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Postdoctoral research scientist vs chemist

The differences between postdoctoral research scientists and chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a chemist has an average salary of $64,961, which is higher than the $53,781 average annual salary of a postdoctoral research scientist.

The top three skills for a postdoctoral research scientist include python, C++ and research projects. The most important skills for a chemist are chemistry, lab equipment, and test results.

Postdoctoral research scientist vs chemist overview

Postdoctoral Research ScientistChemist
Yearly salary$53,781$64,961
Hourly rate$25.86$31.23
Growth rate17%6%
Number of jobs90,78220,221
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Average age4142
Years of experience4-

What does a postdoctoral research scientist do?

A Postdoctoral Research Scientist undertakes and analyzes information about investigations, experiments, and trials from a controlled laboratory. They work in almost every area of science.

What does a chemist do?

Chemists are generally responsible for observing and investigating chemical substances to create new and safe compounds essential for practical applications. They are often grouped depending on a particular area of specialization to focus and understand the complexities of the matter. A chemist usually takes time performing research and conducting experiments to test and further improve the quality and usage of a specific chemical substance. Chemists are expected to write on their observations and findings to establish scientific results.

Postdoctoral research scientist vs chemist salary

Postdoctoral research scientists and chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Postdoctoral Research ScientistChemist
Average salary$53,781$64,961
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $72,000Between $46,000 And $90,000
Highest paying CityMenlo Park, CAWilmington, DE
Highest paying stateHawaiiDelaware
Best paying companyMetaMeta
Best paying industryTechnologyManufacturing

Differences between postdoctoral research scientist and chemist education

There are a few differences between a postdoctoral research scientist and a chemist in terms of educational background:

Postdoctoral Research ScientistChemist
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Most common majorChemistryChemistry
Most common collegeDuke UniversityUniversity of Southern California

Postdoctoral research scientist vs chemist demographics

Here are the differences between postdoctoral research scientists' and chemists' demographics:

Postdoctoral Research ScientistChemist
Average age4142
Gender ratioMale, 60.3% Female, 39.7%Male, 59.6% Female, 40.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 35.6% White, 45.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 18.2% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%5%

Differences between postdoctoral research scientist and chemist duties and responsibilities

Postdoctoral research scientist example responsibilities.

  • Process and manage GIS databases to contribute towards research in human transportation behavior.
  • Perform mouse genotyping by purifying mouse DNA and amplifying it using PCR.
  • Establish stable human and rodent cell lines deficient in DNA DSB repair function.
  • Identify a novel role for a leukemia tumor suppressor in DNA repair pathways.
  • Involve in projects for identification and validation of biomarkers for Hodgkin's lymphoma.
  • Contribute to projects at the interface of organic chemistry with biological and materials sciences.
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Chemist example responsibilities.

  • Lead QA, engineering, and operations training events.
  • Achieve and maintain ISO 9001-2000 certification by creating and implementing policies and serving as management representative.
  • Perform analysis of drug substance and drug product using HPLC, GC, dissolution and UV/VIS.
  • Utilize IR, AA, UV, HPLC and other chemical analysis equipment to assess product quality.
  • Prepare solutions to run on HPLC, ICP and AA instruments.
  • Involve in operation and preventative maintenance of LC/MS, GC/FID, and HPLC instrumentation.
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Postdoctoral research scientist vs chemist skills

Common postdoctoral research scientist skills
  • Python, 18%
  • C++, 13%
  • Research Projects, 6%
  • CRISPR, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
  • Cell Culture, 4%
Common chemist skills
  • Chemistry, 20%
  • Lab Equipment, 7%
  • Test Results, 7%
  • Product Development, 5%
  • Method Development, 5%
  • HPLC, 5%

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