might analyze documents, artifacts, or natural phenomena as part of their work. Researchers may analyze and examine these organisms in studies that involve plant or animal life. Archeologists focus on the identification and description of important artifacts, while geologists spend a lot of time out in the field collecting and analyzing rock and mineral samples.
- Limited participation
Research is often a mixture of observation and participation with human subjects. Interacting freely with people can help researchers gain more information or better understanding. Their participation could hinder their ability to collect data, pose danger, or cause biases in their work. Before they start their research, researchers will often decide what level of participation is best for their project.
- Collecting samples
Research can involve large-scale sample collection. These samples are often collected by researchers who need to know how to store and transport them safely for their study. This mainly occurs in field research.
- Taking note
A researcher’s most important task is to keep a log of their work. This allows for data analysis once the research is completed. Researchers can take notes in many ways. They can take notes quickly for translation, or keep detailed records of interactions and observations. They might also record interviews, take photos, record audio, or keep a journal to track their assignments.
- Reporting
Researchers often compile a detailed report from their assignments after the assignment is over. Researchers often compile their reports from compiled notes, detailed records of interviews, interactions, and analyses of samples or artifacts. The researcher’s report is an official record of their research project and is presented to their institution for approval.
- Data analysis
Researchers may play a leading role in the interpretation of data after they have collected it. They can use their report to analyze the data and find patterns that could be relevant to their research. Researchers often find it helpful to be open to the interpretation of data. This will allow them to make informed decisions and guide their research. After they have analyzed the data, they can develop a theory to answer the research question.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in research or something similar.
- Master’s degrees preferred.
- Experience in research.
- Solid understanding of research methods.
- Proficiency in MS Office
- Strong mathematical and statistical aptitude.
- You have strong problem-solving skills.
- Practical experience in database management.
- Excellent written, verbal, and telephonic communication skills. Attention to detail.
Essential Skills
- Communication skills
This is the most important skill a researcher needs to have. To collect data, researchers must establish a good working relationship with their target audience. To be able to conduct research effectively, researchers must communicate well.
Your work must be presented to other researchers and your audience. Research is useless if you are unable to present your ideas or research to your audience.
As much as you improve your communication skills, so will your ability to present yourself.
- Project Management Skills
Research is a project that must be managed by a good researcher. Researches are like a project. A researcher must collect the necessary information, gather resources, obtain funding for the continuation of research, and manage the project. Project management skills are crucial in the operation of a research project.
- Leadership Skills for Team Management
It takes leadership skills for researchers to be able to communicate with colleagues and get the best results. The research team won’t succeed if they don’t. The majority of research studies are managed by a group of researchers. Sometimes, you might be asked to lead the group. You need to motivate your team members if you want to be a leader. Researchers need to be able to manage a team.
- IT skills
Research is the most important aspect of information technology. Researchers must keep up-to-date with the latest technology. Information technology is constantly changing. Additionally, IT skills are useful for analyzing research data and presenting research results.
- Analytical Skills
This will allow you to improve your research skills. Analyzing your research is very important. What will your research findings look like in reality? You will be a good researcher if you can analyze data. It is important to keep in mind that your research skills will be more effective if you have higher analytical abilities.
- Self-Assessment
A key ingredient to being a successful researcher is self-assessment. You will discover your strengths and weaknesses if you can access yourself daily. It is possible to also explore your strengths. This will help you to find the right path. Researchers should also learn self-assessment skills. Self-assessment is not only useful for research but can also be used to help you in other areas of your life.
- Accept Criticism
You have to become humble as you go. People will make harsh comments about you for making mistakes at every step. This is the best way for you to learn from your mistakes.
Because you can learn from your mistakes. You can get feedback from people who can help you. You can also give feedback on their work and offer criticism.
How to Become a Researcher
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree is required to become a researcher. A bachelor’s degree in clinical research is a great foundation for a career in medical research. A bachelor’s degree can be obtained in biology, medicine, or chemistry if your interest lies in medical research. A degree in computer science or information technology is the best choice if you’re interested in a career in information research.
- Earn a master’s degree
A bachelor’s degree is usually followed by a master’s. A dual program is offered by some universities that offer both a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Master’s degrees that focus on research are common topics. These include advanced statistical courses and writing for research grants.
- Get relevant research experience
Employers are looking for people who have experience in laboratory research and practical research. Researchers need to be able to explain the various testing and research methods. To gain research experience, you might consider applying for an internship or entry-level position.
- You might consider pursuing a doctorate
Employers prefer researchers who have at least a master’s degree. However, many organizations will consider candidates with a doctoral degree. A doctorate will allow you to be a leading researcher. Doctoral degrees may take up to five years to complete and require original research.
- You might consider additional certifications
You can get additional certifications depending on what type of research you are interested in. Clinical researchers can obtain certifications like the Association of Clinical Research (ACRP), Certified Clinical Research Associate, or any other ACRP Certified Professional certifications.
Where to Work as a Researcher
Researchers often work in nontraditional work environments. While they may spend time in an office analyzing and compiling data, most researchers conduct research in a range of settings.
Researcher Salary Scale
An average salary for a researcher is $72,664 annually.in the United States.