researcher job description

The specific duties of a researcher include: identifying research problems and questions: a substantial part of your role involves identifying research problems or questions that are relevant to your field of specialisation. developing research hypotheses: you develop hypotheses that can be tested through research. This part of your role is important in ensuring that the research conducted is not wasteful or unnecessary. conducting research: researchers must collect, analyse, and interpret data to answer research questions and test research hypotheses. reporting research findings: you report your research findings in academic journals, conference proceedings, or other publications. In certain roles, you may report your findings to your employer directly. writing research proposals: researchers write proposals to secure funding for their research projects.

The work environment of a researcher varies depending on their type of employment. Academic researchers typically work in universities or research institutions and may have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. Industry researchers work in private companies and may have access to company resources such as laboratories, workshops, and databases. If you are a government researcher, you work in government agencies and have access to government databases and archives. Non-governmental organisation researchers work in offices or in the field, depending on the nature of their research.

who are your colleagues?

Your colleagues as a researcher also vary depending on the type of employment. If you are an academic researcher, you work with other researchers in their respective departments, collaborate with researchers in other universities, or work with graduate students. Industry researchers may work with finance analysts , engineers , data analysts , product developers, marketing professionals , product managers, or project managers . If you become a government researcher, your colleagues may include policy analysts or program managers.

Your work schedule as a researcher varies depending on your type of employment and the stage of your research project. Academic researchers may have more flexibility in their schedule but may need to work longer hours during peak periods, such as when preparing for lectures, grading papers, or conducting fieldwork. Conversely, industry researchers typically have a more structured work schedule and work on weekends or evenings to meet project deadlines. Government researchers may have a standard work schedule of 9 am to 6 pm.

The job outlook for researchers in India is positive. The Indian government has identified research and development as a priority area . There is a growing demand for researchers in fields such as biotechnology, information technology, renewable energy , and market research . Academic institutions in India are also expanding their research programs, providing opportunities for researchers to conduct cutting-edge research.

advantages of finding a researcher job through randstad

Finding your researcher job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid on a monthly basis temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a researcher is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

what is the salary of a researcher in India?

The average salary of a researcher in India is around ₹420,000 per year. The full range of pay for this profession is between ₹160,000 on the low end and ₹18,00,000 on the high end.

is there a career in research in India?

There is a growing and promising career in research in India. With the Indian government recognising the importance of research and development (R&D) and increasing investments in various fields, the demand for researchers has risen. India has made significant strides in sectors like biotechnology, information technology, renewable energy, and space research, among others.

how do I get a job as a researcher?

To get a job as a researcher in India, you should obtain a relevant academic degree and gain research experience through internships or research assistantships. Then, you can actively apply for research positions in your industry and field of choice.

what does a researcher's job do?

A researcher's job involves conducting investigations in a specific field, collecting and analysing data, and presenting findings to contribute to the development of new knowledge, inform decision-making processes, or solve practical problems.

is a researcher a stressful job?

Being a researcher can be stressful due to tight deadlines, high expectations for quality work, and the competitive nature of securing funding. That being said, the level of stress will vary depending on the individual and their specific work environment.

how do I apply for a researcher job?

Applying for a researcher job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area . Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!

researcher

what is a researcher?

Researchers are professionals who—as the name suggests—engage in research. In this profession, you apply scientific, theoretical, or practical methods to collect, analyse, and interpret data in your field of specialisation. Researchers work in a variety of fields, such as science, technology, medicine, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. You can be employed in universities, research institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, or private companies.

The research activities you engage in involve the identification of problems, formulation of questions, development of hypotheses, collection of data, analysis of data, and interpretation of results. You use different methods to collect data and analyse it using statistical or other analytical tools that enable you to draw conclusions from your findings.

You have excellent critical thinking skills and excel at problem-solving. You are able to work independently and as part of a team and have excellent communication skills, both oral and written. You also report your findings to other researchers, policymakers, or the general public. Succeeding in this profession requires effective time management and self-organisation.

If this profession sounds like it would suit your natural curiosity and analytical skills, read on! You’ll find out more, including what skills, competencies, and qualifications you need to thrive as a researcher.

find your job

1

average salary of a researcher

According to Payscale, the average salary of a researcher is ₹420,000 per year. However, the range of pay for this profession is quite large, with the lowest-earning researchers making ₹160,000 per year and the highest earners making as much as ₹18,00,000 per year.

factors that affect researcher’s pay

The area in which you specialise can significantly affect your salary. If you work in a high-demand field, such as biotechnology, data science or renewable energy, you may command higher salaries compared to those in less sought-after areas.

The extent of your educational background also plays a role in determining your pay. Higher qualifications, such as a PhD or postdoctoral experience, will often lead to increased earnings. Having a degree will certainly give you more leverage when negotiating your salary.

As with most professions, your experience will often impact your potential salary. If you have gained more experience in your field, you will generally receive higher pay than your less experienced counterparts.

2

types of researchers

There are different types of researcher roles, each with unique aspects. Some of these types include:

academic researchers: in this role, you are a researcher who works in universities or research institutions and conducts research in your field of specialisation. You may also teach.
industry researchers: industry researchers work for private companies. You conduct research to develop new products, improve existing products, or solve practical problems.
government researchers: as a government researcher, you work for government agencies conducting research to inform policy decisions, improve public services, or solve practical problems.
non-governmental organisation researchers: this type of researcher works for non-profit organisations. You conduct research to inform advocacy, raise awareness, or solve practical problems.

3

working as a researcher

Being a researcher can be a fulfilling career in which you put your inquisitive nature to use in solving problems. Keep reading to learn more about the responsibilities, work schedule, and job outlook of a researcher.

researcher job description
The specific duties of a researcher include:
- identifying research problems and questions: a substantial part of your role involves identifying research problems or questions that are relevant to your field of specialisation.
- developing research hypotheses: you develop hypotheses that can be tested through research. This part of your role is important in ensuring that the research conducted is not wasteful or unnecessary.
- conducting research: researchers must collect, analyse, and interpret data to answer research questions and test research hypotheses.
- reporting research findings: you report your research findings in academic journals, conference proceedings, or other publications. In certain roles, you may report your findings to your employer directly.
- writing research proposals: researchers write proposals to secure funding for their research projects.
work environment

The work environment of a researcher varies depending on their type of employment. Academic researchers typically work in universities or research institutions and may have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. Industry researchers work in private companies and may have access to company resources such as laboratories, workshops, and databases.

If you are a government researcher, you work in government agencies and have access to government databases and archives. Non-governmental organisation researchers work in offices or in the field, depending on the nature of their research.
who are your colleagues?

Your colleagues as a researcher also vary depending on the type of employment. If you are an academic researcher, you work with other researchers in their respective departments, collaborate with researchers in other universities, or work with graduate students. Industry researchers may work with finance analysts, engineers, data analysts, product developers, marketing professionals, product managers, or project managers. If you become a government researcher, your colleagues may include policy analysts or program managers.
work schedule

Your work schedule as a researcher varies depending on your type of employment and the stage of your research project. Academic researchers may have more flexibility in their schedule but may need to work longer hours during peak periods, such as when preparing for lectures, grading papers, or conducting fieldwork. Conversely, industry researchers typically have a more structured work schedule and work on weekends or evenings to meet project deadlines. Government researchers may have a standard work schedule of 9 am to 6 pm.
job outlook

The job outlook for researchers in India is positive. The Indian government has identified research and development as a priority area. There is a growing demand for researchers in fields such as biotechnology, information technology, renewable energy, and market research. Academic institutions in India are also expanding their research programs, providing opportunities for researchers to conduct cutting-edge research.
advantages of finding a researcher job through randstad
Finding your researcher job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a researcher is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

4

education and skills

Some of the academic qualifications for researchers include:

bachelor's degree: a bachelor's degree in a relevant field should be considered a minimum requirement for most research positions. A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete and provides a foundation in the field of study.
master's degree: a master's degree is a graduate-level degree that provides advanced knowledge and skills in a particular field of study. A master's degree typically takes two years to complete and may be required for certain research positions.
doctorate degree: this is the highest level of academic qualification in a field of study. It will typically take you three to five years to complete and involves conducting independent research in a specialised area. A PhD is often required for academic or advanced research positions.
certifications: some research positions require specific certifications in addition to academic qualifications. For example, a researcher working with laboratory animals may need to have a certification in animal care.

researcher skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a researcher include:

data analysis: researchers should be able to collect, organise, and analyse data using appropriate software tools such as Excel and similar software packages.
statistical analysis: you are able to perform statistical analyses to draw valid conclusions from your data.
research methodology: you have a strong understanding of research methodology, including study design, sampling techniques, and ethical considerations.
critical thinking: critical thinking skills are essential to evaluate information, identify patterns, and draw conclusions based on the evidence.
problem-solving: researchers are able to identify research problems, develop hypotheses, and develop innovative solutions to research questions.
communication skills: you have excellent communication skills to present your research findings in written or oral formats. You are able to explain complex concepts to different audiences, including policymakers, researchers, and the general public.

how to write successful job descriptions.

5

FAQs about working as a researcher

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a researcher.

what is the salary of a researcher in India?

The average salary of a researcher in India is around ₹420,000 per year. The full range of pay for this profession is between ₹160,000 on the low end and ₹18,00,000 on the high end.
is there a career in research in India?

There is a growing and promising career in research in India. With the Indian government recognising the importance of research and development (R&D) and increasing investments in various fields, the demand for researchers has risen. India has made significant strides in sectors like biotechnology, information technology, renewable energy, and space research, among others.
how do I get a job as a researcher?

To get a job as a researcher in India, you should obtain a relevant academic degree and gain research experience through internships or research assistantships. Then, you can actively apply for research positions in your industry and field of choice.
what does a researcher's job do?

A researcher's job involves conducting investigations in a specific field, collecting and analysing data, and presenting findings to contribute to the development of new knowledge, inform decision-making processes, or solve practical problems.
is a researcher a stressful job?

Being a researcher can be stressful due to tight deadlines, high expectations for quality work, and the competitive nature of securing funding. That being said, the level of stress will vary depending on the individual and their specific work environment.
how do I apply for a researcher job?

Applying for a researcher job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!