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Postdoctoral research scientist vs phd researcher

The differences between postdoctoral research scientists and phd researchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a postdoctoral research scientist and an phd researcher. Additionally, a postdoctoral research scientist has an average salary of $53,781, which is higher than the $51,634 average annual salary of an phd researcher.

The top three skills for a postdoctoral research scientist include python, C++ and research projects. The most important skills for an phd researcher are python, chemistry, and research projects.

Postdoctoral research scientist vs phd researcher overview

Postdoctoral Research ScientistPHD Researcher
Yearly salary$53,781$51,634
Hourly rate$25.86$24.82
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs90,78219,736
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 43%Doctoral Degree, 40%
Average age4141
Years of experience44

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 an phd researcher do?

The primary job of a Ph.D. researcher is to plan and conduct experiments and analyzing their outcome. You will collect, organize, and analyze data and opinions to solve issues and predict trends. Other tasks you will perform include doing fieldwork to collect samples, writing reports, research papers, and reviews, and organizing materials testing. In addition, you need to liaise with research and production staff, develop ways to resolve problems, and supervise junior research staff.

Postdoctoral research scientist vs phd researcher salary

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

Postdoctoral Research ScientistPHD Researcher
Average salary$53,781$51,634
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $72,000Between $35,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityMenlo Park, CANovato, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaMeta
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between postdoctoral research scientist and phd researcher education

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

Postdoctoral Research ScientistPHD Researcher
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 43%Doctoral Degree, 40%
Most common majorChemistryChemistry
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Postdoctoral research scientist vs phd researcher demographics

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

Postdoctoral Research ScientistPHD Researcher
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 60.3% Female, 39.7%Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3%
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, 6.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 32.5% White, 47.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between postdoctoral research scientist and phd researcher 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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Phd researcher example responsibilities.

  • Manage and mentore graduate and undergraduate students in their physical chemistry relate studies and research projects on spin dynamics simulations.
  • Evaluate data employing GC/MS, gel electrophoresis, and UV/VIS spectroscopy.
  • Perform testing using gel electrophoresis as well as mixed and pour the gels used in testing
  • Optimize and redesign robotic components base on FEA for improve strength using ANSYS and SOLIDWORKS.
  • Coauthor an NIH grant proposal on DNA mismatch repair and malaria drug resistance (5R21AI072723-02).
  • Design a scent dispenser 3D model in SolidWorks and build a prototype by utilizing MasterCam and CNC machines.
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Postdoctoral research scientist vs phd researcher skills

Common postdoctoral research scientist skills
  • Python, 18%
  • C++, 13%
  • Research Projects, 6%
  • CRISPR, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
  • Cell Culture, 4%
Common phd researcher skills
  • Python, 9%
  • Chemistry, 8%
  • Research Projects, 6%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Renewable Energy, 6%
  • C++, 5%

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