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Assay development scientist vs laboratory analyst

The differences between assay development scientists and laboratory analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an assay development scientist, becoming a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an assay development scientist has an average salary of $75,782, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for an assay development scientist include assay development, cell-based assays and data analysis. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.

Assay development scientist vs laboratory analyst overview

Assay Development ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Yearly salary$75,782$44,024
Hourly rate$36.43$21.17
Growth rate17%9%
Number of jobs95,38144,074
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age4138
Years of experience42

What does an assay development scientist do?

Assay development scientists are biochemical experts who develop procedures that test or measure the activity of a drug or biochemical in an organism. These scientists are required to provide technical support to develop new assays as well as assist in the transfer of assay to clinical laboratories internationally. They must collaborate with laboratory scientists and managers to optimize laboratory processes for increased efficiency and effectiveness. Assay development scientists must also produce and submit reports about the development of assays to the research & development (R&D;) managers as well as project managers.

What does a laboratory analyst do?

A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.

Assay development scientist vs laboratory analyst salary

Assay development scientists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Assay Development ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Average salary$75,782$44,024
Salary rangeBetween $50,000 And $113,000Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateAlaskaNew York
Best paying companyGenentechAbbVie
Best paying industryManufacturingPharmaceutical

Differences between assay development scientist and laboratory analyst education

There are a few differences between an assay development scientist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:

Assay Development ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaStanford University

Assay development scientist vs laboratory analyst demographics

Here are the differences between assay development scientists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:

Assay Development ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Average age4138
Gender ratioMale, 52.1% Female, 47.9%Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 29.0% White, 51.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between assay development scientist and laboratory analyst duties and responsibilities

Assay development scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage a group of three laboratory technicians performing ELISA assays and protein purification.
  • Develop and manage third party claim investigations and contractor remedial oversight for various insurance companies.
  • Co-Direct implementation of immunoassay analysis software interface into LIMS.
  • Perform total RNA and specific RNA extraction of samples.
  • Involve in DNA extraction, library prep, bio-analysing and sequencing runs.
  • Develop residual host cell DNA assays in drug substance and in-process samples using real time PCR.
  • Show more

Laboratory analyst example responsibilities.

  • Use sophisticate laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, FTIR, UV, GC) and computer systems to collect and record data.
  • Analyze organic compounds using gravimetric, titration, distillation and spectrophotometry methods.
  • Prepare for and represent the laboratory during FDA, customer, and ISO audits.
  • Complete preparation of organic samples for GC, HPLC, IR and GCMS analysis.
  • Prepare solid and aqueous samples for analysis on diagnostic instruments including GC, GCMS and IC.
  • Utilize internal LIMS computer database for data entry and communication.
  • Show more

Assay development scientist vs laboratory analyst skills

Common assay development scientist skills
  • Assay Development, 10%
  • Cell-Based Assays, 10%
  • Data Analysis, 8%
  • Next-Generation Sequencing, 7%
  • Molecular Biology, 6%
  • Elisa, 5%
Common laboratory analyst skills
  • Test Methods, 8%
  • Lab Equipment, 7%
  • Lims, 5%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%
  • Sample Preparation, 5%
  • Analytical Methods, 4%

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