Responsibilities of a Research Coordinator
A research coordinator's role is to oversee the research studies, ensuring that associates are carrying out the studies as planned. In addition to supervising research associates who collect the data, a research coordinator must organize the study and how it will be carried out. This may entail setting up dates for studies, and coordinating venues; collecting lists of contacts who may be potential participants; traveling to plan studies; and much more. They may also find themselves working along side of research associates on studies and data.
Once the research studies have been carried out, a research coordinator may also be in charge of analyzing the data found, writing articles on the findings, and possibly meeting with executives or directors and presenting the outcomes to them.
Educational Requirements
Those considering a career as a research coordinator will need to obtain – at a minimum – a bachelor's degree. However, because of the large about of knowledge that is required in this career, most businesses or organizations require that their research coordinators have master's degrees.
Because a research coordinator must have a working knowledge and understanding of grants, government regulations, data processing and budgeting, taking college courses in these areas, or seeking degrees in these areas will be beneficial to a potential research coordinator. Skills and knowledge in management and organizational communications are also necessary.
Essential Skills
Communication skills are essential in the position of a research coordinator. It is important that research coordinators possess strong interpersonal communication skills to understand the needs of the people who work under him or her, and to also give clear instructions to his or her employees.
Because a research coordinator may need to present data to executives or directors, written communication, and presentation skills are also important. An understanding of PowerPoint and other presentation computer programs will aid in this effort.
Knowledge of other computer programs such as Excel and other databases are just as crucial to research coordinators.
Salary for Research Coordinators
On average, research coordinators in the United States make anywhere from $46,000 to $70,000 a year. This is contingent upon the amount of experience, education, and more.
