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Genomics scientist vs postdoctoral associate

The differences between genomics scientists and postdoctoral associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a genomics scientist and a postdoctoral associate. Additionally, a genomics scientist has an average salary of $90,194, which is higher than the $54,350 average annual salary of a postdoctoral associate.

The top three skills for a genomics scientist include data analysis, NGS and QC. The most important skills for a postdoctoral associate are patients, TIP, and data analysis.

Genomics scientist vs postdoctoral associate overview

Genomics ScientistPostdoctoral Associate
Yearly salary$90,194$54,350
Hourly rate$43.36$26.13
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs51,03318,093
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Doctoral Degree, 47%
Average age4041
Years of experience44

What does a genomics scientist do?

Genomics scientists are healthcare professionals who are responsible for examining the samples of the nucleic acid of patients to identify genetic and genomic alterations that may cause inherited diseases or conditions. These scientists are required to examine cells for possible anomalies in the fetus where single-gene disorders have been identified through DNA analysis of families. They must conduct carrier testing and risk assessment for individuals who are at risk of single-gene disorders. Genomics scientists must also perform confirmation of diagnosis for patients with both inherited and acquired conditions.

What does a postdoctoral associate do?

A postdoctoral associate is responsible for researching to support scientific claims and theories by collecting evidence and information to answer scientific questions. Postdoctoral associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to interact with people and document investigation findings. They also utilize laboratory tools and equipment for scientific researches, conduct field investigations, and interview participants. A postdoctoral associate designs comprehensive research models to discuss results with the panel and the team efficiently and accurately.

Genomics scientist vs postdoctoral associate salary

Genomics scientists and postdoctoral associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Genomics ScientistPostdoctoral Associate
Average salary$90,194$54,350
Salary rangeBetween $56,000 And $143,000Between $39,000 And $74,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CABerkeley, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMaine
Best paying companyNVIDIAArgonne National Laboratory
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between genomics scientist and postdoctoral associate education

There are a few differences between a genomics scientist and a postdoctoral associate in terms of educational background:

Genomics ScientistPostdoctoral Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Doctoral Degree, 47%
Most common majorBiologyChemistry
Most common collegeStanford UniversityDuke University

Genomics scientist vs postdoctoral associate demographics

Here are the differences between genomics scientists' and postdoctoral associates' demographics:

Genomics ScientistPostdoctoral Associate
Average age4041
Gender ratioMale, 44.4% Female, 55.6%Male, 63.2% Female, 36.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Asian, 11.1% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 39.4% White, 42.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage10%8%

Differences between genomics scientist and postdoctoral associate duties and responsibilities

Genomics scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
  • Generate sequence and genotyping data for SFP genetic map construction.
  • Test different technical protocols to generate DNA size fractions and estimate sequence complexity.
  • Amplify sequence, develop SNP markers and generate mapping data in QTL population.
  • Develop protocols for producing random adaptor-ligate DNA library.
  • Develop many HPLC cleaning/residue methods and coordinate method transfer.
  • Show more

Postdoctoral associate example responsibilities.

  • Develop and manage third party claim investigations and contractor remedial oversight for various insurance companies.
  • Co-Authore NIH grant proposal on membrane protein folding.
  • Participate in writing research grant applications including NIH and NSF.
  • X-ray protein crystallographic studies on the structures of antibodies and DNA.
  • Purify DNA from subject blood samples and organize the genome screen.
  • Complete mice handling training and currently using CRISPR technology to knockout genes in cell lines.
  • Show more

Genomics scientist vs postdoctoral associate skills

Common genomics scientist skills
  • Data Analysis, 26%
  • NGS, 19%
  • QC, 15%
  • PCR, 9%
  • Scientific Literature, 8%
  • Assay Development, 6%
Common postdoctoral associate skills
  • Patients, 8%
  • TIP, 7%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Biomedical, 5%
  • CRISPR, 5%
  • Python, 4%

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