Part-Time, Remote Research Positions
I’m curious whether anyone here has experience finding paid, part-time remote research positions.
I’m in a somewhat unique position. I’m in my 30s, I'm a master's student, and I financially support myself. I'm also newer to the research arena, but I’m committed and really enjoy the process. I’m currently volunteering as a research assistant in a university lab and conducting my own independent research on top of that.
I also work about 50 hours a week outside of academia out in the Florida sun, which has burnt me out. Next year, as I begin my master’s internship, I’m hoping to transition to part-time employment and would love for that work to be research-related, ideally in a paid, remote capacity.
I’ve been exploring the usual research assistant postings on LinkedIn, but I’m wondering whether there are less conventional ways to find these opportunities.
I’ve also heard that postdocs sometimes need additional research support, which got me thinking:
- Are paid, part-time remote RA positions actually a thing, or am I looking for a unicorn?
- Has anyone successfully found research work through networking or directly contacting PIs or postdocs rather than traditional job postings?
- Do postdocs ever have funding to hire part-time research assistants, or is that typically handled through their PI?
- If cold outreach is appropriate, what’s the best way to approach someone without coming across as simply asking for a job?
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s navigated something similar as a nontraditional student or someone balancing research with the need to financially support themselves. I’d be happy contributing to existing projects through literature reviews, data management or analysis, recruitment, or other research support. Any experiences, advice, or unconventional avenues worth exploring would be greatly appreciated!