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The differences between principal research scientists and senior research associate scientists 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 senior research associate scientist. Additionally, a principal research scientist has an average salary of $127,191, which is higher than the $72,094 average annual salary of a senior research associate scientist.
The top three skills for a principal research scientist include research projects, principal research and data analysis. The most important skills for a senior research associate scientist are cell culture, cell-based assays, and data analysis.
| Principal Research Scientist | Senior Research Associate Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $127,191 | $72,094 |
| Hourly rate | $61.15 | $34.66 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 126,911 | 90,457 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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.
Senior research associate scientists serve a critical function assisting in the development of research. The senior research associate scientists support ongoing studies that have something to do with biometric identification, anti-drug or antibody detection, and cell functions, especially in our immune system. They should adjust well to fast-paced environments and apply their knowledge to various projects and experiments. They should be adept in doing cell-based experiments, techniques on a molecular level, and flow cytometry. Being detail-oriented and having strong communication skills can also help them become efficient in this field.
Principal research scientists and senior research associate scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Research Scientist | Senior Research Associate Scientist | |
| Average salary | $127,191 | $72,094 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $184,000 | Between $46,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | - | |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | - |
There are a few differences between a principal research scientist and a senior research associate scientist in terms of educational background:
| Principal Research Scientist | Senior Research Associate Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between principal research scientists' and senior research associate scientists' demographics:
| Principal Research Scientist | Senior Research Associate Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.7% Female, 21.3% | Male, 52.8% Female, 47.2% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |