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The differences between post-doctoral scientists and postdoctoral research associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a post-doctoral scientist and a postdoctoral research associate. Additionally, a post-doctoral scientist has an average salary of $58,490, which is higher than the $52,785 average annual salary of a postdoctoral research associate.
The top three skills for a post-doctoral scientist include research projects, molecular biology and PI. The most important skills for a postdoctoral research associate are python, research projects, and chemistry.
| Post-Doctoral Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $58,490 | $52,785 |
| Hourly rate | $28.12 | $25.38 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 57,376 | 59,377 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 46% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A postdoctoral research associate is responsible for assisting the educational institution's research department, writing research reports, analyzing research methods, and collecting information and related studies to support the research claims. Postdoctoral research associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, reporting research updates to the research head, performing adjustments as needed, and gaining more expertise on the subject by brainstorming and discussing strategic procedures for the study. They may also conduct field investigation or coordinate with other institutions for additional reference, depending on the research's scope and limitation.
Post-doctoral scientists and postdoctoral research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Post-Doctoral Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $58,490 | $52,785 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $78,000 | Between $38,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newark, NJ | Memphis, TN |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Professional |
There are a few differences between a post-doctoral scientist and a postdoctoral research associate in terms of educational background:
| Post-Doctoral Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 46% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between post-doctoral scientists' and postdoctoral research associates' demographics:
| Post-Doctoral Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.9% Female, 37.1% | Male, 65.7% Female, 34.3% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 5.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 38.1% White, 43.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |