About Research Jobs in Austin, TX
Austin Research Jobs Overview
Do you often ask questions that are difficult to answer? Are you an introvert with a curious mind? If so, you may want to consider a career in research, where you can get paid to search for answers to the unknown. Research jobs span all scientific fields, from the social sciences to natural science.
There are many different types of research positions in both higher education and the private sector. Researchers may choose to work in academia so they can enjoy independence—at a commercial lab, your aim as a researcher is to serve a business's goals rather than to answer your own burning questions.
Common academic research positions include:
- Research assistant (RA): RAs assist senior researchers in collecting and analyzing data, reviewing literature, preparing reports, and writing articles. For studies involving human subjects, research assistants also recruit and interview study participants.
- Research associate: Being a research associate is often a postdoc job—a temporary position which allows Ph.D. graduates to continue their training under a supervisor.
- Research fellow: Research fellows typically work on a specific study. This means that the salary is paid by grants or an endowment and the position is temporary.
- Research scientist: Research scientists plan and conduct experiments, interpret results, and write academic articles. They also supervise junior researchers and work on grant proposals and presentations. Some research scientists at academic institutions are also part-time professors.
You can expand your search for higher ed jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Austin, Texas
Also called the "City of the Violet Crown," Austin is Texas's state capital and the fourth largest city in the Lone Star State. Another name for Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, and for good reason: Austin hosts some of the most popular music festivals in the U.S., including Austin City Limits and SXSW. And with its restaurants, music venues, museums, outdoor attractions, and vibrant downtown area, Austin draws many visitors and new residents alike. In fact, Austin is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S., with hundreds of people searching for new jobs in Austin every year.
The thriving Austin jobs market boasts high employment and an average annual salary greater than the national average. And if you're looking for work outside the city limits, there are tons of job options in Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Georgetown.
Update Your Austin Research Resume
Since research positions require a lot of writing, having a well-written resume and cover letter is essential. Start by reading our resume writing tips and cover letter tips. Then learn more about what specifics to include in our examples of a research assistant cover letter and a research scientist resume.
How Much Do Research Jobs Pay in Austin, Texas?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in research jobs in Austin, Texas, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median research associate pay in Austin is $67,913 per year, which is 9% higher than the national average.
Find Your Next Austin Research Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
Are you prepared for a career in research? If so, set up your profile on Monster for free and begin clicking on those research jobs. When you sign up with us, you’ll receive custom job alerts and expert advice on how to negotiate your salary in Austin, how to nail your job interview, and more.