Remote Research Jobs: What They Are & Where To Find Them

A career in research is an exciting field that’s become far more accessible since the dramatic increase in remote jobs. Since workers can do a majority of the job on a computer, remote research jobs easily transition to the home office, making it a great opportunity for aspiring work from home individuals. Perhaps the most interesting facet of this job is its occupational versatility.

From the healthcare industry to finance to academics, almost every industry requires the services of researchers. Not only does this give you more opportunity to research something you love, but it also alleviates the burnout sometimes associated with the job itself. If you’re interested in starting a new career or just pursuing new opportunities, learn more about what remote research jobs are and where to find them.

Everything You Need to Know About Remote Research Jobs

If you’re new to the remote research field, the idea behind the job is simple. Although duties will vary, the basic job description includes:

While the path to becoming a researcher isn’t as straightforward as other jobs, having the perfect mix of education, skills, and background can get your foot in the door. Here’s everything you need to know to enhance your chances to land a remote research job.

Required Education

Although the education you need to become a remote researcher depends on your preferred industry, employers will almost always require a four-year degree. To this effect, you should either choose a major that relates to your research interests or use your job history to push you into your job of preference. Some employers may consider someone with relevant experience who has no college degree, but this is exceedingly rare.

Some of the most popular college majors for researchers include:

Necessary Skills

On top of your education, expertise, and background, you also need a variety of hard and soft skills to make you a better candidate. Looking at a few dozen job descriptions should shed some light on what you need specifically. More generally, here are some of the necessary skills for remote research jobs:

This isn’t necessarily an exhaustive list, as you may need additional skills based on the job you want. Again, checking the job description for your favored job will help you get a better idea of the skills you need.

Certifications to Improve Your Profile

On top of your education and skillset, you may also choose to earn extra credentials or certifications. These aren’t entirely necessary, but they can definitely bulk up your resume and overall application. Some of the most coveted certifications from employers include:

Of all of these institutions and their corresponding certifications, SoCRA and the ACRP are the most highly regarded and recognized throughout numerous industries.

Remote Research Jobs Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, remote research jobs are expected to grow by 4% to 25% over the next 10 years, depending on the industry. Plus, almost all of these jobs have a median salary that’s at or above the national average. If you’re wondering which fields are the most lucrative, these wage statistics should give you more insight into salary expectations.

Common Job Titles for Remote Research Jobs

While your major plays a vital role in what remote research jobs you apply for, you still have plenty of options if you want to branch out into a different field. Common titles for remote research jobs are:

Companies Hiring for Remote Research Jobs

Some remote researchers opt for contract positions, or less frequently, freelancing jobs. However, finding a job as a remote employee provides you with a support system, benefits, and other perks that may outweigh other work arrangements. Whether you want full-time or part-time employment, check out a few of these companies that hire for remote research jobs.

Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.

Founded in 1914, Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. is a global information technology and management firm. With offices in over 80 countries across the planet, the company works with international and domestic companies to provide outside consulting solutions. Ranked #436 on the Fortune 500, the company has earned many honors as a top place to work. This includes the #1 Best Employer for Women by Forbes, #2 Best Employer for Diversity by Forbes, and #4 by Computer World for the Best Employer in IT.

Coursera

Started in 2012 by two Stanford professors, Coursera is a massive open online course provider. The company partners with universities, nonprofits, and governmental agencies to provide college-level courses at an affordable price entirely online. To date, over 150 universities offer more than 4,000 courses through Coursera. Plus, Coursera has been voted as the #9 Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company.

Eventbrite

Headquartered in San Francisco, Eventbrite is an internet services company that provides event management and ticketing solutions. With offices from Melbourne, Australia, to the U.K., the company has over 700 employees both onsite and remotely. If you’re interested in a position here, you’ll be glad to know the company earned a 93% approval rating from employees on Great Place to Work, as well as the top spot for the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area.

Let Virtual Vocations Help You Research for the Perfect Remote Research Job

Whether you want to work in banking, general science, or another industry, your quest for a remote research job is far easier if you partner with Virtual Vocations. While your expertise and background can certainly help your candidacy, a membership with Virtual Vocations can take care of the tedium of the job hunt.

Virtual Vocations offers you the tools necessary to make your job search a success. With supplementary resources, a job board with thousands of listings, and career services, you have everything you need in one place. No matter where you see yourself in the world of research, a partnership with Virtual Vocations is just what you need to turn your aspirations into reality.

Which of these remote research jobs would you like to do? What type of research would suit you? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!