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Junior scientist vs laboratory analyst

The differences between junior scientists and laboratory analysts 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 scientist, becoming a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a junior scientist has an average salary of $63,169, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for a junior scientist include lab equipment, literature and data analysis. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.

Junior scientist vs laboratory analyst overview

Junior ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Yearly salary$63,169$44,024
Hourly rate$30.37$21.17
Growth rate17%9%
Number of jobs56,28344,074
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age4138
Years of experience42

What does a junior scientist do?

A junior scientist is in charge of conducting research and scientific studies while under the supervision of a more experienced scientist. Their responsibilities typically revolve around gathering and preparing samples, performing experiments and analysis, coordinating with other experts, recording all progress, reviewing results, and summarizing findings into reports and presentations. In a company setting, a junior scientist must adhere to deadlines and budgets, submitting results to senior scientists and managers. Furthermore, it is essential to uphold the policies and regulations of laboratories to maintain a safe and productive work environment.

What does a laboratory analyst do?

A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.

Junior scientist vs laboratory analyst salary

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

Junior ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Average salary$63,169$44,024
Salary rangeBetween $44,000 And $90,000Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityLos Angeles, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyThe University of ChicagoAbbVie
Best paying industryEducationPharmaceutical

Differences between junior scientist and laboratory analyst education

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

Junior ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaStanford University

Junior scientist vs laboratory analyst demographics

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

Junior ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Average age4138
Gender ratioMale, 47.0% Female, 53.0%Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between junior scientist and laboratory analyst duties and responsibilities

Junior scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage study protocols and study conduct, intimately involve in the toxicology and pharmacokinetic study protocol development process.
  • Manufacture supplies for GLP toxicology studies while audit by quality unit.
  • Develop laboratory protocols for genetic extraction/gel electrophoresis.
  • Develop and validate immunoassay methods for the quantitative analysis of proteins.
  • Lead scientist/project manager responsible for developing novel diagnostic genetic and immunoassay base tools to address mechanistic issues and improve pipeline efficiency.

Laboratory analyst example responsibilities.

  • Use sophisticate laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, FTIR, UV, GC) and computer systems to collect and record data.
  • Analyze organic compounds using gravimetric, titration, distillation and spectrophotometry methods.
  • Prepare for and represent the laboratory during FDA, customer, and ISO audits.
  • Complete preparation of organic samples for GC, HPLC, IR and GCMS analysis.
  • Prepare solid and aqueous samples for analysis on diagnostic instruments including GC, GCMS and IC.
  • Utilize internal LIMS computer database for data entry and communication.
  • Show more

Junior scientist vs laboratory analyst skills

Common junior scientist skills
  • Lab Equipment, 18%
  • Literature, 13%
  • Data Analysis, 8%
  • GMP, 7%
  • Experimental Design, 6%
  • Cell Culture Techniques, 5%
Common laboratory analyst skills
  • Test Methods, 8%
  • Lab Equipment, 7%
  • Lims, 5%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%
  • Sample Preparation, 5%
  • Analytical Methods, 4%

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