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The differences between laboratory researchers and senior research fellows 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 senior research fellow. Additionally, a senior research fellow has an average salary of $62,129, 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 senior research fellow are python, research projects, and data analysis.
| Laboratory Researcher | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Yearly salary | $27,760 | $62,129 |
| Hourly rate | $13.35 | $29.87 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 57,359 | 53,535 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| 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.
Senior Research Fellows are reputable researchers employed in an academic institution or a research facility. The nature of their employment in the institution is related to their research work or field of interest. Senior Research Fellows lead a team of researchers on big projects that require more team members. They manage the team's budget, set timelines, and guide the researchers. They spearhead the analysis of the data gathered. They also set the tone for the presentation materials. Senior Research Fellows should be passionate about their field, should have a thirst for knowledge, and should be able to lead teams.
Laboratory researchers and senior research fellows have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Researcher | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Average salary | $27,760 | $62,129 |
| Salary range | Between $17,000 And $43,000 | Between $40,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | New Brunswick, NJ | Urban Honolulu, HI |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Los Alamos National Laboratory | |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a laboratory researcher and a senior research fellow in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Researcher | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between laboratory researchers' and senior research fellows' demographics:
| Laboratory Researcher | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% | Male, 56.1% Female, 43.9% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |