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Cancer researcher vs research laboratory manager

The differences between cancer researchers and research laboratory managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a cancer researcher and a research laboratory manager. Additionally, a cancer researcher has an average salary of $73,896, which is higher than the $64,333 average annual salary of a research laboratory manager.

The top three skills for a cancer researcher include patients, clinical research and clinical trials. The most important skills for a research laboratory manager are lab equipment, research projects, and lab safety.

Cancer researcher vs research laboratory manager overview

Cancer ResearcherResearch Laboratory Manager
Yearly salary$73,896$64,333
Hourly rate$35.53$30.93
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs24,19989,981
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4141
Years of experience44

What does a cancer researcher do?

A cancer researcher is a medical scientist who devotes their time working at laboratories to study and discover ways to diagnose and treat cancer, saving countless people's lives in the process. Their duties usually include gathering and analyzing samples through basic or complex laboratory processes, studying existing cases from people of all ages, organizing specimens and instruments, coordinating with fellow experts, conducting experiments, and maintaining extensive records. Moreover, as a cancer researcher, it is essential to keep an open communication line with fellow researchers, collaborating efforts for a smooth workflow.

What does a research laboratory manager do?

Research laboratory managers are management professionals who are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of laboratories by implementing safety lab procedures. These managers are required to coordinate the repair and maintenance of lab equipment while training lab technicians and assistants on the correct use of equipment. They must perform experimental studies and analyze the research data collected for research projects. Research laboratory managers must also manage the inventory of laboratory equipment while coordinating the purchase of lab supplies.

Cancer researcher vs research laboratory manager salary

Cancer researchers and research laboratory managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cancer ResearcherResearch Laboratory Manager
Average salary$73,896$64,333
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $117,000Between $45,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CABaltimore, MD
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMaryland
Best paying companyAstraZenecaMeta
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between cancer researcher and research laboratory manager education

There are a few differences between a cancer researcher and a research laboratory manager in terms of educational background:

Cancer ResearcherResearch Laboratory Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaDuke University

Cancer researcher vs research laboratory manager demographics

Here are the differences between cancer researchers' and research laboratory managers' demographics:

Cancer ResearcherResearch Laboratory Manager
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 36.9% Female, 63.1%Male, 45.2% Female, 54.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between cancer researcher and research laboratory manager duties and responsibilities

Cancer researcher example responsibilities.

  • Manage mouse colonies (breeding, weaning and genotyping).
  • Create Linux shell scripts to automate common process which severely reduce manual work load and processing time for the entire lab.
  • Perform quantitative analysis of DNA, RNA, and the use of RT-PCR.
  • Perform clerical duties in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Inscribe and design genotyping protocols for new studies using rare Finnish DNA samples.
  • Bill workers compensation, no-fault, HMO, commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid.
  • Show more

Research laboratory manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage and order equipment and materials for lab usage with NIH grant and write monthly credit card reports.
  • Manage laboratory team activities v. assist set up and revision of project plans under the guidance of NIH vi.
  • Design, development and validation of cell-base assays; infrare EMSA analysis, western blotting, ELISA.
  • Prepare, perform RT-PCR and Q-PCR and analyze the results.
  • Write grant proposal, project reports, IRB applications, and documentation.
  • Compose and maintain all lab IRB protocols in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
  • Show more

Cancer researcher vs research laboratory manager skills

Common cancer researcher skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Clinical Research, 9%
  • Clinical Trials, 8%
  • Data Collection, 6%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • Informed Consent, 5%
Common research laboratory manager skills
  • Lab Equipment, 9%
  • Research Projects, 8%
  • Lab Safety, 6%
  • Cell Culture, 5%
  • Patients, 5%
  • Research Lab, 5%

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