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Contract research scientist vs phd researcher

The differences between contract research scientists and phd researchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a contract research scientist and an phd researcher. Additionally, a contract research scientist has an average salary of $90,721, which is higher than the $51,634 average annual salary of an phd researcher.

The top three skills for a contract research scientist include analytical techniques, R and HPLC. The most important skills for an phd researcher are python, chemistry, and research projects.

Contract research scientist vs phd researcher overview

Contract Research ScientistPHD Researcher
Yearly salary$90,721$51,634
Hourly rate$43.62$24.82
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs93,12419,736
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Doctoral Degree, 40%
Average age4141
Years of experience44

Contract research scientist vs phd researcher salary

Contract research scientists and phd researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Contract Research ScientistPHD Researcher
Average salary$90,721$51,634
Salary rangeBetween $61,000 And $132,000Between $35,000 And $76,000
Highest paying City-Novato, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Meta
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between contract research scientist and phd researcher education

There are a few differences between a contract research scientist and an phd researcher in terms of educational background:

Contract Research ScientistPHD Researcher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Doctoral Degree, 40%
Most common majorBiologyChemistry
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaDuke University

Contract research scientist vs phd researcher demographics

Here are the differences between contract research scientists' and phd researchers' demographics:

Contract Research ScientistPHD Researcher
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 47.2% Female, 52.8%Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 32.5% White, 47.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between contract research scientist and phd researcher duties and responsibilities

Contract research scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage the development of innovative visualization and concept mapping of contest environment analysis challenges and analyst skill sets.
  • Test 50 breast expanders and submit results for FDA 5-10k approval.
  • Perform solution and standard prep, Agilent HPLC impurities identification, dissolution assay using VanKel (USP App.
  • Develop, validate and implement robust methods for pharmacokinetic, immunogenicity (ADA) and immunodepletion ELISAs, and cell based-bioassays.
  • Interpret metabolism data and review reports to support strategies forward thinking with a specialization in drug metabolism and metabolic enzymes.

Phd researcher example responsibilities.

  • Manage and mentore graduate and undergraduate students in their physical chemistry relate studies and research projects on spin dynamics simulations.
  • Evaluate data employing GC/MS, gel electrophoresis, and UV/VIS spectroscopy.
  • Perform testing using gel electrophoresis as well as mixed and pour the gels used in testing
  • Optimize and redesign robotic components base on FEA for improve strength using ANSYS and SOLIDWORKS.
  • Coauthor an NIH grant proposal on DNA mismatch repair and malaria drug resistance (5R21AI072723-02).
  • Design a scent dispenser 3D model in SolidWorks and build a prototype by utilizing MasterCam and CNC machines.
  • Show more

Contract research scientist vs phd researcher skills

Common contract research scientist skills
  • Analytical Techniques, 24%
  • R, 22%
  • HPLC, 15%
  • Analytical Support, 14%
  • Harvest, 13%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
Common phd researcher skills
  • Python, 9%
  • Chemistry, 8%
  • Research Projects, 6%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Renewable Energy, 6%
  • C++, 5%

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