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The differences between molecular biologists and assistant research scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a molecular biologist, becoming an assistant research scientist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a molecular biologist has an average salary of $73,763, which is higher than the $62,780 average annual salary of an assistant research scientist.
The top three skills for a molecular biologist include CRISPR, next-generation sequencing and cell culture. The most important skills for an assistant research scientist are research projects, data collection, and data analysis.
| Molecular Biologist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $73,763 | $62,780 |
| Hourly rate | $35.46 | $30.18 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 22,019 | 88,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 2 |
A molecular biologist is a specialist who explores and studies the complex functions of cells on a molecular level as well as the biological laws governing the operations of each cellular component. To conduct research and academic activities, molecular biologists use equipment such as microscopes, lab centrifuges, and computers with software that allows the analysis of obtained data. They are required to develop a new way to test the validity of drugs that are used to stimulate safe gene growth and fight off disease. Molecular biologists must also conduct workshops and practical demonstrations in universities and governmental agencies.
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
Molecular biologists and assistant research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Biologist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $73,763 | $62,780 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $104,000 | Between $43,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Novartis | University of California |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Education |
There are a few differences between a molecular biologist and an assistant research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Biologist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between molecular biologists' and assistant research scientists' demographics:
| Molecular Biologist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% | Male, 55.6% Female, 44.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 17.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |