Junior research scientist vs laboratory research assistant

The differences between junior research scientists and laboratory research assistants 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 scientist, becoming a laboratory research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a junior research scientist has an average salary of $67,062, which is higher than the $36,537 average annual salary of a laboratory research assistant.

The top three skills for a junior research scientist include python, PI and C++. The most important skills for a laboratory research assistant are data collection, patients, and laboratory equipment.

Junior research scientist vs laboratory research assistant overview

	Junior Research Scientist	Laboratory Research Assistant
Yearly salary	$67,062	$36,537
Hourly rate	$32.24	$17.57
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	101,873	87,343
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Average age	41	38
Years of experience	4	2

What does a junior research scientist do?

A junior research scientist is responsible for evaluating and interpreting scientific results from laboratory investigations and experiments. Junior research scientists assist the senior scientists in gathering information to support research studies and claims. They perform both laboratory and field trials to collect samples for further examinations. A junior research scientist must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing comprehensive reports, following accurate scientific methodologies, and submitting the research findings on time to the research supervisor.

What does a laboratory research assistant do?

A laboratory research assistant is an individual who performs lab experiments and carries out projects designed by senior lab staff members. Laboratory research assistants design and conduct experiments using biohazards and other dangerous materials to gain information and test scientific processes. They must write detailed reports of their research and experiments and then deliver these reports in written and verbal forms. Laboratory research assistants may also work in different settings such as medical facilities and pharmaceutical companies.

Junior research scientist vs laboratory research assistant salary

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

	Junior Research Scientist	Laboratory Research Assistant
Average salary	$67,062	$36,537
Salary range	Between $48,000 And $92,000	Between $24,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	South San Francisco, CA	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	California	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Zappos.com	New York University
Best paying industry	Education	Education

Differences between junior research scientist and laboratory research assistant education

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

	Junior Research Scientist	Laboratory Research Assistant
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	University of Southern California	Harvard University

Junior research scientist vs laboratory research assistant demographics

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

	Junior Research Scientist	Laboratory Research Assistant
Average age	41	38
Gender ratio	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%	Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%	Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.6% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between junior research scientist and laboratory research assistant duties and responsibilities

Junior research scientist example responsibilities.

Manage the development of innovative visualization and concept mapping of contest environment analysis challenges and analyst skill sets.
Collect DNA and RNA from plants.
Assist in preparing IRB amendments and submissions.
Perform ELISA on clinical samples in an NIH fund laboratory.
Validate materials in QC and document all relevant data and present results.
Train laboratory personnel on the quality control system as well as the HPLC as necessary.

Laboratory research assistant example responsibilities.

Manage participant records according to IRB guidelines to ensure confidentiality.
Lead experiments to assess survivor behavior differences in zebrafish contaminate with dietary mercury.
Maintain microbial culture and isolate and purify bacterial and viral DNA and RNA to study the genome of common pathogenic bacteria.
Perform protein extraction on larvae.
Perform biological assays, including ELISA and RT-PCR.
Gain extensive MLST, RT-PCR, conventional PCR, primer design and gel-electrophoresis experience.

Junior research scientist vs laboratory research assistant skills

Common junior research scientist skills

Python, 22%
PI, 18%
C++, 11%
Data Collection, 10%
Data Entry, 6%
Literature, 6%

Common laboratory research assistant skills

Data Collection, 5%
Patients, 5%
Laboratory Equipment, 5%
Lab Procedures, 5%
Laboratory Techniques, 5%
Molecular Biology, 4%

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Junior Research Scientist
Junior Research Scientist vs Laboratory Research Assistant

Updated January 8, 2025

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