Quality coordinator, research

What does a research quality coordinator do? – Tasks and work environment

A research quality coordinator works to ensure that research projects and processes meet established quality standards and regulations. The role involves developing, implementing, and following up on quality management systems, often in close collaboration with researchers, project managers, and administrative functions. Typical tasks include designing routines and policies, conducting internal audits, analyzing deviations, and being responsible for documentation and reporting. The work environment is largely office-based but includes regular meetings, workshops, and sometimes participation in laboratory settings or field studies depending on the research area. The work is characterized by high demands for accuracy, structure, and the ability to communicate complex rules and processes clearly.

Salary development over time

The salary for a research quality coordinator has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, rising to 44 700 SEK in 2023 and further increasing to 46 500 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 7.6% over the three-year period. The salary increase reflects both a growing demand for qualified expertise in quality management within research environments and a general salary pressure in academic and public sectors. The level of education and specialized experience in research have also contributed to strengthening salary development. Despite the trend, salaries vary significantly depending on employer, educational background, and sector.

Research Quality Coordinator salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (female, government sector, pre-secondary education less than 9 years)
• Highest salary: 60,200 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, research education)
• Hourly wage (average): 280 SEK
• Women earn: 45 300 SEK/month
• Men earn: 48 800 SEK/month
• Women's salary in relation to men's: 93%

Education and qualifications

To work as a research quality coordinator, an academic degree is usually required, often in natural sciences, engineering, or social sciences. Experience in quality work and knowledge of regulations within research are advantageous, and in some cases, further training in quality management is requested. Practical experience from research projects or laboratory environments is often valuable, as is the ability to work systematically and communicate clearly.

• Academic degree: Bachelor's (3 years) or master's (5 years) in a relevant field
• Further training: Courses in quality management, e.g., ISO standards or GxP
• Practical experience: Work in research environments or project management
• Certifications: Certifications in quality assurance (e.g., CQE, Lean Six Sigma) are advantageous
• Prerequisites: Good understanding of research processes and regulations

Common benefits and compensations

Research quality coordinators are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Pension schemes, flexitime, and parental leave benefits are also common, especially within the public sector and universities. Additionally, access to research infrastructure, conference travel, and training grants may be included in employment packages.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a research quality coordinator is considered moderate, and the job market is characterized by balance, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts. This means that there are roughly as many qualified applicants as there are available positions, which can increase the requirements for specialized competence and experience. Challenges in the profession include staying updated on constantly changing regulations, managing complex project environments, and balancing quality demands with resource limitations. Furthermore, the role may involve working with many stakeholders, requiring good collaboration skills and diplomacy.

Tips for those aiming to become a research quality coordinator

To succeed as a research quality coordinator, it is good to have an analytical mind and a strong sense of structure. Early experience in quality work within research projects and actively building networks within academia or industry is advisable. Strong communication skills are helpful when explaining complex routines to different audiences so that processes are smoothly integrated into the organization. Precision is crucial, especially when documenting and following up deviations, while a problem-solving attitude facilitates improvement work. Engagement in continuous professional development is valuable, as regulations and standards often change. Finally, patience and perseverance are important, as the results of quality work are often seen in the longer term.

Key facts about Research Quality Coordinator

• Educational level: Academic degree, often master's or higher
• Work environment: Office-based with some laboratory or field exposure
• Work form: Usually full-time, often project-based
• Demand: Approximately 758 job openings in 2024
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 93% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a research quality coordinator, there are good opportunities to advance to more senior roles, such as quality manager, project leader in quality, or specialist in regulatory issues. Some also choose to broaden into process development or work with overall research administration. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the future outlook for the planner and investigator professions is medium, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by balance, meaning competition for positions is relatively even. Those who continuously pursue further education in quality management and stay updated on new regulations have particularly good prospects for development in the profession.

Frequently asked questions about Research Quality Coordinator

• What does a Research Quality Coordinator earn?
  - A research quality coordinator has an average salary of 46 500 SEK per month.
• Are there large salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 93% of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required to become a research quality coordinator?
  - Usually, an academic degree, often at master's or doctoral level, along with experience in quality work.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The outlook is unchanged with moderate opportunities for employment and a balanced labor market.
• What is the highest salary for a research quality coordinator?
  - The highest reported salary is 60,200 SEK per month for a man in the municipal sector with research education.
• What is the lowest salary for the profession?
  - The lowest reported salary is 30,200 SEK per month for a woman in the government sector with pre-secondary education.
• How many job openings are available in the profession?
  - There are approximately 758 job openings in the planner and investigator professions, among others.