Associate staff scientist vs researcher

The differences between associate staff scientists and researchers 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 staff scientist and a researcher. Additionally, an associate staff scientist has an average salary of $88,792, which is higher than the $67,145 average annual salary of a researcher.

The top three skills for an associate staff scientist include FDA, sops and cellular assays. The most important skills for a researcher are python, lab equipment, and C++.

Associate staff scientist vs researcher overview

	Associate Staff Scientist	Researcher
Yearly salary	$88,792	$67,145
Hourly rate	$42.69	$32.28
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	111,254	30,498
Job satisfaction	-	3
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	4	4

Associate staff scientist vs researcher salary

Associate staff scientists and researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Associate Staff Scientist	Researcher
Average salary	$88,792	$67,145
Salary range	Between $62,000 And $126,000	Between $37,000 And $119,000
Highest paying City	San Carlos, CA	Newark, NJ
Highest paying state	Rhode Island	Connecticut
Best paying company	SAS Institute	Renaissance Learning
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between associate staff scientist and researcher education

There are a few differences between an associate staff scientist and a researcher in terms of educational background:

	Associate Staff Scientist	Researcher
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common major	Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology	Biology
Most common college	University of Southern California	University of Southern California

Associate staff scientist vs researcher demographics

Here are the differences between associate staff scientists' and researchers' demographics:

	Associate Staff Scientist	Researcher
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 56.1% Female, 43.9%	Male, 50.9% Female, 49.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%	Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between associate staff scientist and researcher duties and responsibilities

Associate staff scientist example responsibilities.

Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
Process client samples requiring DNA purification and DNA characterization.
Perform sequencing and real time PCR.
Conduct research on global regulatory networks using mutagenesis and DNA microarray techniques.
Conduct behavioral neurobiology pharmaceutical research including data analysis, record keeping following FDA regulations.
Key activities include process chemistry development, synthesis of intermediates, compound purification and structure identification, and comprehensive scientific documentation.

Researcher example responsibilities.

Manage social media publications to spread awareness and notifications on Facebook.
Perform cellular assays, DNA extractions, PCR, and sequencing to identify cellulase- producing soil bacteria.
Implement data visualization tools by Java.
Present research findings to select professors and professionals at scholar conferences.
Master techniques in biomedical science research methods.
Collaborate with doctorates in the field of immunology.

Associate staff scientist vs researcher skills

Common associate staff scientist skills

FDA, 68%
Sops, 8%
Cellular Assays, 8%
DNA, 6%
Data Collection, 5%
PCR, 5%

Common researcher skills

Python, 12%
Lab Equipment, 9%
C++, 8%
Data Analysis, 6%
Data Collection, 4%
R, 4%

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Associate Staff Scientist
Associate Staff Scientist vs Researcher

Updated January 8, 2025

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