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The differences between research biologists and professional research assistants 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 a professional research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a research biologist has an average salary of $69,719, which is higher than the $58,202 average annual salary of a professional research assistant.
The top three skills for a research biologist include laboratory equipment, research projects and molecular biology. The most important skills for a professional research assistant are research projects, data collection, and patients.
| Research Biologist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $69,719 | $58,202 |
| Hourly rate | $33.52 | $27.98 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 52,799 | 91,813 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| 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.
A professional research assistant works under the supervision of primary researchers leading research projects. Research assistants help the main researchers in different tasks supporting research activities. These tasks vary based on research conducted and their field. The assistants prepare the interview questions and provide a results summary. They respond to emails, participate in project meetings, and prepare progress reports. Skills necessary for this job include communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, scheduling, and planning.
Research biologists and professional research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Biologist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $69,719 | $58,202 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $96,000 | Between $38,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | Juneau, AK | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Eli Lilly and Company | Siemens |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | - |
There are a few differences between a research biologist and a professional research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Research Biologist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between research biologists' and professional research assistants' demographics:
| Research Biologist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.9% Female, 55.1% | Male, 36.1% Female, 63.9% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |