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The differences between postdoc research associates and postdoctoral scholars can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a postdoc research associate and a postdoctoral scholar. Additionally, a postdoctoral scholar has an average salary of $57,587, which is higher than the $56,259 average annual salary of a postdoc research associate.
The top three skills for a postdoc research associate include data analysis, mouse model and research projects. The most important skills for a postdoctoral scholar are chemistry, python, and patients.
| Postdoc Research Associate | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Yearly salary | $56,259 | $57,587 |
| Hourly rate | $27.05 | $27.69 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 49,460 | 18,983 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Postdoc research associates are professionals who are responsible for assisting postdoctoral researchers in their research after completing doctoral studies. These associates must train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students with their ongoing research projects so that they can be completed on time. They are required to perform data analysis and should prepare scientific and technical reports that will be presented at scientific conferences. Postdoc research associates must also conduct literature reviews on topics such as government policy, economic impact analyses, and scientific journal articles.
A Postdoctoral Scholar is responsible for supporting an educational research group to conduct studies and gather relevant data to support study claims and scientific evidence. They review initial findings, perform field investigations, and interview the target respondents for data and statistical analysis. They also coordinate with the whole team for efficient research methods, ensuring adherence to budget limitations and required timetables. A Postdoctoral Scholar must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to document reports and discuss results with the research team.
Postdoc research associates and postdoctoral scholars have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Postdoc Research Associate | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Average salary | $56,259 | $57,587 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $78,000 | Between $41,000 And $79,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sunnyvale, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | IBM | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a postdoc research associate and a postdoctoral scholar in terms of educational background:
| Postdoc Research Associate | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between postdoc research associates' and postdoctoral scholars' demographics:
| Postdoc Research Associate | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9% | Male, 53.0% Female, 47.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Asian, 45.4% White, 38.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |