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The differences between molecular biologists and senior 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 senior research fellow takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a molecular biologist has an average salary of $73,763, which is higher than the $62,129 average annual salary of a senior research fellow.
The top three skills for a molecular biologist include CRISPR, next-generation sequencing and cell culture. The most important skills for a senior research fellow are python, research projects, and data analysis.
| Molecular Biologist | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Yearly salary | $73,763 | $62,129 |
| Hourly rate | $35.46 | $29.87 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 22,019 | 53,535 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| 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.
Senior Research Fellows are reputable researchers employed in an academic institution or a research facility. The nature of their employment in the institution is related to their research work or field of interest. Senior Research Fellows lead a team of researchers on big projects that require more team members. They manage the team's budget, set timelines, and guide the researchers. They spearhead the analysis of the data gathered. They also set the tone for the presentation materials. Senior Research Fellows should be passionate about their field, should have a thirst for knowledge, and should be able to lead teams.
Molecular biologists and senior research fellows have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Biologist | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Average salary | $73,763 | $62,129 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $104,000 | Between $40,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Novartis | |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a molecular biologist and a senior research fellow in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Biologist | Senior Research Fellow | |
| 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 senior research fellows' demographics:
| Molecular Biologist | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% | Male, 56.1% Female, 43.9% |
| 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, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |