Junior research fellow vs research scientist

The differences between junior research fellows and research scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a junior research fellow and a research scientist. Additionally, a research scientist has an average salary of $89,998, which is higher than the $64,677 average annual salary of a junior research fellow.

The top three skills for a junior research fellow include cell culture, R and molecular techniques. The most important skills for a research scientist are python, data analysis, and patients.

Junior research fellow vs research scientist overview

	Junior Research Fellow	Research Scientist
Yearly salary	$64,677	$89,998
Hourly rate	$31.09	$43.27
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	61,504	93,013
Job satisfaction	-	3
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	4	4

Junior research fellow vs research scientist salary

Junior research fellows and research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Junior Research Fellow	Research Scientist
Average salary	$64,677	$89,998
Salary range	Between $46,000 And $90,000	Between $58,000 And $137,000
Highest paying City	Sunnyvale, CA	Menlo Park, CA
Highest paying state	New Jersey	California
Best paying company	Colfax Corporation	Lyft
Best paying industry	Professional	-

Differences between junior research fellow and research scientist education

There are a few differences between a junior research fellow and a research scientist in terms of educational background:

	Junior Research Fellow	Research Scientist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common major	Chemistry	Chemistry
Most common college	University of Southern California	Duke University

Junior research fellow vs research scientist demographics

Here are the differences between junior research fellows' and research scientists' demographics:

	Junior Research Fellow	Research Scientist
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 49.5% Female, 50.5%	Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 37.3% White, 43.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%	Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 29.6% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between junior research fellow and research scientist duties and responsibilities

Junior research fellow example responsibilities.

Manage social media publications to spread awareness and notifications on Facebook.
Work on synthesis of D-Serine from N-Acetyl-D-glucose using microorganisms, immobilize enzymes, and microbial cells in the key steps.
Estimate cytokines levels in human patient samples using ELISA methodology.
Assist in routine analysis using radio immuno assays such as ELISA.
Involve in the multi-step synthesis of bio-active natural products and also involve in the development of novel synthetic methodologies.
Construct a preliminary testing platform for a collaborative $3MM NSF grant between biology and electrical engineering exploring molecular communication theory.

Research scientist example responsibilities.

Manage the development of innovative visualization and concept mapping of contest environment analysis challenges and analyst skill sets.
Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
Used real-time PCR and DNA sequencing to troubleshoot and validate SNP base and gene expression assays.
Prepare clear technical presentations to NIH department heads in annual seminars.
Analyze chromatin dynamics during primordial germ cell specification with a CRISPR mouse model.
Identify impurities in final drug by LCMS and reject impurities with ethanol/water swish.

Junior research fellow vs research scientist skills

Common junior research fellow skills

Cell Culture, 8%
R, 7%
Molecular Techniques, 7%
Molecular Biology, 6%
Chemistry, 6%
Research Projects, 5%

Common research scientist skills

Python, 11%
Data Analysis, 6%
Patients, 6%
C++, 6%
Research Projects, 6%
Chemistry, 5%

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Junior Research Fellow
Junior Research Fellow vs Research Scientist

Updated January 8, 2025

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