Research assistant, chemistry department vs student research assistant

The differences between research assistants, chemistry department and student research assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a research assistant, chemistry department, becoming a student research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a research assistant, chemistry department has an average salary of $64,402, which is higher than the $27,475 average annual salary of a student research assistant.

The top three skills for a research assistant, chemistry department include NMR, SEM and laboratory equipment. The most important skills for a student research assistant are lab equipment, student research, and data collection.

Research assistant, chemistry department vs student research assistant overview

	Research Assistant, Chemistry Department	Student Research Assistant
Yearly salary	$64,402	$27,475
Hourly rate	$30.96	$13.21
Growth rate	9%	19%
Number of jobs	74,916	59,758
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Average age	40	38
Years of experience	4	2

Research assistant, chemistry department vs student research assistant salary

Research assistants, chemistry department and student research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Research Assistant, Chemistry Department	Student Research Assistant
Average salary	$64,402	$27,475
Salary range	Between $45,000 And $91,000	Between $19,000 And $37,000
Highest paying City	-	Fairbanks, AK
Highest paying state	-	Massachusetts
Best paying company	-	Google
Best paying industry	-	Education

Differences between research assistant, chemistry department and student research assistant education

There are a few differences between a research assistant, chemistry department and a student research assistant in terms of educational background:

	Research Assistant, Chemistry Department	Student Research Assistant
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common major	Chemistry	Biology
Most common college	Cornell University	Harvard University

Research assistant, chemistry department vs student research assistant demographics

Here are the differences between research assistants, chemistry department' and student research assistants' demographics:

	Research Assistant, Chemistry Department	Student Research Assistant
Average age	40	38
Gender ratio	Male, 55.4% Female, 44.6%	Male, 44.1% Female, 55.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 19.0% White, 49.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%	Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	6%	8%

Differences between research assistant, chemistry department and student research assistant duties and responsibilities

Research assistant, chemistry department example responsibilities.

Manage participant records according to IRB guidelines to ensure confidentiality.
Work with familiarization level proficiency in the use of spectroscopy, electrophoresis and other quantitative analytical techniques.
Synthesize a single strand DNA sensor.
Research relate to gas absorption with hydrogen fuel cell applications.
Prepare numerous chemical solution samples for analysis and various buffers used for CE and HPLC analysis.
Develop HPLC methods and analyze organic compounds.

Student research assistant example responsibilities.

Evaluate patients' study eligibility via medical history, obtain informed consent, enroll patients, and achieve enrollment quotas.
Perform PCR amplification and electrophoresis.
Prepare agarose gels for electrophoresis and sequencing.
Perform biological experiments which provide data for further DNA analysis.
Provide DNA sequencing and primer support study transposition in tobacco/tomato root development.
Experience gain in polymer chemistry, polymer physics, material characterization, photo-polymerization techniques.

Research assistant, chemistry department vs student research assistant skills

Common research assistant, chemistry department skills

NMR, 13%
SEM, 9%
Laboratory Equipment, 8%
DR, 7%
Nmr Spectroscopy, 6%
Organic Synthesis, 5%

Common student research assistant skills

Lab Equipment, 10%
Student Research, 9%
Data Collection, 8%
Research Projects, 7%
Laboratory Equipment, 7%
C++, 4%

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Research Assistant, Chemistry Department
Research Assistant, Chemistry Department vs Student Research Assistant

Updated January 8, 2025

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