Waterloo 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 Waterloo, Iowa
Not to be confused with the Belgian town where Napoleon was defeated in 1815, Waterloo in Iowa was rechristened from “Prairie Rapids Crossing” when attorney and politician Charles W. Mullan petitioned for a local post office (and was obviously quite fond of the name). Today, Waterloo is the region’s nerve center for manufacturing—with multiple John Deere facilities stationed here, as well as its Tractor & Engine Museum—and agriculture (with the yearly National Cattle Congress). Waterloo jobs are also clustered within the healthcare, education, and government sectors.
Plus, the city features a noted culture scene, including the Grout Museum District and the Waterloo Center for the Arts, which houses the largest collection of Haitian art outside of Haiti. And it’s truly a suitable place for budget-conscious job seekers to live in. The overall cost of living is 25.5% lower than the rest of the nation, and the median home cost is much lower than the U.S. median. If you want to expand your search, you can also check out Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque nearby.
Update Your Waterloo 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 Waterloo, Iowa?
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 Waterloo, Iowa, 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 Waterloo is $49,306 per year, which is 26% lower than the national average.
Find Your Next Waterloo 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 Waterloo, how to nail your job interview, and more.