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The differences between molecular research technologists and product specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a molecular research technologist, becoming a product specialist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a product specialist has an average salary of $85,932, which is higher than the $59,138 average annual salary of a molecular research technologist.
The top three skills for a molecular research technologist include CRISPR, lab equipment and tissue culture. The most important skills for a product specialist are customer service, product knowledge, and sales floor.
| Molecular Research Technologist | Product Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $59,138 | $85,932 |
| Hourly rate | $28.43 | $41.31 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 94,466 | 103,863 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 40 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
A product specialist is required to have excellent knowledge about a product and work with a business unit to ensure excellent product delivery. Product specialists perform product demonstrations to customers and other stakeholders and assist in their promotions and product releases. To gain increased revenue, product specialists must be able to identify new market opportunities. They are required to conduct product and sales training for the marketing team. They must also provide reports about their product-related activities to the management.
Molecular research technologists and product specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Research Technologist | Product Specialist | |
| Average salary | $59,138 | $85,932 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $92,000 | Between $56,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | Kansas | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | ByteDance |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a molecular research technologist and a product specialist in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Research Technologist | Product Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Biology | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between molecular research technologists' and product specialists' demographics:
| Molecular Research Technologist | Product Specialist | |
| Average age | 40 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.4% Female, 52.6% | Male, 59.8% Female, 40.2% |
| 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, 5.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 10.6% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 19% | 10% |