Research coordinators design, implement and oversee research programs and
experiments. Their work crosses over all types of fields. These include agriculture,
health, biology, engineering, computer science and chemistry. They work in
any discipline where research needs to be done.
As the title implies, these workers plan, coordinate and monitor research
projects. They look after grants, contracts and research collaboration efforts.
Some research projects, such as finding cures for AIDS or cancer, are huge.
They take place over a number of years. Research coordinators develop management
systems to organize human and data resources.
When the research is finished, there is still much more work for the coordinators.
They generally help get the work published. They can also be involved in soliciting
new research and helping staff with ongoing administration and financial functions.
At universities, these coordinators may help supervise student research
projects.
Research coordinators spend much of their time in an office setting. However,
they may also work in labs and industrial plants, where they are exposed to
the same conditions as research scientists.
They may work in government and educational institutions. Or you may find
them in the private sector.
This work generally requires a 40-hour workweek. However, the hours may
be longer when a project deadline is looming.
Physical requirements for research coordinators are limited. However, there
may be certain research areas that demand more physical activities than others.