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Certifying scientist vs research chemist

The differences between certifying scientists and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a certifying scientist has an average salary of $92,486, which is higher than the $75,843 average annual salary of a research chemist.

The top three skills for a certifying scientist include ms, test results and LC. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.

Certifying scientist vs research chemist overview

Certifying ScientistResearch Chemist
Yearly salary$92,486$75,843
Hourly rate$44.46$36.46
Growth rate17%6%
Number of jobs45,58853,769
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4142
Years of experience4-

What does a certifying scientist do?

A certifying scientist works at laboratories where they conduct regular evaluations to ensure that operations adhere to standards and regulations. Although their duties may vary upon their company or institution of employment, it usually includes conducting data reviews and assessments, facilitating quality control procedures, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They can also take part in processing samples through various laboratory procedures, conducting experiments, maintaining records, and interpreting analysis results. When it comes to employment, a certifying scientist may work at government agencies, private laboratories, or even become an instructor at universities or colleges.

What does a research chemist do?

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.

Certifying scientist vs research chemist salary

Certifying scientists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Certifying ScientistResearch Chemist
Average salary$92,486$75,843
Salary rangeBetween $58,000 And $146,000Between $53,000 And $108,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CAMcLean, VA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaVirginia
Best paying companyLaboratory Corporation of America HoldingsBP America Inc
Best paying industryHealth CareEnergy

Differences between certifying scientist and research chemist education

There are a few differences between a certifying scientist and a research chemist in terms of educational background:

Certifying ScientistResearch Chemist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorBiologyChemistry
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Certifying scientist vs research chemist demographics

Here are the differences between certifying scientists' and research chemists' demographics:

Certifying ScientistResearch Chemist
Average age4142
Gender ratioMale, 37.9% Female, 62.1%Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 25.3% White, 54.0% 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 Percentage8%5%

Differences between certifying scientist and research chemist duties and responsibilities

Certifying scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage study protocols and study conduct, intimately involve in the toxicology and pharmacokinetic study protocol development process.
  • Review and report screening and confirmation data from GC/MS, and ELISA instruments in AlereApp (LIMS).
  • Back up extractions department when need, completing all procedures for SPE extractions and ELISA.
  • Maintain information input in to the ALERE App (LIMS) system and maintain instrument reports.
  • Perform supervisory role over extraction technicians.
  • Research and development of extraction and analysis methodologies.
  • Show more

Research chemist example responsibilities.

  • Manage the CDS and LIMS systems for the institute.
  • Manage and record experimental data with lab management software (LIMS).
  • Manage projects involving the development of GC/MS methods, particle collection systems, and Raman spectral database creation.
  • Characterize the particles using SEM, DSC, IR, and UV-Vis.
  • Identify sample structure using microscopy, crystallography, NMR, UV/VIS, GC and AAS.
  • Develop GC & FTIR instrumental methods of analysis to support quality of incoming raw materials to ensure quality of finish products.
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Certifying scientist vs research chemist skills

Common certifying scientist skills
  • Ms, 22%
  • Test Results, 13%
  • LC, 8%
  • GC, 7%
  • CLIA, 5%
  • Samhsa, 4%
Common research chemist skills
  • Laboratory Equipment, 10%
  • Method Development, 10%
  • R, 9%
  • HPLC, 5%
  • Analytical Chemistry, 5%
  • Polymer, 5%

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