Is there any difference between a research technician and lab assistant?

[JFK90787]

Hi all. Over the past month I've been going to all the usual websites for jobs in this area, and submitting the same cover letter for all the jobs listed as 'research technician' and 'lab assistant'. Are these just different job titles for the same thing? I haven't gotten any call-backs yet so I'm a little worried if I shot myself in the foot on half those applications. Or do the people reading them just think I suck?

Thanks

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[Jolie South]

When I think research assistant, I think of someone paid to help carry out experiments.

When I think of lab assistant, I think of someone paid to clean glassware and make media.

 

[ziggydoc]

Well what do the job descriptions say? If they are talking about general research stuff, then yes, they are the same.

 

[not so calm now]

PS Tailoring your cover letter for specific jobs will help you get call backs.

 

[Phosphorus Ylide]

when i think research assistant, i think of someone paid to help carry out experiments.

When i think of lab assistant, i think of someone paid to clean glassware and make media.

+1

 

[Evergrey]

Well, part of it may be that it's ridiculously hard to find a job for anyone right now. 😉 Keep trying!

 

[WNT Signaling]

Different universities have different titles, so, no, it does not matter. For example, UCSF calls this position a 'research associate', while the University of Chicago calls the same position a 'research technician'

 

[kami333]

Varies across institutions and labs, also depends on whether it is a benefited or non-benefited position. At my current institution a research associate is a post-doc level lab position, and a research assistant is an entry level clinical position. The lab titles here are lab aide->lab assistant->lab tech->lab specialist->senior lab specialist.

 

[CoolWhipp]

when i think research assistant, i think of someone paid to help carry out experiments.

When i think of lab assistant, i think of someone paid to clean glassware and make media.

+1

 

[dru2002]

When I think research assistant, I think of someone paid to help carry out experiments.

When I think of lab assistant, I think of someone paid to clean glassware and make media.

+1 I am the lab assistant and I wash dishes and make media. We also have a research technician who is responsible for all the lab equipment, ordering supplies, and also performing experiments.

 

[Pills Of Soap]

at most academic lab settings, a Staff Research Associate I is the same a Research Assistant. Both of which are entry level positions that are equivalent to a Lab Tech

 

[JFK90787]

at most academic lab settings, a Staff Research Associate I is the same a Research Assistant. Both of which are entry level positions that are equivalent to a Lab Tech

Graeat, thanks everyone for the replies. I still can't believe so many of these places want someone with 2+ years of experience for doing work a monkey a could do. Oh well, the search goes on

 

[redlight]

Graeat, thanks everyone for the replies. I still can't believe so many of these places want someone with 2+ years of experience for doing work a monkey a could do. Oh well, the search goes on

if what you say is true, they are probably just looking for someone dependable.. someone with a good track record and good references..maybe you could try and ease into a lab by doing work for credit or for free for a semester or so if you cant secure a paid position.