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The differences between associate principal scientists and assistant research scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an associate principal scientist, becoming an assistant research scientist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an associate principal scientist has an average salary of $112,297, which is higher than the $62,780 average annual salary of an assistant research scientist.
The top three skills for an associate principal scientist include data analysis, chemistry and project management. The most important skills for an assistant research scientist are research projects, data collection, and data analysis.
| Associate Principal Scientist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $112,297 | $62,780 |
| Hourly rate | $53.99 | $30.18 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 82,048 | 88,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Associate Principal Scientists are responsible for directing the operations of scientific research.They work with cross-functional teams in elaborating technical specifications, and they provide training and mentorship to staff. An associate principal scientist maintains clients' and projects' confidentiality and learns proactively to keep abreast of technological advancements.Other duties may include resolving conflicts within and between departments, monitoring project timeline and performance, supervising laboratory work, and ensuring accurate scientific report documentation.
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
Associate principal scientists and assistant research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Principal Scientist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $112,297 | $62,780 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $160,000 | Between $43,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Schrödinger | University of California |
| Best paying industry | Government | Education |
There are a few differences between an associate principal scientist and an assistant research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Associate Principal Scientist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between associate principal scientists' and assistant research scientists' demographics:
| Associate Principal Scientist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.1% Female, 35.9% | Male, 55.6% Female, 44.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 27.1% White, 52.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |