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Post-doctoral scientist vs laboratory analyst

The differences between post-doctoral scientists and laboratory analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a post-doctoral scientist, becoming a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a post-doctoral scientist has an average salary of $58,490, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for a post-doctoral scientist include research projects, molecular biology and PI. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.

Post-doctoral scientist vs laboratory analyst overview

Post-Doctoral ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Yearly salary$58,490$44,024
Hourly rate$28.12$21.17
Growth rate17%9%
Number of jobs57,37644,074
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age4138
Years of experience42

What does a post-doctoral scientist do?

A post-doctoral scientist is responsible for conducting more complex research studies to gain knowledge and expertise on scientific methodologies and investigations. Post-doctoral scientists collect materials and components for the examination that would support their scientific claims. They perform field investigations, interview participants, and write accurate reports for reference. A post-doctoral scientist must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, as well as an interest in discoveries and science nature that would play a vital role in the research development.

What does a laboratory analyst do?

A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.

Post-doctoral scientist vs laboratory analyst salary

Post-doctoral scientists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Post-Doctoral ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Average salary$58,490$44,024
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $78,000Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityNewark, NJNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNew York
Best paying companyAmazonAbbVie
Best paying industryPharmaceuticalPharmaceutical

Differences between post-doctoral scientist and laboratory analyst education

There are a few differences between a post-doctoral scientist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:

Post-Doctoral ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorBiochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular BiologyBiology
Most common collegeDuke UniversityStanford University

Post-doctoral scientist vs laboratory analyst demographics

Here are the differences between post-doctoral scientists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:

Post-Doctoral ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Average age4138
Gender ratioMale, 62.9% Female, 37.1%Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 33.1% White, 46.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between post-doctoral scientist and laboratory analyst duties and responsibilities

Post-doctoral scientist example responsibilities.

  • Develop and manage third party claim investigations and contractor remedial oversight for various insurance companies.
  • Research on DNA sensors and DNA enzymes.
  • Investigate the contribution of DNA repair to prevention, causes, and cures of cancer.
  • Lead HIV studies in human model according to FDA vaccine trial guidelines in collaboration with NIH.
  • Provide computational support for an NIH program project that targets the gp120-CD4 interactions for small-molecule entry inhibitors.
  • Analyze RNA-seq in rat primary neurons to identify genome-wide molecular targets of RNA-binding proteins.
  • Show more

Laboratory analyst example responsibilities.

  • Use sophisticate laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, FTIR, UV, GC) and computer systems to collect and record data.
  • Analyze organic compounds using gravimetric, titration, distillation and spectrophotometry methods.
  • Prepare for and represent the laboratory during FDA, customer, and ISO audits.
  • Complete preparation of organic samples for GC, HPLC, IR and GCMS analysis.
  • Prepare solid and aqueous samples for analysis on diagnostic instruments including GC, GCMS and IC.
  • Utilize internal LIMS computer database for data entry and communication.
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Post-doctoral scientist vs laboratory analyst skills

Common post-doctoral scientist skills
  • Research Projects, 8%
  • Molecular Biology, 8%
  • PI, 6%
  • RNA, 5%
  • Cell Biology, 5%
  • Cell Culture, 5%
Common laboratory analyst skills
  • Test Methods, 8%
  • Lab Equipment, 7%
  • Lims, 5%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%
  • Sample Preparation, 5%
  • Analytical Methods, 4%

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