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Doctoral research assistant vs senior research associate

The differences between doctoral research assistants and senior research associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a doctoral research assistant and a senior research associate. Additionally, a senior research associate has an average salary of $72,618, which is higher than the $56,458 average annual salary of a doctoral research assistant.

The top three skills for a doctoral research assistant include data collection, research projects and PI. The most important skills for a senior research associate are patients, data analysis, and CRISPR.

Doctoral research assistant vs senior research associate overview

Doctoral Research AssistantSenior Research Associate
Yearly salary$56,458$72,618
Hourly rate$27.14$34.91
Growth rate17%6%
Number of jobs53,09158,903
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age3844
Years of experience22

Doctoral research assistant vs senior research associate salary

Doctoral research assistants and senior research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Doctoral Research AssistantSenior Research Associate
Average salary$56,458$72,618
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $77,000Between $51,000 And $102,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsWashington
Best paying companyOak Ridge National LaboratoryThe Citadel
Best paying industryEducationGovernment

Differences between doctoral research assistant and senior research associate education

There are a few differences between a doctoral research assistant and a senior research associate in terms of educational background:

Doctoral Research AssistantSenior Research Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorChemistryBiology
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityStanford University

Doctoral research assistant vs senior research associate demographics

Here are the differences between doctoral research assistants' and senior research associates' demographics:

Doctoral Research AssistantSenior Research Associate
Average age3844
Gender ratioMale, 53.1% Female, 46.9%Male, 53.6% Female, 46.4%
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, 2.5% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 13.4% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage8%9%

Differences between doctoral research assistant and senior research associate 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

Senior research associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage the development of innovative visualization and concept mapping of contest environment analysis challenges and analyst skill sets.
  • Develop, implement and optimize HPLC and ELISA assays in support of cell line and process development.
  • Provide purification service with rp-LCMS, np- HPLC, and MPLC, as well QC data including UPLC-MS and NMR.
  • Engineer and design a unique CRISPR cloning system for the group.
  • Apply the CRISPR technology to conduct gene editing in human IPSCs.
  • Develop an identity ELISA assay to detect the presence of competing and irrelevant drug products in manufacturing process.
  • Show more

Doctoral research assistant vs senior research associate skills

Common doctoral research assistant skills
  • Data Collection, 12%
  • Research Projects, 11%
  • PI, 9%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Molecular Biology, 5%
  • Cell Culture, 5%
Common senior research associate skills
  • Patients, 9%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • CRISPR, 6%
  • Molecular Biology, 5%
  • Cell Culture, 5%
  • Flow Cytometry, 4%

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