Research jobs in higher education involve conducting innovative studies to advance knowledge in various fields. These roles, from research assistants to principal investigators, require strong analytical skills and often a doctoral degree. Discover qualifications, responsibilities, and opportunities, including in unique locations like the Northern Mariana Islands.
Research positions, commonly known as research jobs in higher education, are professional roles dedicated to advancing knowledge through systematic investigation. These positions encompass a range of titles, from entry-level research assistants to senior principal investigators. At their core, research jobs involve formulating hypotheses, gathering data, analyzing results, and disseminating findings via publications or conferences. Unlike teaching-focused roles, research positions prioritize discovery and innovation, often within specialized labs or interdisciplinary teams at universities and research institutes.
The meaning of a research position extends to contributing to societal challenges, such as climate change studies or medical breakthroughs. For instance, a researcher might develop sustainable agriculture techniques tailored to island ecosystems, relevant to places like the Northern Mariana Islands.
Research positions trace their roots to medieval universities in Europe, where scholars like those at Oxford pursued inquiries alongside teaching. The modern form emerged in the 19th century with the Humboldtian model in Germany, emphasizing research-led education. Post-World War II, massive funding from bodies like the US National Science Foundation spurred growth, creating dedicated research jobs. Today, these roles adapt to global needs, incorporating computational tools and international collaborations.
Daily duties in research positions vary by level. Research assistants handle literature reviews and experiments, while associates lead sub-projects. Senior roles involve grant applications and team management. Common tasks include ethical compliance, such as Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals for human subjects research, and presenting at events like the American Association for the Advancement of Science meetings.
Required academic qualifications: A PhD in a relevant field is standard for mid-to-senior research jobs, with bachelor's or master's degrees for assistants. Fields range from biology to social sciences.
Research focus or expertise needed: Specialized knowledge, such as marine biology for Pacific regions or data science for quantitative studies. Expertise often aligns with institutional strengths, like environmental research at Northern Marianas College.
Preferred experience: Peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5+ papers), grant success (e.g., NSF awards averaging $150,000), and conference presentations. Prior postdoctoral experience boosts prospects.
Skills and competencies:
These elements ensure researchers thrive in competitive environments. For tips on excelling, see how to <a href='/higher-ed-career-advice/how-to-excel-as-a-research-assistant-in-australia'>excel as a research assistant</a>.
In the Northern Mariana Islands, a US commonwealth, research jobs center on Northern Marianas College, focusing on tropical agriculture, marine resources, and climate resilience. Projects often leverage federal grants for studies on coral reefs or invasive species, offering unique fieldwork in a biodiversity hotspot. Globally, top destinations include US Ivy League schools and European hubs. Salaries range from $50,000 for assistants to $120,000+ for seniors, per 2023 data.
View listings in <a href='/higher-ed-jobs/postdoc'>postdoc positions</a> or <a href='/research-assistant-jobs'>research assistant jobs</a>.
To secure research positions, network at conferences, build a strong publication portfolio, and tailor applications. A compelling academic CV is key—follow this <a href='/higher-ed-career-advice/how-to-write-a-winning-academic-cv'>guide to writing one</a>. Postdocs provide a bridge to tenure-track roles, with success stories like thriving in <a href='/higher-ed-career-advice/postdoctoral-success-how-to-thrive-in-your-research-role'>postdoctoral research</a>.
Ready to pursue research jobs? Explore comprehensive listings on <a href='/higher-ed-jobs'>higher ed jobs</a>, gain insights from <a href='/higher-ed-career-advice'>higher ed career advice</a>, browse <a href='/university-jobs'>university jobs</a>, or connect with employers via <a href='/post-a-job'>post a job</a> services at AcademicJobs.com. Start building your path to impactful research today.
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