An undergraduate research assistant, or URA, works with laboratories to conduct experiments on various projects. Duties include reading scientific literature and utilizing it to find new ideas for projects, performing experimental trials, analyzing data from the trials and publishing results in scientific journals. The top skills for this position are organization skills, communication skills, laboratory skills, computer software proficiency, and creativity. A bachelor’s degree is required along with knowledge of the field of study they will be working in (biology, chemistry etc.).
The Best Undergraduate Research Assistant Resume Samples
These are some examples of accomplishments we have handpicked from real Undergraduate Research Assistant resumes for your reference.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
- Deploy sensors in collaboration with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Develop IOT software to collect real-time insect wing beat frequency data and insect species classification.
- Research the application of machine learning techniques to the detection and classification of insects.
- Qualified and performed laboratory testing, assisted in the assembly and disassembly of machinery, maintained laboratory environment, and informed superiors of any equipment malfunctions.
- Recommended changes to be made in the procedure for analyzing synthetic polymers for their molecular weight; procedures were followed by all researchers.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
- Analyzing research journals, and becoming familiar with laboratory techniques such as gel staining, PCRs, dissections, euthanasia, and cell images.
- Trying constantly to experience new techniques and machine functions and apply them in the laboratory.
- Presenting at the Undergraduate Research Conference on Transdifferentiation in Pancreatic Islets.
- Determined the molecular mass of various polymers through gel permeation high-pressure chromatography; research was performed under the direction of a faculty member who was a former Ph.D.
- Successfully synthesized new materials for use in ‘smart’ fabrics that can sense pressure, heat, movement, and cracks; wrote the final report on research which resulted in the publication of findings in a science journal.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
- Design, simulate and analyze a medical-grade low-frequency transducer using the PiezoCAD program.
- Engineer transducers from raw materials and conduct intensive testing to ensure medical readiness.
- Acquire wet lab skills, such as pipetting, and passaging, by maintaining various types of cell lines.
- Process raw image data with 301 frames to monitor calcium modulation and count cells using Matlab.
- Conducted research into the effects of semisolid co-mingled polymers on the properties and physical characteristics of polypropylene and polyethylene.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
- Digitally photographed stained diatom cultures using an inverted microscope system.
- Performed Enzyme-Linked Lectin Assays (ELLA) to detect the amount of extracellular polymeric substances released from phytoplankton cells.
- Carried out diatom DNA extraction protocols using a 96-well centrifuge and NanoDrop1000 spectrophotometer to measure the absorbance of nanoparticle-treated bacteria cultures.
- Operated a laser-photon detector apparatus for dynamic light scattering protocol on engineered nanoparticles to determine size and cytosolic fluorescence intensity ratios.
- Prepared data regarding the functions of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids into bibliographical references which could be used for further study by others.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
- Acquired various research techniques, including some bioengineering and biotechnology experience.
- Experience handling rodents, skilled in perfusions and histology.
- Gathered and analyzed data through Excel and analytic computer programs.
- Developed a syllabus for a course sponsored by the Department of Biological Sciences at Towson University in order to determine interest among students in a course such as “Nutrition, Health, and Well-Being.”
- Served as supervisor of two undergraduate research assistants and helped them develop their own research projects.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
- Work with carbon fiber pre-pregs and glass fibers with epoxy to create unique composites that mimic biological structures.
- Manufacture composites using both vacuum infusion and wet layup techniques to create high-quality materials with minimal void and defects.
- Prepare various biological samples by embedding them in epoxy and polishing them for interrogation in both optical and scanning electron microscopes.
- Served as an effective leader of a research team on the effects of applied magnetic fields on the reaction rates of DNA-reactive compounds.
- Played a significant role in research on new methods for developing increasingly strong and versatile adhesives for sealing, bonding, and adhesive applications.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
- Preparing materials and treatment rooms for assessment sessions of ongoing pediatric study.
- Supervising and playing with children during treatment sessions and assisting therapists during therapy sessions with children and parents.
- Attending weekly meetings to discuss research issues that provide strong background knowledge of Autism and anxiety.
- Contributed to the ongoing investigation of the possible effects that inhomogeneous magnetic fields have on cancer cells by researching the potential role of bio-magnetism in cardiovascular disease therapies.
- Collaborated with a professor for three semesters to investigate the physical properties and chemical composition of pumice rocks from locations throughout Los Angeles County.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
- Exfoliate graphite bulk into mono-layer and bi-layer graphene and use Raman Microscopy to measure the light spectrum of each type.
- Measure and study mechanical properties of bilayer graphene such as elastic modulus, force volume, and thickness using Atomic Force Microscopy.
- Implemented in LabView interface and integrated with Arduino board to detect the electric pulse from a lab instrument.
- Implemented a LabView interface to control voltage and current for Keysight oscilloscope.
- Assisted Dr. Ann Elias with research projects on the Linguistics of language and the Developmental Psychology of pedagogy.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
- Contribute to various USDA and Agricultural Research Institute projects in meat science.
- Lead and motivate a team of students on lab procedures and meeting project deadlines.
- Prepare samples for experiments, record and analyze data, and write a technical report based on findings.
- Collaborated with Dr. Elias in writing a special section on Educational Pedagogy entitled “Developing Teaching Skills” in the Handbook of Teaching.
- Submitted twelve articles to professional journals, including two accepted for publication; published one article, “The Role of Self-Esteem in Pedagogical Action”, in an edited volume on social psychology; submitted a tenure-track paper to supervisor for review.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
- Synthesis of organic semiconductors in studying degradation mechanisms within Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (chemical reactions performed include Suzuki & Ulmann coupling, halogenation, Lithiation reactions, etc ).
- Conducted characterization analysis on the electrochemistry, photophysics, and photovoltaics of synthesized organic materials using a number of analytical instruments and determined its feasibility as an OLED material layer.
- Fabrication of thin films and devices particularly the use of the Angstrom Deposition equipment, which processes vapor depositions of material layers in OLEDs.
- Created a program to assist students in developing self-confidence and mastery of a difficult foreign language.
- Performed linguistic research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories, and the University of California, Berkeley.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
- Conducted research on the fabrication and functionalization of biosensors to be used in the treatment of Citrus Greening Disease.
- Assisted on projects working with electrical biosensors with a focus on graphene-based nanomaterials and single-walled carbon nanotubes.
- Enhanced a program in LabVIEW used to record IV data from electrical biosensors.
- Designed, ran, and analyzed ELISAs (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) performed in the laboratory.
- Distinguished as a student who conducted scholarly research with results published in top academic journals.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
- Performed research on achieving electrorotation of cells on a microfluidic flow platform.
- Executed molding and assembly of PDMS electrical probes for neurobiology applications.
- Designed 3D structures using CAD software (Sketchup) for practical applications.
- Optimized the process of PDMS molding to make multilayer structures with consistency and efficiency.
- Achieved exceptional honors for excellence in research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
How to Become a Successful Undergraduate Research Assistant?
You will need to have a high school diploma or a GED before being accepted by almost any program, and there are many disciplines to choose from. Everything from biology, chemistry, mental health, and many more. There is always research being done in this field that requires the aid of assistants.
Once you’ve started your program, you probably won’t have the opportunity to research I until your second or third year. Before then, however, you still want to work hard and study well in your program for good grades, as the research department of any field will want students who are dedicated.
What type of research you will be assisting with depends entirely on your field. A lot of what your professor will expect of you will typically be taking notes and filing reports, but this is still a very important part of research and will give you valuable experience with the topic you want your career to be in.
Keeping careful records and working hard will make you a valuable asset to your program, and make you far more likely to be selected in the future. This will also allow you to be chosen for future opportunities when you advance and eventually graduate, as your professor can introduce you to excellent references.
Wrap Up
Many universities are institutions of learning as well as research, and some of them are on the cutting edge of new breakthroughs that could save lives. At a lot of these institutions, the important work to achieve these discoveries is done by the students themselves, who take on the role of undergraduate research assistant to gain valuable experience in the field.
Hope these samples gave you an idea of what your resume should look like and some tips on how to make sure that your resume stands out from the rest.
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