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The differences between research biologists and senior research fellows 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 fellow takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a research biologist has an average salary of $69,719, which is higher than the $62,129 average annual salary of a senior research fellow.
The top three skills for a research biologist include laboratory equipment, research projects and molecular biology. The most important skills for a senior research fellow are python, research projects, and data analysis.
| Research Biologist | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Yearly salary | $69,719 | $62,129 |
| Hourly rate | $33.52 | $29.87 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 52,799 | 53,535 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
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.
Senior Research Fellows are reputable researchers employed in an academic institution or a research facility. The nature of their employment in the institution is related to their research work or field of interest. Senior Research Fellows lead a team of researchers on big projects that require more team members. They manage the team's budget, set timelines, and guide the researchers. They spearhead the analysis of the data gathered. They also set the tone for the presentation materials. Senior Research Fellows should be passionate about their field, should have a thirst for knowledge, and should be able to lead teams.
Research biologists and senior research fellows have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Biologist | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Average salary | $69,719 | $62,129 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $96,000 | Between $40,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | Juneau, AK | Urban Honolulu, HI |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Eli Lilly and Company | |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | - |
There are a few differences between a research biologist and a senior research fellow in terms of educational background:
| Research Biologist | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research biologists' and senior research fellows' demographics:
| Research Biologist | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.9% Female, 55.1% | Male, 56.1% Female, 43.9% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |