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The differences between molecular research technologists and research 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 research specialist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a molecular research technologist has an average salary of $59,138, which is higher than the $52,662 average annual salary of a research specialist.
The top three skills for a molecular research technologist include CRISPR, lab equipment and tissue culture. The most important skills for a research specialist are data collection, patients, and research projects.
| Molecular Research Technologist | Research Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $59,138 | $52,662 |
| Hourly rate | $28.43 | $25.32 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 94,466 | 79,341 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| 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.
In a laboratory setting, a research specialist's responsibilities primarily revolve around conducting thorough research and analysis, producing extensive detailed reports, reviewing results, and coordinating with senior researchers and other laboratory personnel to ensure the accuracy of results. Furthermore, a research specialist may contribute their expertise to other publications and articles, train or supervise new researchers, and implement all laboratory guidelines and safety regulations at all times.
Molecular research technologists and research specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Research Technologist | Research Specialist | |
| Average salary | $59,138 | $52,662 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $92,000 | Between $35,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Kansas | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Novartis |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a molecular research technologist and a research specialist in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Research Technologist | Research Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between molecular research technologists' and research specialists' demographics:
| Molecular Research Technologist | Research Specialist | |
| Average age | 40 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.4% Female, 52.6% | Male, 38.0% Female, 62.0% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.1% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 19% | 10% |