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The differences between research investigators and postdoctoral associates 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 investigator and a postdoctoral associate. Additionally, a research investigator has an average salary of $79,438, which is higher than the $54,350 average annual salary of a postdoctoral associate.
The top three skills for a research investigator include patients, data analysis and molecular biology. The most important skills for a postdoctoral associate are patients, TIP, and data analysis.
| Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $54,350 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $26.13 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 18,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A research investigator is responsible for obtaining information for various purposes through research and in-depth investigation, ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of data to solve cases. Research investigators develop a strategic approach to data gathering procedures, maintaining the integrity of outputs, and keeping the confidentiality of information. They also strictly adhere to the standard protocols and federal regulations, as well as performing high-level duties according to business requirements and client specifications, following the budget limitations and timetable.
A postdoctoral associate is responsible for researching to support scientific claims and theories by collecting evidence and information to answer scientific questions. Postdoctoral associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to interact with people and document investigation findings. They also utilize laboratory tools and equipment for scientific researches, conduct field investigations, and interview participants. A postdoctoral associate designs comprehensive research models to discuss results with the panel and the team efficiently and accurately.
Research investigators and postdoctoral associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $54,350 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $39,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Maine |
| Best paying company | Mintz | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Education |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and a postdoctoral associate in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and postdoctoral associates' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 63.2% Female, 36.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 39.4% White, 42.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |