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The differences between molecular biologists and postdoctoral research associates 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 a postdoctoral research associate takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a molecular biologist has an average salary of $73,763, which is higher than the $52,785 average annual salary of a postdoctoral research associate.
The top three skills for a molecular biologist include CRISPR, next-generation sequencing and cell culture. The most important skills for a postdoctoral research associate are python, research projects, and chemistry.
| Molecular Biologist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $73,763 | $52,785 |
| Hourly rate | $35.46 | $25.38 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 22,019 | 59,377 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
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.
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.
Molecular biologists and postdoctoral research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Biologist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $73,763 | $52,785 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $104,000 | Between $38,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | Memphis, TN |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Novartis | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Professional |
There are a few differences between a molecular biologist and a postdoctoral research associate in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Biologist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between molecular biologists' and postdoctoral research associates' demographics:
| Molecular Biologist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% | Male, 65.7% Female, 34.3% |
| 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, 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 | 10% | 8% |