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The differences between research biologists and senior research associates 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 senior research associate takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a senior research associate has an average salary of $72,618, which is higher than the $69,719 average annual salary of a research biologist.
The top three skills for a research biologist include laboratory equipment, research projects and molecular biology. The most important skills for a senior research associate are patients, data analysis, and CRISPR.
| Research Biologist | Senior Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $69,719 | $72,618 |
| Hourly rate | $33.52 | $34.91 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 52,799 | 58,903 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| 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 Senior Research Associate works closely with research team members to implement research ideas. They diagnose, solve system/software problems, and install application software according to research needs.
Research biologists and senior research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Biologist | Senior Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $69,719 | $72,618 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $96,000 | Between $51,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | Juneau, AK | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | Eli Lilly and Company | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Government |
There are a few differences between a research biologist and a senior research associate in terms of educational background:
| Research Biologist | Senior Research Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between research biologists' and senior research associates' demographics:
| Research Biologist | Senior Research Associate | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.9% Female, 55.1% | Male, 53.6% Female, 46.4% |
| 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, 2.5% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 13.4% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 9% |