Molecular biologist vs staff scientist

The differences between molecular biologists and staff 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 staff scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a staff scientist has an average salary of $93,941, 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 staff scientist are data analysis, research projects, and molecular biology.

Molecular biologist vs staff scientist overview

	Molecular Biologist	Staff Scientist
Yearly salary	$73,763	$93,941
Hourly rate	$35.46	$45.16
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	22,019	121,054
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age	40	41
Years of experience	8	4

What does a molecular biologist do?

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.

What does a staff scientist do?

The primary role of a Staff Scientist is to develop and manage scientific research projects with minimal supervision. They are also responsible for the technical and budgetary aspects of scientific research projects.

Molecular biologist vs staff scientist salary

Molecular biologists and staff scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Molecular Biologist	Staff Scientist
Average salary	$73,763	$93,941
Salary range	Between $52,000 And $104,000	Between $63,000 And $137,000
Highest paying City	Urban Honolulu, HI	Redwood City, CA
Highest paying state	Hawaii	California
Best paying company	Novartis	Etsy
Best paying industry	Health Care	Technology

Differences between molecular biologist and staff scientist education

There are a few differences between a molecular biologist and a staff scientist in terms of educational background:

	Molecular Biologist	Staff Scientist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common major	Biology	Chemistry
Most common college	Harvard University	Duke University

Molecular biologist vs staff scientist demographics

Here are the differences between molecular biologists' and staff scientists' demographics:

	Molecular Biologist	Staff Scientist
Average age	40	41
Gender ratio	Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1%	Male, 67.8% Female, 32.2%
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, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	10%	8%

Differences between molecular biologist and staff scientist duties and responsibilities

Molecular biologist example responsibilities.

Provide oversight for FDA inspections.
Present results in monthly HTS and data meeting.
Perform instrument, primers and reagent validations utilize in RT-PCR.
Develop and perform assays for testing samples using ELISA and PCR technology.
Used molecular techniques such as RNA and DNA isolation, RT-PCR, and qPCR.
Play a lead role in developing, optimizing and validating ELISA and ELISA microarrays.

Staff scientist example responsibilities.

Lead efforts to replace a critical radioactive immunoassay with a non-radioactive format to measure clinical samples.
Manage clinical sample testing using MSD and ELISA in LIMS, including data review and approval using LIMS.
Assist in managing and maintenance of HPLC and Prep-HPLC systems to ensure maximum productivity for the process development group.
Manage pediatric dose development project, technology transfer project and alternate API supplier qualification project on budget and on schedule
Assist with RNA and DNA extractions from FFPE tissue and blood.
Supervise temps performing HPLC assays and validations during development and production campaigns under GMP conditions.

Molecular biologist vs staff scientist skills

Common molecular biologist skills

CRISPR, 8%
Next-Generation Sequencing, 7%
Cell Culture, 6%
Lab Equipment, 6%
Molecular Biology Techniques, 5%
Extraction, 5%

Common staff scientist skills

Data Analysis, 9%
Research Projects, 7%
Molecular Biology, 5%
Next-Generation Sequencing, 4%
Statistical Analysis, 4%
RNA, 4%

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Molecular Biologist
Molecular Biologist vs Staff Scientist

Updated January 8, 2025

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