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The differences between assay development scientists and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research chemist has an average salary of $75,843, which is higher than the $75,782 average annual salary of an assay development scientist.
The top three skills for an assay development scientist include assay development, cell-based assays and data analysis. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.
| Assay Development Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $75,782 | $75,843 |
| Hourly rate | $36.43 | $36.46 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 95,381 | 53,769 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
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.
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.
Assay development scientists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assay Development Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Average salary | $75,782 | $75,843 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $113,000 | Between $53,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | McLean, VA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Genentech | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between an assay development scientist and a research chemist in terms of educational background:
| Assay Development Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between assay development scientists' and research chemists' demographics:
| Assay Development Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.1% Female, 47.9% | Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 7.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 22.2% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |