What is a Research Associate? Job Profile, Career Opportunities, Salary

What is a Research Associate: A Research Associate is a professional who works in academic institutions, private research organizations, or sometimes in the corporate sector. Their role can differ based on the field and organization, but generally, they conduct research, help with research projects, and support senior researchers or principal investigators.

What Is A Research Associate?

Join the UGC NET Online Coaching by Physics Wallah to Elevate your Preparation Skills!

How to become a Research Associate?

Eligibility Criteria for Research Associates

• Education: Typically, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like science, engineering, social sciences, or humanities is required. Some positions may require a master’s degree or higher, especially for more specialized research areas.
• Research Experience: Candidates should have prior research experience, which can be gained through academic studies or previous jobs. This includes conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting research findings. Familiarity with research methodologies and techniques is essential.

Age Limit for Research Associate

• For general applicants, the upper age limit is 35 years.
• Applicants belonging to SC/ST categories, physically handicapped individuals, and women can relax the upper age limit by up to 5 years.
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer candidates) have a relaxation of 3 years on the upper age limit.

Research Associate Level

• Level 1 Research Associate: Entry-level position for those with minimal experience or lower education qualifications.
• Level 2 Research Associate: Mid-level position for those with moderate experience and education qualifications.
• Level 3 Research Associate: Senior-level position for those with extensive experience and higher education qualifications.

Research Associate Job Profile

• Project Work under Supervisor's Guidance: Research Associates are assigned projects in various scientific fields by UGC. They receive valuable guidance from their supervisor, who is usually a professor or department head.
• Lab and Experimental Activities: Research Associates handle experiments and other activities in the lab. It's crucial to handle lab equipment carefully during their work.
• Progress Report Submission: Research Associates prepare annual progress reports on their research work. These reports must be submitted within 15 days after completing one year of the associateship. They submit these reports to their guide or department head.
• Permission for Temporary Paid Lectureship/Research Job: Research Associates can seek consent from UGC to take up temporary paid lecturerships or research positions in recognized R&D universities, colleges, or institutes.

Research Associate Salary in Hand

Research Associate Revised Stipend

Research Associate Career Opportunities

• Academia: Research associates collaborate with faculty members in universities and research institutions. They help with research projects, publish findings, and may mentor students. This experience can lead to advanced degrees or academic positions like assistant professor.
• Industry Research: Industries like pharmaceuticals and technology hire research associates for R&D work. They contribute to product development, data analysis, and may be involved in patent filings.
• Government Agencies: Research associates work in government research institutions on projects ranging from environmental research to defense. They help with scientific investigations and policy development.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Non-profits hire research associates for studies on healthcare, education, and more. They contribute to research, program evaluation, and policy analysis aligned with the organization's mission.
• Consulting: Research associates can work as consultants, offering research and analytical skills to clients. They assist with market research, data analysis, and strategic planning.
• Entrepreneurship: Some research associates start their own ventures, leveraging their research experience. They explore opportunities to commercialize research outcomes, develop new technologies, or offer specialized consulting services.

Research Associate Benefits and Allowances

• Dearness Allowance (DA): Research Associates don't receive Dearness Allowance.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): If Research Associates don't stay in a hostel, they can get House Rent Allowance, ranging from 9% to 27% depending on the city.
• Medical Benefits: Research Associates receive medical benefits according to institute rules.
• Leave and Entitlements: Research Associates are entitled to 30 days of stipend leaves. Any leave beyond this is without stipend.
• Maternity Leave: Female Research Associates can take 180 days of maternity leave, sanctioned by their guide/supervisor and informed to UGC.
• Paternity Leave: Male Research Associates can take 15 days of paternity leave with proper documentation.

Excel in SET Exams through Physics Wallah Online Coaching- Enroll Now!