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Contract research scientist vs researcher

The differences between contract research scientists and 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 a researcher. Additionally, a contract research scientist has an average salary of $90,721, which is higher than the $67,145 average annual salary of a researcher.

The top three skills for a contract research scientist include analytical techniques, R and HPLC. The most important skills for a researcher are python, lab equipment, and C++.

Contract research scientist vs researcher overview

Contract Research ScientistResearcher
Yearly salary$90,721$67,145
Hourly rate$43.62$32.28
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs93,12430,498
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4141
Years of experience44

Contract research scientist vs researcher salary

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

Contract Research ScientistResearcher
Average salary$90,721$67,145
Salary rangeBetween $61,000 And $132,000Between $37,000 And $119,000
Highest paying City-Newark, NJ
Highest paying state-Connecticut
Best paying company-Renaissance Learning
Best paying industry--

Differences between contract research scientist and researcher education

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

Contract Research ScientistResearcher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern California

Contract research scientist vs researcher demographics

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

Contract Research ScientistResearcher
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 47.2% Female, 52.8%Male, 50.9% Female, 49.1%
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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between contract research scientist and 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.

Researcher example responsibilities.

  • Manage social media publications to spread awareness and notifications on Facebook.
  • Perform cellular assays, DNA extractions, PCR, and sequencing to identify cellulase- producing soil bacteria.
  • Implement data visualization tools by Java.
  • Present research findings to select professors and professionals at scholar conferences.
  • Master techniques in biomedical science research methods.
  • Collaborate with doctorates in the field of immunology.
  • Show more

Contract research scientist vs researcher skills

Common contract research scientist skills
  • Analytical Techniques, 24%
  • R, 22%
  • HPLC, 15%
  • Analytical Support, 14%
  • Harvest, 13%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
Common researcher skills
  • Python, 12%
  • Lab Equipment, 9%
  • C++, 8%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Data Collection, 4%
  • R, 4%

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