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The differences between molecular biologists and research fellows 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 research fellow takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a molecular biologist has an average salary of $73,763, which is higher than the $53,823 average annual salary of a research fellow.
The top three skills for a molecular biologist include CRISPR, next-generation sequencing and cell culture. The most important skills for a research fellow are patients, research projects, and data analysis.
| Molecular Biologist | Research Fellow | |
| Yearly salary | $73,763 | $53,823 |
| Hourly rate | $35.46 | $25.88 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 22,019 | 59,746 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's 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 research fellow is an academic researcher who conducts research and analysis of comprehensive literature, data, and results and provides literature reviews. He/She supervises research assistants and recruits study participants to interview them for a particular study. To become a research fellow, a candidate should have a doctorate in a relevant discipline and publish peer-reviewed papers. Also, a research fellow can be an independent investigator or be supervised by a principal investigator.
Molecular biologists and research fellows have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Biologist | Research Fellow | |
| Average salary | $73,763 | $53,823 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $104,000 | Between $39,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | South San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Novartis | McKinsey & Company Inc |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Non Profits |
There are a few differences between a molecular biologist and a research fellow in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Biologist | Research Fellow | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between molecular biologists' and research fellows' demographics:
| Molecular Biologist | Research Fellow | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% | Male, 55.3% Female, 44.7% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 27.1% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |