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Additional Biology Resume Samples
Graduate Research Assistant Resume Samples
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0-5 years of experience
Designed, planned and managed several research projects investigating how bacterial biofilms are associated with health and disease
- Collaborated with faculty and students across different departments to conduct interdisciplinary research
- Coauthored three peer-reviewed publications and presented research results at several state and national
- Chosen to present a platform presentation at the 2012 ASM Biofilm meeting in Miami, FL
- Mentored undergraduate research students to ensure proper understanding of concepts and completion of assigned experiments
- Managed laboratory operations including equipment and supply inventory, maintenance, and purchasing
0-5 years of experience
Led a collaborative and translational project to validate and utilize a novel, anti-miRNA
based therapy for heart diseases.
- Partnered with a senior scientist and postdoctoral fellow to evaluate novel ways to estimate aging and senescence in murine models of aging.
- Highly successful cardiovascular research led to a patent application and high-impact
- Discovered and characterized a novel microRNA, which potently induces both proliferation and differentiation of fibroblasts leading to fibrosis and heart failure.
- Presented research at multiple scientific conferences ranging from 150 to 50,000
- Supervised and mentored the research of eight undergraduate and graduate students.
0-5 years of experience
Researcher in the Laboratory for Environmental Computing and Decision Making (LECDM) investigating topics including High Volume Hydraulic Fracturing; intermodal transportation; atmospheric dispersion modeling and model integration; mortality calculations; geospatial data collection and creation; dispersion, population and elevation mapping; SQL query generation; and integration of government and industry data.
- Developed an innovative method utilizing GIS, a GPS application, and Excel to process AERMOD data.
- Calculated enhanced emissions mortality rates in 7 test case locations in New York and Pennsylvania.
- Researched, analyzed, and documented a revised data input methodology improving model efficiency.
- Created and delivered 2 ESRI International Users Conference presentations leading to new collaborations.
0-5 years of experience
Performed independent research in drug delivery, specifically cancer therapeutics
- Successfully synthesized polymer and subsequently formulated polymeric nanoparticles
- Cellular toxicity and uptake studies demonstrated superb results
- Received AUP approval from Clemson University’s IACUC and began Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) studies
- Mentored 3 undergraduate students who assisted with daily laboratory tasks
- TEM images of nanoparticles
0-5 years of experience
Experimental design and construction of bench-top dense-phase membrane bioreactors to access microbial degradation potential of chlorinated solvents under varying conditions
- Cultivated and enriched aerobic toluene oxidizing bacteria from collected samples
- Enriched and subcultured anaerobic dehalogenating bacteria from established community using traditional glove-bag procedure
- Maintained and serviced Hewlett Packard 5890 Series II Chromatography
- Developed, verified, and quantified methods for GC-FID
0-5 years of experience
The [company name] is home to the Parker Friendship Lab, the research lab of Dr. Jeff Parker. Under his mentorship, I researched intra- and interpersonal processes central to child-peer experiences and social competences through a combination of observational and school-based assessments.
- Bi-annually recruited, trained, and evaluated 10-25 undergraduate research assistants on lab protocol
- Prepared 180-page Institution Review Board application for Adolescent Behavior in Triadic Situations; post-approval, maintained appropriate correspondence to update on progress and protocol modifications
- Oversaw recruitment of 300 participants to study, supervised lab personnel in the execution of experimental sessions, and managed data collection
- Liaison between study investigator, site coordinators, and research assistants to ensure study success
- Mentored research assistants for Honors’ thesis and conference submissions
0-5 years of experience
I worked as a coordinator for the 2015 IMPACT Rally, which provided families with an opportunity to interact with and learn about St. Louis agencies that support children and family needs. In addition, I performed general work at the Center when necessary to further reduce violence and injury the areas of child abuse and neglect, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and suicide.
- Researched the most cost-effective resources to conduct event
- Communicated with local agencies to provide support in their participation
- Reported to the Center Director to discuss and reconcile project plan
- Recruited volunteers for event marketing and event-day tasks
0-5 years of experience
Synthesized eight bimetallic nanoparticle systems to address greenhouse gas emissions. Served as teaching assistant and guest lecturer of organic chemistry for three years.
- Managed multiple projects and collaborated with other graduate students on synthetic and characterization work.
- Maintained and operated laboratory equipment and instruments.
- Delivered and organized research presentations for weekly group meetings, departmental seminars, and thesis defense oral examination.
- Analyzed scientific articles to compare and improve research studies.
- Provided recommendations for laboratory operations, including purchase of necessary supplies, and reorganization and maintenance of chemical inventory.
- Developed and presented lectures and assessment tools for undergraduate courses.
- Executed statistical analysis on 10% increase in student examination scores of 160 students to homework grades to extrapolate effectiveness of online system.
- Mentored 15 high school and undergraduate students in math and physical sciences, and synthesis and project management of scientific investigations.
0-5 years of experience
Executed, designed, and optimized syntheses for emulsion polymers and polymerizable olefins under inert atmosphere, in addition to candidate fluorescent probes complexes and ligand-switchable complexes under ambient laboratory conditions
- Troubleshot equipment and procedures to achieve material products with desired properties in optimum yield
- Read literature to compare synthesis methods and plan or troubleshoot experiments
- Characterized products via analytical instrumentation (pH meter, analytical balance, ICP-AES, UV-Vis, spectrofluorometry, DLS, SEM, MALDI-MS, and IR, with guided exposure to ESI LC-MS, NMR, CV, and X-ray crystallography instruments), conducted data analysis and interpretation, and presented results for material candidates at group meetings, seminars, and conferences
- Classified waste prior to disposal, placed orders for chemicals and supplies, and notified superiors of needed equipment repairs
- Trained and mentored graduate, undergraduate, and high-school research students
0-5 years of experience
Multimode Tuning of Cylindrical Structure – Funded by the Naval Underwater Warfare Center (NUWC) to implement passive solutions to reduce structural-borne noise as applied to torpedos
- Experimentally investigated tuning variability of vibration absorbers and overall effect on structural response
- Characterized acoustic spot size and radiation beam focal length from non-contact ultrasonic transducer
- Used laser interferometric methods for indirect estimation of applied force
- Assisted in conducting modal test of 50 meter wind turbine blade
- Analyzed, processed, correlated collected data and published test reports
- Experienced with accelerometers, laser vibrometer, shaker, impact and operational modal analysis test methods
6-10 years of experience
Investigated the functional significance and regulation of adult neurogenesis. Thesis work contributed to the understanding of adult brain neuroplasticity.
- Independently planned, designed and conducted experiments to reveal learning-associated incorporation of new neurons by utilizing broad knowledge of biology, particularly developmental and behavioral neuroscience.
- Solved complex and time-sensitive technical problems. Effectively managed multiple research projects and priorities.
- Regularly presented research work in seminars and group meetings.
- Mentored and trained graduate and undergraduate students.
- Conducted advanced statistical analysis and developed data management plans.
0-5 years of experience
Advisor: Prof. Parastoo Hashemi
- Developed microelectrode sensors for on-line analysis of environmental contaminants
- Designed and characterized flow injection analysis (FIA) experimental models for quantifying trace metal ions’ fluctuations in real-time via fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV)
- Manipulated functional groups on electrode surfaces to improve selectivity. Characterized organic compounds via GC-MS, NMR. Characterized materials via CV, SEM, TEM, EDS, XPS, AFM
- Led project team on development of 4-channel microelectrode arrays (MEAs) as versatile biological and environmental sensors
- As 1st graduate student in group, set up equipment, established protocols, trained juniors, managed projects, supervised lab safety
6-10 years of experience
Pushed the limits of compression experiments using nanoindenters by testing silicon nanocubes only 25nm in width. Required special nanoindenter modifications for improved stability. In prepration for publication.
- Micropillar compression experiments by ex-situ nanoindentation on scandium deuteride in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories. Internal reports.
- Nanoindenter compression of hydrogen-charged Nitronic 50 micropillars in collaboration with Idaho National Laboratories. Internal reports.
- Oversaw project with visiting undergraduate researcher. Measured high precision indentation size effect curves of 4 model materials and compared them to micropillar compression. In preparation for publication.
- Analytical papers using fracture mechanics coupled with dislocation plasticity to understand brittle-ductile transitions. Published in JMR, IHC.
- Developed free-standing thin film bulge testing with Seagate Inc.
0-5 years of experience
Worked on an Office of Naval Research (ONR) funded project.
- Over 2+ years of hands-on experience with design, development, testing of semiconductor
- 2D and 3D modelling of Heterojunction power transistors using design tools.
- Generated, imported and edited part symbols and device models to simulate and design circuits.
- Designed switching circuit schematics in using design tools such as SILVACO and PSPICE, then documented obtained test results.
- Coordinated and communicated technical information with team mates to research and validate the performance of GaN based power switches and to prepared detailed written reports.
0-5 years of experience
Strategies of Structural Inspection Methodology using Statistical Decision Making Algorithm
- Developed a novel method to represent high dimensional dynamic responses in unique low dimensional
- Designed and optimized a novel decision making model for failure analysis using supervised (Support
- Achieved 95% abnormality detection ability in metallic and composite structures.
- Developed a novel testing equipment using Acoustic Emission (AE) and testing strategies for damage localization and quantification.
- Improved damage detection size over 30% in inspection structures with consistent detection resolutions comparing the State-of-Arts.
- Visualized hidden patterns of elastic wave propagation using Finite Element Analysis.
- Developed a novel damage detection model in conjunction with a Multi-Objective Optimization technique and statistical pattern recognition techniques.
- Designed a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antenna shape and accomplished 20% increased radio communication range and 60% size reduction.
- Implemented MARSS on real bridge structures in Phoenix area for gathering real-time remote sensing results.
6-10 years of experience
Iowa State University Ames, IA
- Accurately performed de novo assembly of two microbial genomes with next generation sequencing data
- Skillfully analyzed and designed two whole-genome tiling microarrays based on the assembled genomes
- Devised and performed microarray experiments and real-time quantitative PCR to validate the results
- Conducted numerical and statistical analyses on the microarray data and the real-time qPCR data
- Subsequently predicted non-coding regulatory RNAs in prokaryotes and their associated target genes
- Successfully achieved computational biology research at the [company name]
0-5 years of experience
Colorado Department of Education and University of Denver; Denver, CO. 10-15 hrs/wk
- Collaborate with faculty members from the University as well as
- Research and create resources for professionals based on survey results and feedback
- Research and gather resources for an online course on family-school partnering and drop-out prevention in secondary education
- Focus on how pre-service school professionals are trained to work with families
- Conducted a pre-review of family partnering courses offered, other states’ models of implementation, and legal mandates
- Created, disseminated, and analyzed survey results of Colorado Higher Education
Graduate Research Assistant Duties and Responsibilities
Although graduate research assistants can work in a variety of academic fields, most share several essential duties:
Gather Research Data The central responsibility of a graduate research assistant is gathering data related to their projects. This aspect of the role depends largely upon the field in which the assistant is conducting research. A scientific researcher, for example, may gather data from experiments and test subjects, while a psychology researcher may conduct interviews with research subjects.
Analyze Findings Data analysis is also central to this role. Graduate research assistants may use both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze data, and some may use advanced data modeling technologies to derive insights from the information they have gathered. In any case, graduate research assistants analyze information to determine whether their working hypotheses are correct.
Prepare Reports and Paperwork Throughout the research process, graduate research assistants prepare reports related to their activities and findings. This can include information about test subjects and results, for example, or transcripts of subject interviews. Generally, graduate research assistants provide these reports to the professor or researcher in charge of the project, who may request further information or more detailed analyses.
Maintain Databases Many graduate research assistants also maintain project databases throughout the research process. In some cases, this can require familiarity with one or more programming languages or subject-specific database programs. Graduate research assistants may receive data from several sources and use database programs to maintain and update records related to project participants and findings.
Verify Data Along with entering data into research databases, graduate research assistants also ensure accuracy by verifying data that they work with. This can involve comparing reports to raw data to reduce errors and make sure that all information is up to date and as complete as possible. Graduate research assistants may need to follow up with research subjects or other researchers to verify information.
Direct Undergraduate Research Assistants In many research settings, graduate research assistants also direct the activities of undergraduate research assistants. In this aspect of the role, the graduate research assistant may identify tasks that do not require a high degree of knowledge or specialization and assign them to teams of undergraduate researchers. They may also answer questions and directly supervise the assistants’ work.
Graduate Research Assistant Skills and Qualifications
Graduate research assistants provide direct support to professors and researchers involved in ongoing projects. Workers in this role have completed their undergraduate degrees and tend to have the following skills:
- Subject matter expertise – graduate research assistants should be thoroughly familiar with their chosen subject matter, and should be able to use this knowledge to support their current research projects
- Analytical thinking – data analysis is central to any graduate research assistant’s role, so they should be able to rigorously assess data sets and derive conclusions based on their findings
- Attention to detail – graduate research assistants must possess a high level of attention to detail to ensure that they correctly gather and record research data and provide accurate information to their supervisors
- Time management – in this role, graduate research assistants manage ongoing projects and competing deadlines, so they should have strong time management and organization skills
- Problem-solving skills – graduate research assistants should be excellent problem-solvers, since they frequently need to respond to changing circumstances and shift their hypotheses while researching
- Communication skills – effective written and verbal communication is vital when collaborating with other research assistants and supervisors and preparing reports
Graduate Research Assistant Education and Training
Graduate research assistants are students who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in their field and are working toward an advanced degree, such as a master’s degree or PhD. Generally, graduate research assistant positions provide hands-on training and knowledge-building opportunities that research assistants can use in their own research or to assist with job searches after graduation. Graduate research assistants also frequently receive credit in publications related to their research, which can also help with future career growth.
Graduate Research Assistant Salary and Outlook
Graduate assistants typically work in exchange for a stipend or tuition reimbursement, so average salaries can be somewhat difficult to estimate. Glassdoor estimates that graduate research assistants earn an average salary of $29,083 per year based on 37,981 submitted salaries, while PayScale provides an estimate of $26,000 per year on average. Neither of these sites provides information on whether these salaries include tuition reimbursement, however. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide employment outlook data for graduate research assistants, particularly since this role can exist in a number of different academic fields.
Helpful Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about working as a graduate research assistant, we found several resources on the web for further reading and information:
“15 Steps to Good Research” – this list provides a useful set of guidelines for researchers in any field, with a focus on developing a thesis, writing effective research questions, establishing methodologies, and gathering data
Research Methods: The Essential Knowledge Base – this book explores various research methodologies, highlighting the benefits and risks of each method and providing guidance for researchers designing studies and gathering data “Being an Exceptional Research Assistant” – read this blog post to learn how to stand out as a graduate research assistant and gain more responsibility and trust through active planning, reliability, and relationship building
Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches – graduate research assistants can read this book to learn more about qualitative and quantitative methodologies and how to design research activities that incorporate both