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The differences between research laboratory managers 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 laboratory manager and a postdoctoral associate. Additionally, a research laboratory manager has an average salary of $64,333, which is higher than the $54,350 average annual salary of a postdoctoral associate.
The top three skills for a research laboratory manager include lab equipment, research projects and lab safety. The most important skills for a postdoctoral associate are patients, TIP, and data analysis.
| Research Laboratory Manager | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $64,333 | $54,350 |
| Hourly rate | $30.93 | $26.13 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 89,981 | 18,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Research laboratory managers are management professionals who are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of laboratories by implementing safety lab procedures. These managers are required to coordinate the repair and maintenance of lab equipment while training lab technicians and assistants on the correct use of equipment. They must perform experimental studies and analyze the research data collected for research projects. Research laboratory managers must also manage the inventory of laboratory equipment while coordinating the purchase of lab supplies.
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 laboratory managers and postdoctoral associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Laboratory Manager | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average salary | $64,333 | $54,350 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $91,000 | Between $39,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | Baltimore, MD | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Maine |
| Best paying company | Meta | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Education |
There are a few differences between a research laboratory manager and a postdoctoral associate in terms of educational background:
| Research Laboratory Manager | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research laboratory managers' and postdoctoral associates' demographics:
| Research Laboratory Manager | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 45.2% Female, 54.8% | 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% |