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Biomedical scientist vs postdoctoral research associate

The differences between biomedical 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 biomedical scientist and a postdoctoral research associate. Additionally, a biomedical scientist has an average salary of $72,246, which is higher than the $52,785 average annual salary of a postdoctoral research associate.

The top three skills for a biomedical scientist include biomedical, research program and extraction. The most important skills for a postdoctoral research associate are python, research projects, and chemistry.

Biomedical scientist vs postdoctoral research associate overview

Biomedical ScientistPostdoctoral Research Associate
Yearly salary$72,246$52,785
Hourly rate$34.73$25.38
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs53,73959,377
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Doctoral Degree, 47%
Average age4141
Years of experience44

What does a biomedical scientist do?

A biomedical scientist conducts studies to help doctors diagnose and treat various illnesses. They primarily work at laboratories where they gather and analyze samples through different laboratory procedures, perform experiments, utilize special tools and equipment, perform experiments, identify blood groups, and monitor the effect of medication and treatment on the patients. Through their research findings, a biomedical scientist interprets the results and produces written reports, all while maintaining extensive records of every procedure. Moreover, a biomedical scientist keeps a clear communication line with fellow scientists and staff for an efficient and successful workflow.

What does a postdoctoral research associate do?

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.

Biomedical scientist vs postdoctoral research associate salary

Biomedical scientists and postdoctoral research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Biomedical ScientistPostdoctoral Research Associate
Average salary$72,246$52,785
Salary rangeBetween $44,000 And $117,000Between $38,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CitySunnyvale, CAMemphis, TN
Highest paying stateRhode IslandHawaii
Best paying companyIntuitive SurgicalArgonne National Laboratory
Best paying industryHealth CareProfessional

Differences between biomedical scientist and postdoctoral research associate education

There are a few differences between a biomedical scientist and a postdoctoral research associate in terms of educational background:

Biomedical ScientistPostdoctoral Research Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Doctoral Degree, 47%
Most common majorBiologyChemistry
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaDuke University

Biomedical scientist vs postdoctoral research associate demographics

Here are the differences between biomedical scientists' and postdoctoral research associates' demographics:

Biomedical ScientistPostdoctoral Research Associate
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 49.6% Female, 50.4%Male, 65.7% Female, 34.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.5% 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 Percentage8%8%

Differences between biomedical scientist and postdoctoral research associate duties and responsibilities

Biomedical scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
  • Invent SLOP-PCR and a novel fluorogenic probe for live-time PCR.
  • Prepare functional membranes from mammalian cells for high throughput assays.
  • Operate and perform quality assurance on large vault style autoclaves.
  • Provide CDMRP with custom meeting summary documents that meet their specific needs
  • Construct genomic libraries, sequence clones, devise sequence specific PCR primers.
  • Show more

Postdoctoral research associate example responsibilities.

  • Process and manage GIS databases to contribute towards research in human transportation behavior.
  • Transfect 293-T cells with CRISPR constructs.
  • Execute parallel synthesis on both solution and solid phase to develop library of compounds.
  • Diagnose and resolve all instruments during breakdown (GC/MS/MS, GC/ECD, UV-Vis).
  • Develop python codes to efficiently handle multiple read/unread, flag/unflag, and delete operations on emails.
  • Characterize particles using DLS and UV-vis spectrophotometer to measure particle sizes and detect oxide layer, respectively.
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Biomedical scientist vs postdoctoral research associate skills

Common biomedical scientist skills
  • Biomedical, 56%
  • Research Program, 10%
  • Extraction, 5%
  • PCR, 4%
  • Sops, 4%
  • FDA, 3%
Common postdoctoral research associate skills
  • Python, 6%
  • Research Projects, 6%
  • Chemistry, 6%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Post-Doctoral, 5%
  • Cell Culture, 5%

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