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The differences between research biologists and staff 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 a staff scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a staff scientist has an average salary of $93,941, 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 staff scientist are data analysis, research projects, and molecular biology.
| Research Biologist | Staff Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $69,719 | $93,941 |
| Hourly rate | $33.52 | $45.16 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 52,799 | 121,054 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| 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.
The primary role of a Staff Scientist is to develop and manage scientific research projects with minimal supervision. They are also responsible for the technical and budgetary aspects of scientific research projects.
Research biologists and staff scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Biologist | Staff Scientist | |
| Average salary | $69,719 | $93,941 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $96,000 | Between $63,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | Juneau, AK | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Eli Lilly and Company | Etsy |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a research biologist and a staff scientist in terms of educational background:
| Research Biologist | Staff Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research biologists' and staff scientists' demographics:
| Research Biologist | Staff Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.9% Female, 55.1% | Male, 67.8% Female, 32.2% |
| 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, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |