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The differences between junior 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 scientist, becoming a professional research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a junior scientist has an average salary of $63,169, which is higher than the $58,202 average annual salary of a professional research assistant.
The top three skills for a junior scientist include lab equipment, literature and data analysis. The most important skills for a professional research assistant are research projects, data collection, and patients.
| Junior Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $63,169 | $58,202 |
| Hourly rate | $30.37 | $27.98 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 56,283 | 91,813 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| 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 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 scientists and professional research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $63,169 | $58,202 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $90,000 | Between $38,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | The University of Chicago | Siemens |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a junior scientist and a professional research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Junior Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between junior scientists' and professional research assistants' demographics:
| Junior Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.0% Female, 53.0% | Male, 36.1% Female, 63.9% |
| 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, 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% |