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The differences between molecular biologists and 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 a research scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a research scientist has an average salary of $89,998, which is higher than the $73,763 average annual salary of a molecular biologist.
The top three skills for a molecular biologist include CRISPR, next-generation sequencing and cell culture. The most important skills for a research scientist are python, data analysis, and patients.
| Molecular Biologist | Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $73,763 | $89,998 |
| Hourly rate | $35.46 | $43.27 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 22,019 | 93,013 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| 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.
The job of research scientists is to design, undertake, and analyze information from experiments, trials, and laboratory-based investigations. They usually perform experiments in different areas, including medical research, pharmacology, and geoscience. They have varied duties and responsibilities that include planning and carrying out experiments, conducting fieldwork, and overseeing junior staff members like the technicians. They are typically working for a government laboratory, an environmental agency, and other organizations. Many of these scientists also work in teams and support staff.
Molecular biologists and research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Biologist | Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $73,763 | $89,998 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $104,000 | Between $58,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Novartis | Lyft |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a molecular biologist and a research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Biologist | Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between molecular biologists' and research scientists' demographics:
| Molecular Biologist | Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% | Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 29.6% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |