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The differences between bioinformatics scientists and postdoctoral associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a bioinformatics scientist and a postdoctoral associate. Additionally, a bioinformatics scientist has an average salary of $91,530, which is higher than the $54,350 average annual salary of a postdoctoral associate.
The top three skills for a bioinformatics scientist include python, next-generation sequencing and data analysis. The most important skills for a postdoctoral associate are patients, TIP, and data analysis.
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $91,530 | $54,350 |
| Hourly rate | $44.00 | $26.13 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 57,026 | 18,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A bioinformatics scientist specializes in studying biology while utilizing their expertise in computer science. Their responsibilities revolve around developing databases and software for biological advances, improving existing applications as needed, coordinating with different scientists and professionals, and maintaining extensive records of all research and transactions. It is essential to review all data, identify issues, troubleshoot, and perform corrective measures as needed. In a company setting, a bioinformatics scientist must create progress reports and presentations, all while adhering to the company's vision, mission, and goals.
A postdoctoral associate is responsible for researching to support scientific claims and theories by collecting evidence and information to answer scientific questions. Postdoctoral associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to interact with people and document investigation findings. They also utilize laboratory tools and equipment for scientific researches, conduct field investigations, and interview participants. A postdoctoral associate designs comprehensive research models to discuss results with the panel and the team efficiently and accurately.
Bioinformatics scientists and postdoctoral associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average salary | $91,530 | $54,350 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $129,000 | Between $39,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maine |
| Best paying company | NVIDIA | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Education |
There are a few differences between a bioinformatics scientist and a postdoctoral associate in terms of educational background:
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Biostatistics | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between bioinformatics scientists' and postdoctoral associates' demographics:
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.9% Female, 18.1% | Male, 63.2% Female, 36.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 38.6% White, 42.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 39.4% White, 42.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |