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The differences between associate principal scientists and postdoctoral research associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an associate principal scientist and a postdoctoral research associate. Additionally, an associate principal scientist has an average salary of $112,297, which is higher than the $52,785 average annual salary of a postdoctoral research associate.
The top three skills for an associate principal scientist include data analysis, chemistry and project management. The most important skills for a postdoctoral research associate are python, research projects, and chemistry.
| Associate Principal Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $112,297 | $52,785 |
| Hourly rate | $53.99 | $25.38 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 82,048 | 59,377 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A postdoctoral research associate is responsible for assisting the educational institution's research department, writing research reports, analyzing research methods, and collecting information and related studies to support the research claims. Postdoctoral research associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, reporting research updates to the research head, performing adjustments as needed, and gaining more expertise on the subject by brainstorming and discussing strategic procedures for the study. They may also conduct field investigation or coordinate with other institutions for additional reference, depending on the research's scope and limitation.
Associate principal scientists and postdoctoral research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Principal Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $112,297 | $52,785 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $160,000 | Between $38,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Memphis, TN |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Schrödinger | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Government | Professional |
There are a few differences between an associate principal scientist and a postdoctoral research associate in terms of educational background:
| Associate Principal Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between associate principal scientists' and postdoctoral research associates' demographics:
| Associate Principal Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.1% Female, 35.9% | Male, 65.7% Female, 34.3% |
| 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, 5.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 38.1% White, 43.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |