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Research group director vs research scientist

The differences between research group directors and research scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a research group director and a research scientist. Additionally, a research group director has an average salary of $97,758, which is higher than the $89,998 average annual salary of a research scientist.

The top three skills for a research group director include research projects, R and market research. The most important skills for a research scientist are python, data analysis, and patients.

Research group director vs research scientist overview

Research Group DirectorResearch Scientist
Yearly salary$97,758$89,998
Hourly rate$47.00$43.27
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs60,13093,013
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age4141
Years of experience44

Research group director vs research scientist salary

Research group directors and research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Research Group DirectorResearch Scientist
Average salary$97,758$89,998
Salary rangeBetween $59,000 And $160,000Between $58,000 And $137,000
Highest paying City-Menlo Park, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Lyft
Best paying industry--

Differences between research group director and research scientist education

There are a few differences between a research group director and a research scientist in terms of educational background:

Research Group DirectorResearch Scientist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorChemistryChemistry
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Research group director vs research scientist demographics

Here are the differences between research group directors' and research scientists' demographics:

Research Group DirectorResearch Scientist
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 56.5% Female, 43.5%Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 29.6% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between research group director and research scientist duties and responsibilities

Research group director example responsibilities.

  • Lead social path-to-purchase study, incorporating social media analytics into insight community to identify spectrum of social engagement among customers.
  • Develop a license plate recognition and tracking algorithm using MATLAB.
  • Design a moving JPEG hardware accelerator using MATLAB and Simulink.
  • Develop and modify Linux device drivers for use on main controller platform.
  • Present results, observations and future plans via PowerPoint to the research class
  • Research into novel method for production of gold nanoparticles with tailorable size and shape.
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Research scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage the development of innovative visualization and concept mapping of contest environment analysis challenges and analyst skill sets.
  • Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
  • Used real-time PCR and DNA sequencing to troubleshoot and validate SNP base and gene expression assays.
  • Prepare clear technical presentations to NIH department heads in annual seminars.
  • Analyze chromatin dynamics during primordial germ cell specification with a CRISPR mouse model.
  • Identify impurities in final drug by LCMS and reject impurities with ethanol/water swish.
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Research group director vs research scientist skills

Common research group director skills
  • Research Projects, 48%
  • R, 18%
  • Market Research, 6%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 6%
  • Clinical Trials, 5%
  • MATLAB, 5%
Common research scientist skills
  • Python, 11%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Patients, 6%
  • C++, 6%
  • Research Projects, 6%
  • Chemistry, 5%

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