Graduate Research Assistant (Chemistry)

Impact: Intellectual

Graduate Research Assistants in Chemistry conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to scientific publications under the supervision of faculty members. They are integral to advancing chemical knowledge and developing new materials or processes.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Moderate
Team vs solo
Balanced
Client facing
Never
Impact visibility
Moderate
Travel
Low
Schedule flexibility
Moderate
Remote work
Limited Remote
Typical work hours
40-50 hours/week
Stress level
Moderate

At a glance

Median salary
$70,000
Entry-level
$55,000
Senior
$105,000
Growth by 2033
7%
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
High
Typical student debt
$80,000 - $120,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Laboratory Techniques
  • Data Analysis
  • Scientific Writing
  • Spectroscopy
  • Chromatography

Soft skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication
  • Time Management

Technical complexity: High

How to get there

Minimum education
Doctoral or Professional Degree
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
5
Years to senior
10
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Researcher, Professor

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      10%
      AI disruption risk
      Low
      Demand trend
      Stable

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      4/10
      Meaning
      4/10
      Work-life balance
      3.5/10
      Prestige
      5/10
      Social perception
      High

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