Post job

Research and development scientist vs senior chemist

The differences between research and development scientists and senior chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a senior chemist has an average salary of $91,008, which is higher than the $90,278 average annual salary of a research and development scientist.

The top three skills for a research and development scientist include R, patients and data analysis. The most important skills for a senior chemist are method development, laboratory equipment, and HPLC.

Research and development scientist vs senior chemist overview

Research And Development ScientistSenior Chemist
Yearly salary$90,278$91,008
Hourly rate$43.40$43.75
Growth rate17%6%
Number of jobs129,80312,823
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4142
Years of experience4-

What does a research and development scientist do?

A research and development scientist specializes in conducting scientific studies and experiments to develop new products and technologies. They usually work at laboratories where they are in charge of conducting research and assessments, coming up with new ideas, performing tests, streamlining product requirements and guidelines, collaborating with fellow experts, utilizing previous studies and advanced software, and maintaining records of all procedures. Additionally, as a research and development scientist, it is essential to conduct reviews and assessments to ensure products adhere to safety standards and regulations.

What does a senior chemist do?

Senior Chemists are responsible for designing, developing, and testing formulations and compounds. They also maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and relevant documentation.

Research and development scientist vs senior chemist salary

Research and development scientists and senior chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Research And Development ScientistSenior Chemist
Average salary$90,278$91,008
Salary rangeBetween $64,000 And $125,000Between $67,000 And $123,000
Highest paying CitySouth San Francisco, CAFremont, CA
Highest paying stateTennesseeVermont
Best paying companyAppleGoogle
Best paying industryHealth CareManufacturing

Differences between research and development scientist and senior chemist education

There are a few differences between a research and development scientist and a senior chemist in terms of educational background:

Research And Development ScientistSenior Chemist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorChemistryChemistry
Most common collegeDuke UniversityUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Research and development scientist vs senior chemist demographics

Here are the differences between research and development scientists' and senior chemists' demographics:

Research And Development ScientistSenior Chemist
Average age4142
Gender ratioMale, 64.4% Female, 35.6%Male, 67.6% Female, 32.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 22.3% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%5%

Differences between research and development scientist and senior chemist duties and responsibilities

Research and development scientist example responsibilities.

  • Lead technology evaluation, scale-up & commercialization (milling, extraction, distillation, clarification, ultra-filtration & concentration).
  • Manage security configurations of multiple GMP equipment to ensure sensitive data is backed up and secure via active directory.
  • Perform method development and validation of dissolution method by HPLC.
  • Execute and evaluate test protocols utilizing chemistry, laboratory equipment and computer software.
  • Prepare and present study results, using PowerPoint slideshows.
  • Perform DNA sequencing on various extract material (DNA/RNA).
  • Show more

Senior chemist example responsibilities.

  • Manage an analytical laboratory, which include SEM-EDS, GC-MS, GPC, FT-IR, ICP-MS, TGA and DSC equipment.
  • Conduct GC-MS, TGA, and FTIR, UV/Vis spectroscopic analysis of extractables and elemental impurities.
  • Develop Simethicone assay method by FT-IR in liquid dosage.
  • Used EPA methods for actinide, technetium, strontium, and tritium determination.
  • Prepare submission documentation, including CMC sections, for IDE and PMA submissions.
  • Supervise mobile lab team of analysts at various EPA super fund site locations for PCB and halo-hydrocarbons analysis testing.
  • Show more

Research and development scientist vs senior chemist skills

Common research and development scientist skills
  • R, 7%
  • Patients, 6%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
  • Python, 4%
  • Technical Support, 4%
  • C++, 3%
Common senior chemist skills
  • Method Development, 8%
  • Laboratory Equipment, 6%
  • HPLC, 5%
  • Analytical Methods, 5%
  • R, 4%
  • GMP, 4%

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs