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The differences between product development 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 product development scientist and a postdoctoral associate. Additionally, a product development scientist has an average salary of $84,817, which is higher than the $54,350 average annual salary of a postdoctoral associate.
The top three skills for a product development scientist include chemistry, project management and data analysis. The most important skills for a postdoctoral associate are patients, TIP, and data analysis.
| Product Development Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $84,817 | $54,350 |
| Hourly rate | $40.78 | $26.13 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 147,027 | 18,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A product development scientist is responsible for conducting in-depth scientific research and method analysis to develop medical technologies, medications, and foods, depending on the industry. Product development scientists may also perform enhancements on existing products by studying its components and improve its features. They evaluate the manufacturing processes of a product, providing recommendations on additional resources to generate revenues and profits. A product development scientist often works in a laboratory, requiring them to follow strict safety protocols and ensuring the cleanliness and orderliness of the area to prevent contamination and result inconsistencies.
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.
Product development scientists and postdoctoral associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Product Development Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average salary | $84,817 | $54,350 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $115,000 | Between $39,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maine |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between a product development scientist and a postdoctoral associate in terms of educational background:
| Product Development Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Duke University |
Here are the differences between product development scientists' and postdoctoral associates' demographics:
| Product Development Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.3% Female, 40.7% | Male, 63.2% Female, 36.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% 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% |