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The differences between junior 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 scientist, becoming a laboratory research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a junior scientist has an average salary of $63,169, which is higher than the $36,537 average annual salary of a laboratory research assistant.
The top three skills for a junior scientist include lab equipment, literature and data analysis. The most important skills for a laboratory research assistant are data collection, patients, and laboratory equipment.
| Junior Scientist | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $63,169 | $36,537 |
| Hourly rate | $30.37 | $17.57 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 56,283 | 87,343 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
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 scientists and laboratory research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Scientist | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $63,169 | $36,537 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $90,000 | Between $24,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | The University of Chicago | New York University |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between a junior scientist and a laboratory research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Junior Scientist | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between junior scientists' and laboratory research assistants' demographics:
| Junior Scientist | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.0% Female, 53.0% | Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 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% |