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Doctoral research assistant vs phd researcher

The differences between doctoral research assistants and phd researchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a doctoral research assistant, becoming an phd researcher takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a doctoral research assistant has an average salary of $56,458, which is higher than the $51,634 average annual salary of an phd researcher.

The top three skills for a doctoral research assistant include data collection, research projects and PI. The most important skills for an phd researcher are python, chemistry, and research projects.

Doctoral research assistant vs phd researcher overview

Doctoral Research AssistantPHD Researcher
Yearly salary$56,458$51,634
Hourly rate$27.14$24.82
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs53,09119,736
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Doctoral Degree, 40%
Average age3841
Years of experience24

Doctoral research assistant vs phd researcher salary

Doctoral research assistants and phd researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Doctoral Research AssistantPHD Researcher
Average salary$56,458$51,634
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $77,000Between $35,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MANovato, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsCalifornia
Best paying companyOak Ridge National LaboratoryMeta
Best paying industryEducationTechnology

Differences between doctoral research assistant and phd researcher education

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

Doctoral Research AssistantPHD Researcher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Doctoral Degree, 40%
Most common majorChemistryChemistry
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityDuke University

Doctoral research assistant vs phd researcher demographics

Here are the differences between doctoral research assistants' and phd researchers' demographics:

Doctoral Research AssistantPHD Researcher
Average age3841
Gender ratioMale, 53.1% Female, 46.9%Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 16.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%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 doctoral research assistant and phd researcher duties and responsibilities

Doctoral research assistant example responsibilities.

  • Process and manage GIS databases to contribute towards research in human transportation behavior.
  • Receive additional training in SAS.
  • Used electronic and structure evaluations using quantum chemistry packages such as GAUSSIAN.
  • Prepare and implement unique proposals for the synthesis of polymer and small molecule targets.
  • Discover novel mechanical functions for collagen and short DNA molecules in response to force.
  • Develop the use of FPLC for detection and characterization of large DNA structural motifs.
  • Show more

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.
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Doctoral research assistant vs phd researcher skills

Common doctoral research assistant skills
  • Data Collection, 12%
  • Research Projects, 11%
  • PI, 9%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Molecular Biology, 5%
  • Cell Culture, 5%
Common phd researcher skills
  • Python, 9%
  • Chemistry, 8%
  • Research Projects, 6%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Renewable Energy, 6%
  • C++, 5%

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