Quality control microbiologist vs research chemist

The differences between quality control microbiologists and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research chemist has an average salary of $75,843, which is higher than the $55,202 average annual salary of a quality control microbiologist.

The top three skills for a quality control microbiologist include environmental monitoring, GMP and lab equipment. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.

Quality control microbiologist vs research chemist overview

	Quality Control Microbiologist	Research Chemist
Yearly salary	$55,202	$75,843
Hourly rate	$26.54	$36.46
Growth rate	9%	6%
Number of jobs	82,081	53,769
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age	40	42
Years of experience	2	-

What does a quality control microbiologist do?

A quality control microbiologist is responsible for conducting quality check procedures on laboratory investigations and studies, ensuring that the outputs adhere to the strict standards and internal regulations. Quality control microbiologists analyze raw materials and components, inspect the efficiency of laboratory tools and equipment, and validate data. A quality control microbiologists evaluate documentation for high-quality deliverables. They also monitor the adequacy of inventory for laboratory operations and maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the workplace to avoid potential hazards and prevent delays.

What does a research chemist do?

A research chemist specializes in conducting studies and experiments to develop new products. Their duties primarily focus on conducting research and assessments, gathering and analyzing chemical samples, developing ideas, conducting tests to study chemical reactions, maintaining records of all procedures, and utilizing previous studies. Their research findings can be used to create new medicines, enhance existing products, and lead to innovations. When it comes to employment, a research chemist may work for pharmaceutical companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and learning institutions.

Quality control microbiologist vs research chemist salary

Quality control microbiologists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Quality Control Microbiologist	Research Chemist
Average salary	$55,202	$75,843
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $79,000	Between $53,000 And $108,000
Highest paying City	South San Francisco, CA	McLean, VA
Highest paying state	Virginia	Virginia
Best paying company	Battelle	BP America Inc
Best paying industry	Health Care	Energy

Differences between quality control microbiologist and research chemist education

There are a few differences between a quality control microbiologist and a research chemist in terms of educational background:

	Quality Control Microbiologist	Research Chemist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common major	Biology	Chemistry
Most common college	Harvard University	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Quality control microbiologist vs research chemist demographics

Here are the differences between quality control microbiologists' and research chemists' demographics:

	Quality Control Microbiologist	Research Chemist
Average age	40	42
Gender ratio	Male, 42.5% Female, 57.5%	Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 14.7% White, 68.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 22.2% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	10%	5%

Differences between quality control microbiologist and research chemist duties and responsibilities

Quality control microbiologist example responsibilities.

Job duties begin in a general microbiology/ infectious disease laboratory focuse on cultivating and managing infectious strains of microbes.
Serve as GLP trainer for program staff resulting in reduce OOS occurrences due to technician error.
Provide quantitative and qualitative testing of pharmaceutical and medical device products in a GMP and ISO 17025 regulate environment.
Initiate non-conformance investigations to document and track product/manufacturing/laboratory OOS, RCI and CAPA issues.
Perform microbiological testing of raw materials and finish products utilizing filtration and pour plate bioburden testing per USP methods.
Teach procedures and the LIMS software to new employees.

Research chemist example responsibilities.

Manage the CDS and LIMS systems for the institute.
Manage and record experimental data with lab management software (LIMS).
Manage projects involving the development of GC/MS methods, particle collection systems, and Raman spectral database creation.
Characterize the particles using SEM, DSC, IR, and UV-Vis.
Identify sample structure using microscopy, crystallography, NMR, UV/VIS, GC and AAS.
Develop GC & FTIR instrumental methods of analysis to support quality of incoming raw materials to ensure quality of finish products.

Quality control microbiologist vs research chemist skills

Common quality control microbiologist skills

Environmental Monitoring, 10%
GMP, 8%
Lab Equipment, 7%
Microbiology Lab, 6%
FDA, 5%
Bioburden, 4%

Common research chemist skills

Laboratory Equipment, 10%
Method Development, 10%
R, 9%
HPLC, 5%
Analytical Chemistry, 5%
Polymer, 5%

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Quality Control Microbiologist
Quality Control Microbiologist vs Research Chemist

Updated January 8, 2025

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