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The differences between research biologists and assistant research scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a research biologist, becoming an assistant research scientist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a research biologist has an average salary of $69,719, which is higher than the $62,780 average annual salary of an assistant research scientist.
The top three skills for a research biologist include laboratory equipment, research projects and molecular biology. The most important skills for an assistant research scientist are research projects, data collection, and data analysis.
| Research Biologist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $69,719 | $62,780 |
| Hourly rate | $33.52 | $30.18 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 52,799 | 88,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 2 |
A research biologist is a scientist who works in the outdoors, laboratories, and offices to study the natural elements so that they can better understand how living organisms work. Research biologists must design experiments for various research projects conducted under standard operating procedures and good laboratory practice guidelines. They are required to supervise lab technicians and veterinary medicine students in their respective research projects and studies. Research biologists must also provide support for clinical research protocols through laboratory procedures and protocols.
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
Research biologists and assistant research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Biologist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $69,719 | $62,780 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $96,000 | Between $43,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Juneau, AK | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Eli Lilly and Company | University of California |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Education |
There are a few differences between a research biologist and an assistant research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Research Biologist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between research biologists' and assistant research scientists' demographics:
| Research Biologist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.9% Female, 55.1% | Male, 55.6% Female, 44.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 15.7% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |