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The differences between laboratory researchers and postdoctoral research associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a laboratory researcher and a postdoctoral research associate. Additionally, a postdoctoral research associate has an average salary of $52,785, which is higher than the $27,760 average annual salary of a laboratory researcher.
The top three skills for a laboratory researcher include lab procedures, cell culture and molecular biology. The most important skills for a postdoctoral research associate are python, research projects, and chemistry.
| Laboratory Researcher | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $27,760 | $52,785 |
| Hourly rate | $13.35 | $25.38 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 57,359 | 59,377 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Laboratory researchers are professionals who manage a research laboratory while performing cellular and biochemical experiments with the primary researcher. These researchers must work with hazardous chemicals and should show expertise in handling lab equipment such as glassware and field equipment. They are required to assist with research projects and interpret the test data of an experiment. They must manage the order of all lab equipment by filling up the purchase requisition forms. Laboratory researchers are required to work with students in all aspects of laboratory research.
A postdoctoral research associate is responsible for assisting the educational institution's research department, writing research reports, analyzing research methods, and collecting information and related studies to support the research claims. Postdoctoral research associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, reporting research updates to the research head, performing adjustments as needed, and gaining more expertise on the subject by brainstorming and discussing strategic procedures for the study. They may also conduct field investigation or coordinate with other institutions for additional reference, depending on the research's scope and limitation.
Laboratory researchers and postdoctoral research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Researcher | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $27,760 | $52,785 |
| Salary range | Between $17,000 And $43,000 | Between $38,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | New Brunswick, NJ | Memphis, TN |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Los Alamos National Laboratory | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Education | Professional |
There are a few differences between a laboratory researcher and a postdoctoral research associate in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Researcher | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between laboratory researchers' and postdoctoral research associates' demographics:
| Laboratory Researcher | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% | Male, 65.7% Female, 34.3% |
| 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, 5.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 38.1% White, 43.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |