Psychologist Research Assistant Onboarding Checklist

Psychologist Research Assistant Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Psychologist Research Assistant starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Research onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Psychologist Research Assistant, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Psychologist Research Assistant onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Psychologist Research Assistant Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new psychologist research assistant should receive a comprehensive orientation to the company, including an introduction to the organization’s mission, values, and culture. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Introduction to the Research Team: The new research assistant should be introduced to the research team members, including the principal investigator, other psychologists, and fellow research assistants. This task is usually performed by the principal investigator or a senior member of the research team.

3. Familiarization with Research Projects: The research assistant should be provided with an overview of the ongoing research projects within the company. This includes understanding the objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes of each project. The principal investigator or project leads typically perform this task.

4. Training on Research Methods: The new research assistant should receive training on various research methods and techniques relevant to the company’s projects. This may involve learning about data collection, data analysis, literature reviews, and ethical considerations. The training is usually conducted by senior researchers or project leads.

5. Introduction to Research Tools and Software: The research assistant should be familiarized with the tools and software used for data collection, analysis, and management. This may include statistical software, survey platforms, and database systems. The task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated software trainer.

6. Ethical Guidelines and Compliance: The new research assistant should be educated on the ethical guidelines and compliance requirements specific to the research industry. This includes understanding the importance of informed consent, confidentiality, and data protection. The principal investigator or a designated ethics officer typically handles this task.

7. Access to Research Resources: The research assistant should be granted access to relevant research resources, such as academic journals, databases, and research libraries. This task is usually coordinated by the research team or the company’s librarian.

8. Introduction to Research Protocols: The new research assistant should be provided with detailed information about the research protocols followed by the company. This includes understanding the standard operating procedures, data collection protocols, and quality control measures. The principal investigator or project leads typically perform this task.

9. Collaboration and Communication Tools: The research assistant should be introduced to the collaboration and communication tools used within the company, such as project management software, team messaging platforms, and video conferencing tools. The IT department or a designated technology trainer typically handles this task.

10. Safety and Emergency Procedures: The new research assistant should receive training on safety protocols and emergency procedures specific to the research environment. This includes understanding laboratory safety, first aid, and evacuation procedures. The task is usually performed by the research team or the company’s safety officer.

11. Performance Expectations and Evaluation: The research assistant should be informed about the performance expectations, evaluation criteria, and feedback mechanisms within the company. This includes understanding the key performance indicators, performance review processes, and opportunities for professional development. The task is typically performed by the human resources department or the research team lead.

12. Introduction to Administrative Processes: The new research assistant should be familiarized with the administrative processes within the company, such as timekeeping, expense reporting, and document management. This task is usually performed by the administrative staff or the research team lead.

13. Mentorship and Support: The research assistant should be assigned a mentor or supervisor who can provide guidance, support, and answer any questions or concerns. The mentor or supervisor is typically a senior member of the research team.

14. Introduction to Institutional Review Board (IRB): If applicable, the new research assistant should be introduced to the company’s Institutional Review Board, which oversees the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects. This includes understanding the IRB submission process, review criteria, and reporting requirements. The principal investigator or a designated IRB coordinator typically handles this task.

15. Introduction to Data Management and Security: The research assistant should be educated on data management and security practices, including data storage, backup procedures, and data sharing protocols. This task is usually performed by the IT department or a designated data management officer.

16. Introduction to Research Funding: The new research assistant should be provided with information about the company’s research funding sources, grant applications, and reporting requirements. This task is typically performed by the research team lead or a designated grants manager.

17. Introduction to Professional Associations and Conferences: The research assistant should be informed about relevant professional associations and conferences in the field of psychology research. This includes understanding the benefits of membership, networking opportunities, and professional development resources. The task is usually performed by the research team lead or a designated professional development coordinator.

18. Introduction to Research Ethics Committees: If applicable, the new research assistant should be introduced to any internal or external research ethics committees that the company collaborates with. This includes understanding the committee’s role, review processes, and reporting requirements. The principal investigator or a designated ethics officer typically handles this task.

19. Introduction to Research Compliance: The research assistant should be educated on research compliance requirements, such as data protection regulations, intellectual property rights, and conflict of interest policies. This task is usually performed by the research team lead or a designated compliance officer.

20. Introduction to Research Reporting: The new research assistant should be familiarized with the company’s research reporting requirements, including progress reports, final reports, and publications. This task is typically performed by the research team lead or a designated reporting coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Psychologist Research Assistant checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Psychologist Research Assistant up to speed and working well in your Research team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.