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The differences between biological scientists and postdoctoral research associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a biological scientist has an average salary of $67,631, which is higher than the $52,785 average annual salary of a postdoctoral research associate.
The top three skills for a biological scientist include data analysis, cell culture and RNA. The most important skills for a postdoctoral research associate are python, research projects, and chemistry.
| Biological Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $67,631 | $52,785 |
| Hourly rate | $32.51 | $25.38 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 51,327 | 59,377 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
A biological scientist's duties will vary depending on one's industry of employment. Typically, they are responsible for studying and conducting research and analysis on living organisms, collaborating with fellow scientists, traveling to different areas, and keeping an accurate record of all observations, results, and processes. They must also prepare reports and presentations, reviewing them to ensure accuracy in every detail. Furthermore, a biological scientist may work in a laboratory setting or conduct lectures at an academic institution.
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.
Biological scientists and postdoctoral research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biological Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $67,631 | $52,785 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $107,000 | Between $38,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Memphis, TN |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Schrödinger | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Professional |
There are a few differences between a biological scientist and a postdoctoral research associate in terms of educational background:
| Biological Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between biological scientists' and postdoctoral research associates' demographics:
| Biological Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.1% Female, 53.9% | Male, 65.7% Female, 34.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 15.3% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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 | 10% | 8% |