Research Associate is a position that is often awarded in universities and other research institutions. Normally, candidates appointed for this position will have to work as a member of a team engaged in some research that is led by a chief researcher. Candidates appointed for this position in government organizations in India are offered with a pay scale of Rs.9300-34800 plus GP of Rs. 4600. However, this is not the standard pay scale followed by all government organizations.

Pay scale difference:

Research Associates are not paid the aforesaid pay scale in all government organization. Rather, they are paid in the form of consolidated pay in some organizations or they are brought under higher pay brand in some organization.

Recent public sector job notification for research associate position:

Since there is difference in pay scale for this position, the recent job notification issued for this position along with the respective pay scale offered in the public sector organizations are given below:

• Ministry of Commerce & Industry - Rs.9300-34800 plus GP of Rs. 4600

• Haryana Space Applications Centre – Consolidated pay of Rs. 18000

• Industrial Research and Consultancy Centre – Consolidated pay of Rs. 16000-18000 per month

• Gujarat Ecological Education & Research Foundation – Rs. 22000+HRA of 10%

• National Institute of Immunology – Rs. 22000 per month

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences – Rs. 24000 per month

From the above-mentioned job notifications and pay scale it is clear that candidates appointed for the position of research associate can expect a pay scale of not less than Rs. 15000 per month.

Educational qualification:

Normally, graduates in the fields of science, Engineering & technology in different branches are appointed for the position of research associate. The appropriate branch of science and engineering depends on the type of research activity in which the organization is engaged.

Selection procedure:

Generally, performance of the candidates in personal interview is followed as the criteria for selection of candidates for the position of research associate.

What are the responsibilities of a candidate appointed for the position of research associate?

Since research associates will have to work as active member of a team of associates and researchers, they will be responsible for performance of a wide range of tasks pertaining to project, which includes assisting and planning with data collection, disseminating research results, writing down step-by-step results of research, data analysis and data collection. To sum up, research associate will be responsible for making a significant contribution towards the successful carrying out of research activities and successful attainment of research results.

What the skills required for the position of Research Associate?

When it comes to research skills, candidates must be familiar with wide range of research techniques and methodologies, critical thinking skills, analytical, speaking, writing skills, quantitative and qualitative skills and statistical analysis skills. The other skills required are ability to contribute meaningful ideas and ability to work productively as a team member and ability to work on individual assignments as well. Research associates should also possess communication skills when working as a team member in such a way that they can express their ideas in an understandable manner.