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Application scientist vs research chemist

The differences between application scientists and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an application scientist has an average salary of $89,939, which is higher than the $75,843 average annual salary of a research chemist.

The top three skills for an application scientist include diagnostics, technical support and sample preparation. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.

Application scientist vs research chemist overview

Application ScientistResearch Chemist
Yearly salary$89,939$75,843
Hourly rate$43.24$36.46
Growth rate17%6%
Number of jobs63,31453,769
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4142
Years of experience4-

What does an application scientist do?

The duties of an application scientist vary in one's place of employment. Typically, they are in charge of providing services to customers in their laboratory equipment needs. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients and fellow scientists, providing technical support through appointments and meetings, discussing and explaining conditions, and even test samples in different scientific applications. Furthermore, as an application scientist, it is essential to implement the laboratory's safety policies and regulations to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.

What does a research chemist do?

A research chemist specializes in conducting studies and experiments to develop new products. Their duties primarily focus on conducting research and assessments, gathering and analyzing chemical samples, developing ideas, conducting tests to study chemical reactions, maintaining records of all procedures, and utilizing previous studies. Their research findings can be used to create new medicines, enhance existing products, and lead to innovations. When it comes to employment, a research chemist may work for pharmaceutical companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and learning institutions.

Application scientist vs research chemist salary

Application scientists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Application ScientistResearch Chemist
Average salary$89,939$75,843
Salary rangeBetween $57,000 And $141,000Between $53,000 And $108,000
Highest paying CityConcord, CAMcLean, VA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaVirginia
Best paying companyAccelrysBP America Inc
Best paying industryManufacturingEnergy

Differences between application scientist and research chemist education

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

Application ScientistResearch Chemist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorChemistryChemistry
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Application scientist vs research chemist demographics

Here are the differences between application scientists' and research chemists' demographics:

Application ScientistResearch Chemist
Average age4142
Gender ratioMale, 62.9% Female, 37.1%Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 22.2% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%5%

Differences between application scientist and research chemist duties and responsibilities

Application scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
  • Develop and standardize protocol for pathogen detection in food matrices using real time PCR.
  • Utilize free energy perturbation and molecular dynamics approaches to evaluate binding of proprietary camptothecins to DNA.
  • Structure-Base design and synthesis of biologically active compounds targeting SH2 domains for the treatment of osteoporosis and/or cancer.
  • Conduct technology comparison study to assess applicability of a wide range of chromatography products to support specific HTS assays.
  • Develop new product QC program significantly reducing costs and delays for experimental vaccine.
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Research chemist example responsibilities.

  • Manage the CDS and LIMS systems for the institute.
  • Manage and record experimental data with lab management software (LIMS).
  • Manage projects involving the development of GC/MS methods, particle collection systems, and Raman spectral database creation.
  • Characterize the particles using SEM, DSC, IR, and UV-Vis.
  • Identify sample structure using microscopy, crystallography, NMR, UV/VIS, GC and AAS.
  • Develop GC & FTIR instrumental methods of analysis to support quality of incoming raw materials to ensure quality of finish products.
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Application scientist vs research chemist skills

Common application scientist skills
  • Diagnostics, 10%
  • Technical Support, 9%
  • Sample Preparation, 7%
  • Application Support, 6%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Next-Generation Sequencing, 5%
Common research chemist skills
  • Laboratory Equipment, 10%
  • Method Development, 10%
  • R, 9%
  • HPLC, 5%
  • Analytical Chemistry, 5%
  • Polymer, 5%

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