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The differences between junior research scientists and professional 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 professional 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 $58,202 average annual salary of a professional research assistant.
The top three skills for a junior research scientist include python, PI and C++. The most important skills for a professional research assistant are research projects, data collection, and patients.
| Junior Research Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $67,062 | $58,202 |
| Hourly rate | $32.24 | $27.98 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 101,873 | 91,813 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| 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.
A professional research assistant works under the supervision of primary researchers leading research projects. Research assistants help the main researchers in different tasks supporting research activities. These tasks vary based on research conducted and their field. The assistants prepare the interview questions and provide a results summary. They respond to emails, participate in project meetings, and prepare progress reports. Skills necessary for this job include communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, scheduling, and planning.
Junior research scientists and professional research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Research Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $67,062 | $58,202 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $92,000 | Between $38,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Zappos.com | Siemens |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a junior research scientist and a professional research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Junior Research Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between junior research scientists' and professional research assistants' demographics:
| Junior Research Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7% | Male, 36.1% Female, 63.9% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |