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The differences between molecular research technologists and graduate research students can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a molecular research technologist has an average salary of $59,138, which is higher than the $34,658 average annual salary of a graduate research student.
The top three skills for a molecular research technologist include CRISPR, lab equipment and tissue culture. The most important skills for a graduate research student are lab equipment, laboratory equipment, and python.
| Molecular Research Technologist | Graduate Research Student | |
| Yearly salary | $59,138 | $34,658 |
| Hourly rate | $28.43 | $16.66 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 94,466 | 58,921 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
A molecular research technologist works in a laboratory and performs duties to analyze samples. Molecular research technologists are responsible for collecting samples for research, testing specimens using various materials and equipment, and studying how treatments and clinical drugs affect samples. They identify issues and troubleshooting, maintain data analysis records, entering data into a lab information system, and preparing lab equipment. They should perform complex procedures with understanding and a high degree of accuracy. As molecular research technologists, their skills are in demand in genotyping involving in the genetic and molecular sugarcane breeding program.
Graduate research students are learners who conduct degree program-related research in a research unit or an academic department. These students manage themselves independently as well as their work. They make certain that they have familiarized the requirements of the university. Educators and other scholars expect them to develop enough research and skills. Their responsibilities include academic honesty, participation in supervisory meetings, and maintenance of effective supervisor communication. In terms of their research, they should have a research plan ahead.
Molecular research technologists and graduate research students have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Research Technologist | Graduate Research Student | |
| Average salary | $59,138 | $34,658 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $92,000 | Between $19,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Kansas | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Capgemini |
| Best paying industry | - | Education |
There are a few differences between a molecular research technologist and a graduate research student in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Research Technologist | Graduate Research Student | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between molecular research technologists' and graduate research students' demographics:
| Molecular Research Technologist | Graduate Research Student | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.4% Female, 52.6% | Male, 47.2% Female, 52.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 12.3% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 11.8% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 19% | 6% |