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Image of career: Research Assistant (Life Sciences)

Research Assistant (Life Sciences)

Overview

Research assistants in life sciences conduct experiments and study living organisms, working in research labs or pharmaceutical firms.

Description

  • Collect and prepare specimens and samples for experiments and research.
  • Monitor experiments to ensure proper laboratory quality control and health and safety guidelines are followed.
  • Review and report test results using proper scientific methods and accurate documentation.
  • Set up, adjust, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment.
  • Perform administrative duties like updating laboratory safety documents.

Entry requirements

  • You'll need at least a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Life Sciences.

Salary

$4,100 – 7,500

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Research assistants are the backbone of research teams. They conduct thousands of experiments, test samples, and carefully record data that scientists rely on to make medical breakthroughs.

What to expect

You'll work with blood, biohazard materials and chemicals. Stay curious, pay attention to details, and work well with others.

Soft
skills

Problem-Solving

Able to identify issues, analyse information, and develop effective solutions quickly.

Integrity

Able to follow ethical principles and maintain honesty and consistency in research actions and scientific decisions.

Attention to Detail

Ability to conduct experiments accurately and thoroughly, record data precisely, and analyse results carefully.

Laboratory Management

Able to organise, maintain, and oversee laboratory operations and safety protocols efficiently.

Scientific Study

Skilled in conducting systematic investigations and experiments to acquire scientific knowledge and understanding of living organisms.

Equipment Setup

Able to assemble, calibrate, and prepare laboratory equipment for research processes and biological experiments.

Hard
skills

Adrian, Research Assistant
"I perform basic research tasks, design and execute my experiments and make sense of the collected data."

Adrian, Research Assistant

National Youth Council

Frequently asked questions

You may work at universities, hospitals, research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms conducting life science research.

Yes, life sciences play important roles in scientific breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, environmental protection, and more.

They may work in various fields including medical research, genetics, environmental science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and agricultural research depending on their interests.

While helpful, it's not always required. Many entry-level positions welcome candidates with strong academic backgrounds and research skills, even without prior experience in that specific field.

Analysing and interpreting scientific data can be complicated. They need strong analytical skills, understanding of statistics, and the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from research results.