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The differences between research investigators and postdoctoral research 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 research associate. Additionally, a research investigator has an average salary of $79,438, which is higher than the $52,785 average annual salary of a postdoctoral research associate.
The top three skills for a research investigator include patients, data analysis and molecular biology. The most important skills for a postdoctoral research associate are python, research projects, and chemistry.
| Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $52,785 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $25.38 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 59,377 |
| 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 research associate is responsible for assisting the educational institution's research department, writing research reports, analyzing research methods, and collecting information and related studies to support the research claims. Postdoctoral research associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, reporting research updates to the research head, performing adjustments as needed, and gaining more expertise on the subject by brainstorming and discussing strategic procedures for the study. They may also conduct field investigation or coordinate with other institutions for additional reference, depending on the research's scope and limitation.
Research investigators and postdoctoral research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $52,785 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $38,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Memphis, TN |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Mintz | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Professional |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and a postdoctoral research associate in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Research 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 research associates' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 65.7% Female, 34.3% |
| 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, 5.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 38.1% White, 43.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |