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Research Associate Vs Laboratory Technician

The differences between research associates and laboratory technicians 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 associate, becoming a laboratory technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a research associate has an average salary of $60,166, which is higher than the $40,038 average annual salary of a laboratory technician.

The top three skills for a research associate include patients, research projects and data analysis. The most important skills for a laboratory technician are patients, lab equipment, and customer service.

Research associate vs laboratory technician overview

Research AssociateLaboratory Technician
Yearly Salary$60,166$40,038
Hourly rate$28.93$19.25
Growth Rate17%4%
Number Of Jobs63,88484,357
Job Satisfaction--
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average Age3844
Years Of Experience212

What does a Research Associate do?

A research associate is responsible for assisting the research team, organizing and interpreting findings, and verifying information before presenting the study to the board. Research associates duties also include gathering and comparing data from multiple sources, analyzing the current industry trends, creating draft outlines for reports, collecting individual contacts for interview purposes, and helping with the development of research procedures. A research associate must have excellent time-management skills and ability to multi-task, especially on meeting strict deadlines and conducting studies.

What does a laboratory technician do?

Laboratory technicians are medical professionals who work in the laboratory. They are responsible for the equipment in the laboratory, making sure tools are properly sanitized and sterilized after every use. They also ensure that laboratory equipment works well. Laboratory technicians may also be responsible for collecting and testing samples from patients. They prepare solutions and other chemicals that may be needed for testing. They also provide an analysis of the samples that they tested. Laboratory technicians ensure that all items in the laboratory are properly labeled and organized.

Research associate vs laboratory technician salary

Research associates and laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Research AssociateLaboratory Technician
Average Salary$60,166$40,038
Salary RangeBetween $41,000 And $87,000Between $27,000 And $58,000
Highest Paying CityWorcester, MANew York, NY
Highest Paying StateMassachusettsAlaska
Best Paying CompanyThe CitadelTenaska
Best Paying IndustryFinanceHealth Care

Differences between research associate and laboratory technician education

There are a few differences between a research associate and a laboratory technician in terms of educational background:

Research AssociateLaboratory Technician
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most Common MajorBiologyBiology
Most Common CollegeHarvard UniversityNew York University

Research associate vs laboratory technician demographics

Here are the differences between research associates' and laboratory technicians' demographics:

Research AssociateLaboratory Technician
Average Age3844
Gender RatioMale, 50.8% Female, 49.2%Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7%
Race RatioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.6% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between research associate and laboratory technician duties and responsibilities

Research Associate Example Responsibilities.

  • Study utilize online survey tools and data are managed and analyze using SPSS.
  • Manage databases, analyze data in STATA, and summarize relevant findings for partners.
  • Lead diverse research teams in the development of PCR and reverse transcriptase PCR assays for various food-borne pathogens.
  • Process, analyze and upload HTS data that lead to the discovery of new structural classes of small molecules.
  • Manage outsource projects, and interact with vendors for API sourcing, and device components base on project needs.
  • Manage all aspects of HPLC method development and analysis through interpretation of data ensuring accuracy of results.
  • Show More

Laboratory Technician Example Responsibilities.

  • Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
  • Manage patient, and corporate information with compassion and confidentiality.
  • Analyze and paid attention to detail as well as demonstrated excellent organization skills, manual dexterity and good eyesight.
  • Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate with EKG equipment and notify physician is something appears to be wrong.
  • Monitor several color formulations being manufacture in the production department to ensure manufacturing procedures are follow per ISO and GMP.
  • Perform age appropriate phlebotomy while working with critically or terminally ill patients, with careful respect for individual and/or cultural concerns.
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Research associate vs laboratory technician skills

Common Research Associate Skills
  • Patients, 6%
  • Research Projects, 6%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Data Collection, 5%
  • Cell Culture, 5%
  • Chemistry, 4%
Common Laboratory Technician Skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • Lab Equipment, 8%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Basic Math, 4%
  • Test Results, 4%
  • Math, 4%

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