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The differences between bioinformatics 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 a bioinformatics scientist and a postdoctoral research associate. Additionally, a bioinformatics scientist has an average salary of $91,530, which is higher than the $52,785 average annual salary of a postdoctoral research associate.
The top three skills for a bioinformatics scientist include python, next-generation sequencing and data analysis. The most important skills for a postdoctoral research associate are python, research projects, and chemistry.
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Yearly Salary | $91,530 | $52,785 |
| Hourly rate | $44.00 | $25.38 |
| Growth Rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number Of Jobs | 57,026 | 59,377 |
| 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 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.
Bioinformatics scientists and postdoctoral research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average Salary | $91,530 | $52,785 |
| Salary Range | Between $64,000 And $129,000 | Between $38,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest Paying City | San Francisco, CA | Memphis, TN |
| Highest Paying State | California | Hawaii |
| Best Paying Company | NVIDIA | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best Paying Industry | Pharmaceutical | Professional |
There are a few differences between a bioinformatics scientist and a postdoctoral research associate in terms of educational background:
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Postdoctoral Research 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 research associates' demographics:
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average Age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender Ratio | Male, 81.9% Female, 18.1% | Male, 65.7% Female, 34.3% |
| 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, 5.8% 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% |