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The differences between research biologists and graduate research students can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research biologist has an average salary of $69,719, which is higher than the $34,658 average annual salary of a graduate research student.
The top three skills for a research biologist include laboratory equipment, research projects and molecular biology. The most important skills for a graduate research student are lab equipment, laboratory equipment, and python.
| Research Biologist | Graduate Research Student | |
| Yearly salary | $69,719 | $34,658 |
| Hourly rate | $33.52 | $16.66 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 52,799 | 58,921 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 8 | - |
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.
Graduate research students are learners who conduct degree program-related research in a research unit or an academic department. These students manage themselves independently as well as their work. They make certain that they have familiarized the requirements of the university. Educators and other scholars expect them to develop enough research and skills. Their responsibilities include academic honesty, participation in supervisory meetings, and maintenance of effective supervisor communication. In terms of their research, they should have a research plan ahead.
Research biologists and graduate research students have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Biologist | Graduate Research Student | |
| Average salary | $69,719 | $34,658 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $96,000 | Between $19,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | Juneau, AK | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | Eli Lilly and Company | Capgemini |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Education |
There are a few differences between a research biologist and a graduate research student in terms of educational background:
| Research Biologist | Graduate Research Student | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between research biologists' and graduate research students' demographics:
| Research Biologist | Graduate Research Student | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.9% Female, 55.1% | Male, 47.2% Female, 52.8% |
| 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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 11.8% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 6% |