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The differences between research assistant professors and postdoctoral associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a research assistant professor, becoming a postdoctoral associate takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a research assistant professor has an average salary of $73,455, which is higher than the $54,350 average annual salary of a postdoctoral associate.
The top three skills for a research assistant professor include research projects, biomedical and research program. The most important skills for a postdoctoral associate are patients, TIP, and data analysis.
| Research Assistant Professor | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $73,455 | $54,350 |
| Hourly rate | $35.31 | $26.13 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 62,395 | 18,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 44% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 38 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A research assistant professor works part-time at colleges or universities where they focus on conducting research and extensive studies. They typically work under the supervision and directives of a professor and perform support tasks such as gathering and analyzing samples through different scientific procedures, completing interviews and surveys, performing experiments and assessments, maintaining records, and handling calls and other forms of correspondence. Additionally, a research assistant professor may also teach undergraduates and participate in preparing activities and curriculum materials.
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.
Research assistant professors and postdoctoral associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Assistant Professor | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average salary | $73,455 | $54,350 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $102,000 | Between $39,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Maine |
| Best paying company | Stanford University | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Education |
There are a few differences between a research assistant professor and a postdoctoral associate in terms of educational background:
| Research Assistant Professor | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 44% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research assistant professors' and postdoctoral associates' demographics:
| Research Assistant Professor | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average age | 38 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.9% Female, 37.1% | Male, 63.2% Female, 36.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | 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% |