Post Job

Research Associate Vs Research Chemist

The differences between research associates 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 $60,166 average annual salary of a research associate.

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

Research associate vs research chemist overview

Research AssociateResearch Chemist
Yearly Salary$60,166$75,843
Hourly rate$28.93$36.46
Growth Rate17%6%
Number Of Jobs63,88453,769
Job Satisfaction--
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average Age3842
Years Of Experience2-

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 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.

Research associate vs research chemist salary

Research associates and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Research AssociateResearch Chemist
Average Salary$60,166$75,843
Salary RangeBetween $41,000 And $87,000Between $53,000 And $108,000
Highest Paying CityWorcester, MAMcLean, VA
Highest Paying StateMassachusettsVirginia
Best Paying CompanyThe CitadelBP America Inc
Best Paying IndustryFinanceEnergy

Differences between research associate and research chemist education

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

Research AssociateResearch Chemist
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most Common MajorBiologyChemistry
Most Common CollegeHarvard UniversityUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Research associate vs research chemist demographics

Here are the differences between research associates' and research chemists' demographics:

Research AssociateResearch Chemist
Average Age3842
Gender RatioMale, 50.8% Female, 49.2%Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5%
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, 7.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 22.2% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%5%

Differences between research associate and research chemist 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

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.
  • Show More

Research associate vs research chemist skills

Common Research Associate Skills
  • Patients, 6%
  • Research Projects, 6%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Data Collection, 5%
  • Cell Culture, 5%
  • Chemistry, 4%
Common Research Chemist Skills
  • Laboratory Equipment, 10%
  • Method Development, 10%
  • R, 9%
  • HPLC, 5%
  • Analytical Chemistry, 5%
  • Polymer, 5%

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs