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Project scientist vs phd researcher

The differences between project 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 project scientist and an phd researcher. Additionally, a project scientist has an average salary of $79,073, which is higher than the $51,634 average annual salary of an phd researcher.

The top three skills for a project scientist include data analysis, research projects and oversight. The most important skills for an phd researcher are python, chemistry, and research projects.

Project scientist vs phd researcher overview

Project ScientistPHD Researcher
Yearly salary$79,073$51,634
Hourly rate$38.02$24.82
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs53,04519,736
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Doctoral Degree, 40%
Average age4141
Years of experience44

What does a project scientist do?

A Project Scientist is responsible for conducting tests and evaluations of existing products and reporting the findings. The industries they may work in include textiles technology, polymer technology, chemical sciences, and chemical engineering.

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.

Project scientist vs phd researcher salary

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

Project ScientistPHD Researcher
Average salary$79,073$51,634
Salary rangeBetween $56,000 And $110,000Between $35,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityFarmington, CTNovato, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutCalifornia
Best paying companyAmazonMeta
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between project scientist and phd researcher education

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

Project ScientistPHD Researcher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Doctoral Degree, 40%
Most common majorEnvironmental ScienceChemistry
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Project scientist vs phd researcher demographics

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

Project ScientistPHD Researcher
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 68.0% Female, 32.0%Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 26.2% White, 53.3% 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 project scientist and phd researcher duties and responsibilities

Project scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage clearance sampling and responsible for final clearance readings and other duties as directed by EPA.
  • Manage the GIS data set and develop maps to support interim actions, the risk assessment, and the RI/FS.
  • Develop and manage company asbestos inspection program.
  • Develop and manage company EHS compliance processes in accordance with current and upcoming regulatory mandates.
  • Develop QC HPLC procedure for raw materials and finish products.
  • Perform RNA extraction, RT-PCR and qPCR to evaluate gene regulation on Bcl3 mutants.
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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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Project scientist vs phd researcher skills

Common project scientist skills
  • Data Analysis, 10%
  • Research Projects, 9%
  • Oversight, 7%
  • Data Management, 6%
  • Technical Reports, 4%
  • EPA, 4%
Common phd researcher skills
  • Python, 9%
  • Chemistry, 8%
  • Research Projects, 6%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Renewable Energy, 6%
  • C++, 5%

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