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The differences between principal research 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 principal research scientist and a postdoctoral research associate. Additionally, a principal research scientist has an average salary of $127,191, which is higher than the $52,785 average annual salary of a postdoctoral research associate.
The top three skills for a principal research scientist include research projects, principal research and data analysis. The most important skills for a postdoctoral research associate are python, research projects, and chemistry.
| Principal Research Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $127,191 | $52,785 |
| Hourly rate | $61.15 | $25.38 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 126,911 | 59,377 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Principal research scientists are responsible for designing and directing research laboratories, commencing new research activities, and searching for funding opportunities. Other duties include presenting proposals and attaining the terms of research grants and contracts, organizing, running, and reporting on original research, as well as constituting their research groups externally. These scientists usually propose, implement, and report a distinguished scientific program. The individuals appointed on this role may regularly serve as chief investigators on grants and contracts.
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.
Principal research scientists and postdoctoral research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Research Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $127,191 | $52,785 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $184,000 | Between $38,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Memphis, TN |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Argonne National Laboratory | |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Professional |
There are a few differences between a principal research scientist and a postdoctoral research associate in terms of educational background:
| Principal Research Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between principal research scientists' and postdoctoral research associates' demographics:
| Principal Research Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.7% Female, 21.3% | Male, 65.7% Female, 34.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.5% 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% |