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The differences between postdoctoral research scientists and postdoctoral 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 postdoctoral research scientist and a postdoctoral associate. Additionally, a postdoctoral associate has an average salary of $54,350, 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 postdoctoral associate are patients, TIP, and data analysis.
| Postdoctoral Research Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $53,781 | $54,350 |
| Hourly rate | $25.86 | $26.13 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 90,782 | 18,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 43% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A postdoctoral associate is responsible for researching to support scientific claims and theories by collecting evidence and information to answer scientific questions. Postdoctoral associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to interact with people and document investigation findings. They also utilize laboratory tools and equipment for scientific researches, conduct field investigations, and interview participants. A postdoctoral associate designs comprehensive research models to discuss results with the panel and the team efficiently and accurately.
Postdoctoral research scientists and postdoctoral associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Postdoctoral Research Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average salary | $53,781 | $54,350 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $72,000 | Between $39,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | Menlo Park, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Maine |
| Best paying company | Meta | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Education |
There are a few differences between a postdoctoral research scientist and a postdoctoral associate in terms of educational background:
| Postdoctoral Research Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 43% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between postdoctoral research scientists' and postdoctoral associates' demographics:
| Postdoctoral Research Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.3% Female, 39.7% | Male, 63.2% Female, 36.8% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 39.4% White, 42.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |