Research Jobs in Wichita, KS

Wichita 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 Wichita, Kansas

When you look at a map of the U.S., Wichita is smack dab in the center. That made the city an ideal destination for cattle drives from Oklahoma to load the herds onto trains going across the country. It also gave Wichita the nickname "Cowtown" and created the first Wichita jobs running the trading posts that welcomed weary cowboys at the end of their drives. Those early days are preserved at the Old Cowtown Museum that recreates Wichita in the 19th century, complete with building-lined streets in a 23-acre, open-air site.

After the turn of the century, Wichita took on a new nickname as the "Air Capital of the World." You may recognize the name "Cessna" as a popular airplane model. Clyde Cessna started manufacturing his famous planes in Wichita in 1916. Other Wichita-based airplane brands that followed include Beechcraft, Airbus, Learjet, and Spirit Aerosystems. The National Institute for Aviation Research continues to keep Wichita in the air business. Perhaps its history in flight led to the saying, "It's a bird, it's a plane—it's Superman," whose hometown is Wichita in many comic books. If you'd like your career to take off by landing a job in Wichita, remember it's also just a short drive to Kansas City, Topeka, and Salina.

Update Your Wichita 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 Wichita, Kansas?

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 Wichita, Kansas, 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 Wichita is $68,824 per year, which is 10% higher than the national average.

Find Your Next Wichita 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 Wichita, how to nail your job interview, and more.