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Junior research fellow vs senior research associate

The differences between junior research fellows and senior research associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a junior research fellow, becoming a senior research associate takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a senior research associate has an average salary of $72,618, 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 senior research associate are patients, data analysis, and CRISPR.

Junior research fellow vs senior research associate overview

Junior Research FellowSenior Research Associate
Yearly salary$64,677$72,618
Hourly rate$31.09$34.91
Growth rate17%6%
Number of jobs61,50458,903
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4144
Years of experience42

Junior research fellow vs senior research associate salary

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

Junior Research FellowSenior Research Associate
Average salary$64,677$72,618
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $90,000Between $51,000 And $102,000
Highest paying CitySunnyvale, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyWashington
Best paying companyColfax CorporationThe Citadel
Best paying industryProfessionalGovernment

Differences between junior research fellow and senior research associate education

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

Junior Research FellowSenior Research Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorChemistryBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaStanford University

Junior research fellow vs senior research associate demographics

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

Junior Research FellowSenior Research Associate
Average age4144
Gender ratioMale, 49.5% Female, 50.5%Male, 53.6% Female, 46.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 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 junior research fellow and senior research associate 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.
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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.
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Junior research fellow vs senior research associate skills

Common junior research fellow skills
  • Cell Culture, 8%
  • R, 7%
  • Molecular Techniques, 7%
  • Molecular Biology, 6%
  • Chemistry, 6%
  • Research Projects, 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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