IMRD research associates are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and be of the the highest caliber, personally and academically. Being an IMRD research associate is a duty not to be taken lightly, though the benefits will be extensive.

All RA's will be required to maintain a brief but informational web page on each approved IMRD project (hosted by the IMRD at no cost to the RA), submit photographs for the Gallery, actively pursue both academic and popular publications, minimum yearly applications to external granting agencies, and other small tasks designed to keep us progressing towards our goals. A brief biography page will be created for each RA, outlining their current IMRD projects, education, contact information, etc.

The IMRD agrees to serve as a fiscal sponsor to all IMRD associates. This allows the RA's to dedicate more of their time to their work and not become caught up in the bureaucratic and legal matters of processing, accounting, maintaining and managing funds and equipment. In order to accept funding from most government and private granting organizations individuals must be part of a 501(c) non-profit organization. The IMRD hopes to provide this receptacle for RA's.

To help offset costs incurred in the day-to-day operations of the IMRD (such as audits, checking, postage, etc.) overhead will be partially recuperated by a 10 percent charge to all funds deposited with the IMRD (most non-profits charge 15 percent!) In the event the IMRD runs a surplus from these funds at the end of the fiscal year they will go to a grant/scholarship exclusively for IMRD research associates and towards the purchasing or maintenance of IMRD field equipment, as decided by the Board.