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The differences between molecular research technologists and research leaders 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 research leader takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a research leader has an average salary of $107,345, 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 research leader are data collection, data analysis, and market research.
| Molecular Research Technologist | Research Leader | |
| Yearly salary | $59,138 | $107,345 |
| Hourly rate | $28.43 | $51.61 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 94,466 | 77,051 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| 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.
Research Leaders are academicians who oversee a group of researchers conducting a study. They are usually well-known researchers in their field of study or area of interest. They manage the group throughout the whole research process. They may orient them at the start of the engagement to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Research Leaders direct the group in identifying the resources needed, finding these resources, and eventually managing them. They also guide the team in conducting the research properly by providing strategic direction, sharing techniques, and helping them analyze the gathered data. With their experience in the field, Research Leaders usually provide frameworks that the team may work within.
Molecular research technologists and research leaders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Research Technologist | Research Leader | |
| Average salary | $59,138 | $107,345 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $92,000 | Between $64,000 And $178,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | Jersey City, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Kansas | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a molecular research technologist and a research leader in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Research Technologist | Research Leader | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Biology | Psychology |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between molecular research technologists' and research leaders' demographics:
| Molecular Research Technologist | Research Leader | |
| Average age | 40 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.4% Female, 52.6% | Male, 56.4% Female, 43.6% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 19% | 10% |