Clinical research scientist vs research administrator

The differences between clinical research scientists and research administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a clinical research scientist and a research administrator. Additionally, a clinical research scientist has an average salary of $99,160, which is higher than the $52,667 average annual salary of a research administrator.

The top three skills for a clinical research scientist include clinical research, clinical trials and clinical development. The most important skills for a research administrator are research administration, customer service, and principal investigators.

Clinical research scientist vs research administrator overview

	Clinical Research Scientist	Research Administrator
Yearly salary	$99,160	$52,667
Hourly rate	$47.67	$25.32
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	128,547	99,798
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a clinical research scientist do?

A clinical research scientist is responsible for assisting physicians in conducting laboratory research and examinations to identify diseases and establish treatment plans. They also inspect medical tools and equipment to prevent hazards and operational delays. A clinical research scientist must have excellent communication skills and extensive knowledge of the medical industry to provide the highest quality care services for the patients.

What does a research administrator do?

A research administrator oversees the progress of research programs, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities mostly revolve around devising strategies to optimize processes, coordinating different departments, setting goals and objectives, managing the schedule and budgets, and maintaining records of all transactions. There are also instances when a research administrator must produce progress reports, participate in gathering surveys and feedbacks, and resolve issues promptly and professionally. Furthermore, as a research administrator, it is essential to lead and encourage team members to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Clinical research scientist vs research administrator salary

Clinical research scientists and research administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Clinical Research Scientist	Research Administrator
Average salary	$99,160	$52,667
Salary range	Between $63,000 And $154,000	Between $41,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	California	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Meta	Kronos Incorporated
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Health Care

Differences between clinical research scientist and research administrator education

There are a few differences between a clinical research scientist and a research administrator in terms of educational background:

	Clinical Research Scientist	Research Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common major	Biology	Business
Most common college	University of Michigan - Ann Arbor	Stanford University

Clinical research scientist vs research administrator demographics

Here are the differences between clinical research scientists' and research administrators' demographics:

	Clinical Research Scientist	Research Administrator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6%	Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.5% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 13.5% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between clinical research scientist and research administrator duties and responsibilities

Clinical research scientist example responsibilities.

Supervise and manage planning, implementation, conduct and reporting of assign early phase international clinical studies in oncology.
Facilitate IRB approval, when require.
Compile and submit reports to U.S. FDA.
Provide draft responses to FDA questions to senior management.
Resolve IRB issues and implement IRB mandate changes in the protocol with amendments.
Recruit investigators perform pre-study visits, negotiate budgets, initiate and monitor studies and verify data for accuracy and completeness.

Research administrator example responsibilities.

Create and manage multiple computer databases using SAS and SPSS, ensuring data up-to-date and accurate.
Collect, manage and analyze preliminary data using SPSS statistical software.
Prepare complex NIH clinical research proposals involving coordination with several clinical research sites.
Assist with new patient eligibility evaluation, registration, and coordinating protocol relate care of patients enroll in clinical trials.
Train in GCP, ICH, FDA, and local regulations for drug and device trials.
Attend HIV treatment information meetings in Washington, D.C.

Clinical research scientist vs research administrator skills

Common clinical research scientist skills

Clinical Research, 11%
Clinical Trials, 7%
Clinical Development, 6%
Data Management, 5%
Oncology, 5%
Clinical Data, 5%

Common research administrator skills

Research Administration, 10%
Customer Service, 8%
Principal Investigators, 7%
PIS, 6%
Pre-award, 6%
Payroll, 5%

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Clinical Research Scientist
Clinical Research Scientist vs Research Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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