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Analytical research chemist vs laboratory chemist

The differences between analytical research chemists and laboratory chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an analytical research chemist has an average salary of $81,763, which is higher than the $62,702 average annual salary of a laboratory chemist.

The top three skills for an analytical research chemist include liquid chromatography, R and HPLC. The most important skills for a laboratory chemist are lab equipment, chromatography, and analytical methods.

Analytical research chemist vs laboratory chemist overview

Analytical Research ChemistLaboratory Chemist
Yearly salary$81,763$62,702
Hourly rate$39.31$30.15
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs62,28941,322
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does an analytical research chemist do?

An Analytical Research Chemist works on analyzing and interpreting data generated from experiments to aid other research. They organize and produce reports and findings, which scientists will use to create principles, ideas, and strategies in the scientific field. Included in a research chemist's primary responsibilities are the maintenance of the laboratory, organizing documents, and inventory of supplies and equipment.

What does a laboratory chemist do?

Laboratory Chemists are licensed scientists who work with chemicals. They are usually found in academic institutions or research facilities. Laboratory Chemists create experiments based on the needs of the institution or company. They mix different chemicals to make the desired results. They would also analyze compounds borne out of the different mixtures and record their observations. They tabulate the results and present these to the body. Laboratory Chemists should have good organization skills. They should be able to document their experiments properly. This would help the company and future researchers.

Analytical research chemist vs laboratory chemist salary

Analytical research chemists and laboratory chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Analytical Research ChemistLaboratory Chemist
Average salary$81,763$62,702
Salary rangeBetween $54,000 And $123,000Between $45,000 And $86,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANutley, NJ
Highest paying stateWashingtonVirginia
Best paying companyMetaBASF
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between analytical research chemist and laboratory chemist education

There are a few differences between an analytical research chemist and a laboratory chemist in terms of educational background:

Analytical Research ChemistLaboratory Chemist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Most common majorChemistryChemistry
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of Southern California

Analytical research chemist vs laboratory chemist demographics

Here are the differences between analytical research chemists' and laboratory chemists' demographics:

Analytical Research ChemistLaboratory Chemist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 58.3% Female, 41.7%Male, 63.9% Female, 36.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 22.9% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 18.3% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between analytical research chemist and laboratory chemist duties and responsibilities

Analytical research chemist example responsibilities.

  • Manage an elemental analytical laboratory that include operating, maintaining and troubleshooting an ICP-OES, ICPMS, MXRF, and IC.
  • Maintain laboratory instrumentation (HPLC).
  • Gain experience of working in GLP environment.
  • Perform hands-on HPLC methods, cleaning validations, and finish product testing
  • Maintain equipment logbooks for laboratory instruments toward compliance of cGMP and GLP.
  • Develop numerous LC and GC analytical methods for drug product components and formulations.
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Laboratory chemist example responsibilities.

  • Test developmental compounds to ASTM standards and manage certification submissions.
  • Perform testing on BioGlue components, titration - uv-vis - gel electrophoresis, and FTIR examination of incoming raw materials.
  • Develop and execute HPLC, UV and dissolution test methods for non-routine raw materials and finish products.
  • Conduct raw material analyses, perform tests using FTIR and GC instrumentation, develop policies and procedures, conduct trouble shooting.
  • Include GPC, GC-MS, FTIR, NMR and others
  • Participate in all kind of audit like ISO 17025, ISO 18001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
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Analytical research chemist vs laboratory chemist skills

Common analytical research chemist skills
  • Liquid Chromatography, 12%
  • R, 9%
  • HPLC, 7%
  • GC, 5%
  • Ms, 5%
  • Analytical Techniques, 4%
Common laboratory chemist skills
  • Lab Equipment, 8%
  • Chromatography, 5%
  • Analytical Methods, 5%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%
  • Sample Preparation, 4%
  • Wet Chemistry, 4%

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