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Manufacturing scientist vs research chemist

The differences between manufacturing scientists and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a manufacturing scientist has an average salary of $87,366, which is higher than the $75,843 average annual salary of a research chemist.

The top three skills for a manufacturing scientist include chemistry, continuous improvement and QC. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.

Manufacturing scientist vs research chemist overview

Manufacturing ScientistResearch Chemist
Yearly salary$87,366$75,843
Hourly rate$42.00$36.46
Growth rate17%6%
Number of jobs74,01853,769
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4142
Years of experience4-

What does a manufacturing scientist do?

A manufacturing scientist specializes in conducting experiments to develop products and procedures according to its product development needs. It is their duty to understand the purpose and vision of the projects, perform research and analysis, coordinate with clients and experts, and keep records of all procedures and findings. They must also identify market needs, studying feedback from clients. Furthermore, as a manufacturing scientist, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for an efficient and successful workflow.

What does a research chemist do?

A research chemist specializes in conducting studies and experiments to develop new products. Their duties primarily focus on conducting research and assessments, gathering and analyzing chemical samples, developing ideas, conducting tests to study chemical reactions, maintaining records of all procedures, and utilizing previous studies. Their research findings can be used to create new medicines, enhance existing products, and lead to innovations. When it comes to employment, a research chemist may work for pharmaceutical companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and learning institutions.

Manufacturing scientist vs research chemist salary

Manufacturing scientists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Manufacturing ScientistResearch Chemist
Average salary$87,366$75,843
Salary rangeBetween $62,000 And $122,000Between $53,000 And $108,000
Highest paying CityNovato, CAMcLean, VA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaVirginia
Best paying companyLumiledsBP America Inc
Best paying industryHealth CareEnergy

Differences between manufacturing scientist and research chemist education

There are a few differences between a manufacturing scientist and a research chemist in terms of educational background:

Manufacturing ScientistResearch Chemist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorBiologyChemistry
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Manufacturing scientist vs research chemist demographics

Here are the differences between manufacturing scientists' and research chemists' demographics:

Manufacturing ScientistResearch Chemist
Average age4142
Gender ratioMale, 45.6% Female, 54.4%Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 22.2% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%5%

Differences between manufacturing scientist and research chemist duties and responsibilities

Manufacturing scientist example responsibilities.

  • Develop and manage third party claim investigations and contractor remedial oversight for various insurance companies.
  • Perform calculations according to procedures, and maintains accurate records of work perform according to GLP / GMP.
  • Characterize various oligonucleotides by reversed-phase HPLC.
  • Develop locus specific PCR assays.
  • Serve as the manufacturing subject matter expert during regulatory (FDA / EMA) inspections.
  • Write and review CMC analytical sections for IND/IMPD to ensure that corporate timelines are met.
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Research chemist example responsibilities.

  • Manage the CDS and LIMS systems for the institute.
  • Manage and record experimental data with lab management software (LIMS).
  • Manage projects involving the development of GC/MS methods, particle collection systems, and Raman spectral database creation.
  • Characterize the particles using SEM, DSC, IR, and UV-Vis.
  • Identify sample structure using microscopy, crystallography, NMR, UV/VIS, GC and AAS.
  • Develop GC & FTIR instrumental methods of analysis to support quality of incoming raw materials to ensure quality of finish products.
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Manufacturing scientist vs research chemist skills

Common manufacturing scientist skills
  • Chemistry, 15%
  • Continuous Improvement, 10%
  • QC, 7%
  • GMP, 6%
  • FDA, 5%
  • Technical Support, 4%
Common research chemist skills
  • Laboratory Equipment, 10%
  • Method Development, 10%
  • R, 9%
  • HPLC, 5%
  • Analytical Chemistry, 5%
  • Polymer, 5%

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