What does a Research Specialist do?
Research specialists have advanced expertise in planning, conducting, and analyzing research. They work in a range of fields, but are commonly employed in scientific, manufacturing, healthcare, and academic settings. Their research may involve the use of testing, experiments, modeling, studies, focus groups, interviews, or other information gathering techniques. They compile information, identify and analyze important discoveries, and produce reports detailing their outcomes and findings. They also establish research guidelines and protocol, and design and implement electronic systems for managing important data. They may also train and supervise others in employing research tactics and strategies.
Research specialists typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in their field of expertise, although some roles may require an advanced degree. They must have superior research and investigate skills and be highly organized.
- Inspect completed work to ensure requisite quality has been attained.
- Respond to customer concerns and complaints in a timely manner.
- Identify issues and take the appropriate action to resolve the issues.
- Have regular interaction with patients and their families.
- Assist in the resolution of client complaints, rechecks and consumer disputes.
- Perform inspections, interviews and technical reviews and recommends enforcement actions as needed.
- Fulfill requests from closers to initiate/send and approve additional wires, as needed.
- Assist with monthly review of goods received but not yet invoiced.
- Communicate with co-workers, management and customers, which may involve delivering presentations.
- Prepare violation notices. processes violations initiated by other departments. issues citations for code violations as appropriate.
- Perform all work in accordance with established safety procedures.
- Write protocols, technical reports, SOPs, and develop appropriate documentation for processes.
- Work with overall team to help reach department goals and always look for ways to enhance the overall team dynamic.
- Assist in pulling and certifying files for accounts sales, government audits, etc.
- Provide appropriate training for the customer on newly installed instruments.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in mathematics, engineering, or computer science or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated leadership and critical thinking in field of choice.
- A critical thinker and problem solver with strict attention to detail.
- Fluency in computer research, statistics, and datasets.
- Dedication to collaboration with others.
- Experience with R Language, C, and GIS.
- Fluency in calculus.
Research Specialist Salaries
Average Base Pay
Research Specialist Career Path
Learn how to become a Research Specialist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Research Specialist Insights
Gartner“You get to work with really smart people and the problems presented are usually interesting.”
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation“I enjoyed learning and I was given a great deal of responsibility for just being out of school.”
Gartner“Gartner has really great people and I get along with nearly everyone I work with.”
Emory University School of Medicine“Everyone I worked with was highly motivated and very intelligent.”
Gartner“Really smart and nice people to work with.”
Gartner“I loved my time with Gartner because of the people I worked with and the people I worked for.”
3M“good work life balance is very good”
The Johns Hopkins University“Great work and life balance!”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Research Specialist
- Research Analyst
- Research Consultant
- Research Manager
- Researcher