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The differences between bioinformatics scientists and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a bioinformatics scientist has an average salary of $91,530, which is higher than the $75,843 average annual salary of a research chemist.
The top three skills for a bioinformatics scientist include python, next-generation sequencing and data analysis. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $91,530 | $75,843 |
| Hourly rate | $44.00 | $36.46 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 57,026 | 53,769 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 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 research chemist specializes in conducting studies and experiments to develop new products. Their duties primarily focus on conducting research and assessments, gathering and analyzing chemical samples, developing ideas, conducting tests to study chemical reactions, maintaining records of all procedures, and utilizing previous studies. Their research findings can be used to create new medicines, enhance existing products, and lead to innovations. When it comes to employment, a research chemist may work for pharmaceutical companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and learning institutions.
Bioinformatics scientists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Average salary | $91,530 | $75,843 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $129,000 | Between $53,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | McLean, VA |
| Highest paying state | California | Virginia |
| Best paying company | NVIDIA | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Energy |
There are a few differences between a bioinformatics scientist and a research chemist in terms of educational background:
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Biostatistics | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between bioinformatics scientists' and research chemists' demographics:
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.9% Female, 18.1% | Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5% |
| 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, 7.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 22.2% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |