Research Assistant
25AI EXPOSURE TODAY25
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST70%
NOT A FORECAST70%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£20,000 - £25,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM GENERAL STUDIES →
Research Assistant
As a Research Assistant, you play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge across various fields, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries that can change lives and influence policy. Your analytical skills and attention to detail are vital in supporting research projects that make a global impact, particularly in the UK’s thriving academic and scientific communities.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Research AssistantIn this entry-level role, you will support senior researchers by assisting with data collection and preliminary analysis, gaining hands-on experience in research methodologies.£20,000 - £25,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Research AssistantAt this stage, you will take on more responsibility, leading smaller projects and mentoring junior staff while continuing to develop your expertise.£28,000 - £35,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Research AssociateIn this peak role, you will lead major research projects, secure funding, and contribute to strategic planning within your organisation.£45,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Computing and IT and a second subjectThe Open University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£36,000 median
🎓Politics And International RelationsWest Herts College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
🎓English Literature And Creative WritingWest Herts College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,000 median
🎓English Literature And MediaWest Herts College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,000 median
🎓European Studies with GermanThe University of Essex · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£25,000 median
All General Studies courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Computing and IT and a second subjectThe Open University · DegreePolitics And International RelationsWest Herts College · DegreeEnglish Literature And Creative WritingWest Herts College · DegreeEnglish Literature And MediaWest Herts College · DegreeEnglish LiteratureWest Herts College · DegreeEuropean Studies with GermanThe University of Essex · Degree