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The differences between molecular biologists and senior 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 senior scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior scientist has an average salary of $106,672, 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 senior scientist are patients, data analysis, and molecular biology.
| Molecular Biologist | Senior Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $73,763 | $106,672 |
| Hourly rate | $35.46 | $51.28 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 22,019 | 49,712 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| 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 senior scientist is usually in charge of overseeing experiments and evaluating junior scientists' performance, especially in laboratory settings. Moreover, it is also their responsibility to assess every progress report to ensure it's accuracy and validity. As a senior scientist in the field, it is essential to lead and encourage fellow scientists in their joint pursuit for scientific innovations, all while adhering to the laboratory's standards and policies.
Molecular biologists and senior scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Biologist | Senior Scientist | |
| Average salary | $73,763 | $106,672 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $104,000 | Between $74,000 And $153,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Novartis | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a molecular biologist and a senior scientist in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Biologist | Senior Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between molecular biologists' and senior scientists' demographics:
| Molecular Biologist | Senior Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% |
| 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, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 26.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |