El Paso 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 El Paso, Texas
Situated in the westernmost corner of Texas, El Paso is known as "The Sun City." The sun shines on an average of 297 days per year. There's plenty to enjoy in El Paso on those frequent sunny days. If you're downtown, you can shop in El Centro, sit down to a delicious meal in Union Plaza, or visit the El Paso Museum of Art in the Las Plazas arts district. Sick of the city? Walk through El Paso's outdoor attractions, such as Franklin Mountains State Park and Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site. And if that's not enough to convince you to apply for jobs in El Paso, consider this: El Paso has been rated one of the safest large metro areas in America.
Planning on moving to the Sun City? El Paso has a low cost of living compared to the state and national average. For example, the cost of housing is only about half the national average. And if you can't find any El Paso jobs that interest you, there are more opportunities in other Texas cities, like Abilene, Midland, and Odessa.
Update Your El Paso 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 El Paso, 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 El Paso, 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 El Paso is $45,852 per year, which is 35% lower than the national average.
Find Your Next El Paso 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 El Paso, how to nail your job interview, and more.