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The differences between junior research scientists and microbiologists 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 microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a junior research scientist has an average salary of $67,062, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a junior research scientist include python, PI and C++. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Junior Research Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $67,062 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $32.24 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 101,873 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Microbiologists are responsible for studying the microscopic organisms causing infections and environmental damage, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Their work focuses on the identification and growth of these microbes to better understand their characteristics that may help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious and bacterial diseases. They use sophisticated technologies and machinery to study microbes and perform their tasks. These scientists are also responsible for developing best practices and techniques for routine sampling and research. Microbiologists may work in various settings, including laboratories, research institutes, and hospitals.
Junior research scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Research Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $67,062 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $92,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Zappos.com | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Education | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a junior research scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Junior Research Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between junior research scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Junior Research Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| 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, 2.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 13.6% White, 69.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 10% |