======= Date Modified 03 Apr 2009 11:24:53 =======
In science, a research assistant would be an assistant to a post doc and would perform the more mundane experiments. Depending on the supervisor and post doc, the research assistant may or may not be involved in data analysis and interpretation, direction of the project. Typically they would be acknowledged/named on published papers but have little involvement in writting and they don't tend to be involved in composing grant applications.



Mainly RAs are people who don't have a PhD in science but speaking to postdoc friends they've said that RA after PhD is fine if you don't want to stay in research too long but ill advised if you want to make a career out of research starting in the lab.

======= Date Modified 02 Apr 2009 13:07:36 =======
Its 2 and a half years and they were very clear in the interview that they would not think kindly of me if I took the job but carried on looking for a postdoc position... then left before the end of the RA job if I was offered a postdoc.



I do want a postdoc though... I do want the writting papers and applying for grants lark... I'd like the climb the academic ladder so this is quite an important decision for me.

I've been offered a research assistant position but I've just finished my PhD. I'm concerned that this is not favorable for my career and would be questioned at future interviews. Also will I always be a stage behind so my next job will count as my first post doc. I have been offered pay at a similar level as a new post-doc but within the research assistant grade band.

Equally with the current financial climate... a job is a job.

What would you do? Take this job and deal with the issues in a couple of years or decline this job and keep looking?