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The differences between research investigators and senior 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 investigator and a senior scientist. Additionally, a senior scientist has an average salary of $106,672, which is higher than the $79,438 average annual salary of a research investigator.
The top three skills for a research investigator include patients, data analysis and molecular biology. The most important skills for a senior scientist are patients, data analysis, and molecular biology.
| Research Investigator | Senior Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $106,672 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $51.28 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 49,712 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| 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 senior scientist is usually in charge of overseeing experiments and evaluating junior scientists' performance, especially in laboratory settings. Moreover, it is also their responsibility to assess every progress report to ensure it's accuracy and validity. As a senior scientist in the field, it is essential to lead and encourage fellow scientists in their joint pursuit for scientific innovations, all while adhering to the laboratory's standards and policies.
Research investigators and senior scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Senior Scientist | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $106,672 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $74,000 And $153,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Mintz | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and a senior scientist in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Senior Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and senior scientists' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Senior Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% |
| 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, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 26.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |