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Research scholar vs assistant research scientist

The differences between research scholars and assistant research scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a research scholar and an assistant research scientist. Additionally, an assistant research scientist has an average salary of $62,780, which is higher than the $58,047 average annual salary of a research scholar.

The top three skills for a research scholar include analyze data, C++ and original research. The most important skills for an assistant research scientist are research projects, data collection, and data analysis.

Research scholar vs assistant research scientist overview

Research ScholarAssistant Research Scientist
Yearly salary$58,047$62,780
Hourly rate$27.91$30.18
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs51,72188,786
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

What does a research scholar do?

Research scholars are college students who perform on projects in a particular field for a university or organization. Generally, they work with professors and other professionals in the field of study and focus on discovering new information that can be produced in trade or academic journals. Also, they pursue intellectual and academic activities as well as may engaged in educating other researchers. They are usually paid a stipend for a set duration of time, and some may work outside the university.

What does an assistant research scientist do?

An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.

Research scholar vs assistant research scientist salary

Research scholars and assistant research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Research ScholarAssistant Research Scientist
Average salary$58,047$62,780
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $92,000Between $43,000 And $89,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyMassachusetts
Best paying companyGoogleUniversity of California
Best paying industryTechnologyEducation

Differences between research scholar and assistant research scientist education

There are a few differences between a research scholar and an assistant research scientist in terms of educational background:

Research ScholarAssistant Research Scientist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorChemistryBiology
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Research scholar vs assistant research scientist demographics

Here are the differences between research scholars' and assistant research scientists' demographics:

Research ScholarAssistant Research Scientist
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 51.8% Female, 48.2%Male, 55.6% Female, 44.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 16.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between research scholar and assistant research scientist duties and responsibilities

Research scholar example responsibilities.

  • Process and manage GIS databases to contribute towards research in human transportation behavior.
  • Map DNA markers in the rice genome.
  • Develop a sensitive assay for evaluating replication stress and DNA damage with imaging cytometry.
  • Study the moisture absorption micro-mechanisms in glass-fiber/polymer composite materials using simulation and experimental methodologies (NSF research grant).
  • Design and implement numerical simulations of tsunami run-up in Fortran.
  • Prepare calibrators and reagents and investigate quantitative measurement of biochemicals by using HPLC and UV.

Assistant research scientist example responsibilities.

  • Lead a group of four employees in optimizing DNA purification technologies for production DNA sequencing.
  • Evaluate patients' study eligibility via medical history, obtain informed consent, enroll patients, and achieve enrollment quotas.
  • Experience in SAS programming in biomedical research.
  • Prepare salivary samples for Cortisol ELISA assays.
  • Gather and code quantitative and qualitative data using SPSS and Atlas.ti.
  • Standardize assays to elucidate the mechanism of action of lead molecules.
  • Show more

Research scholar vs assistant research scientist skills

Common research scholar skills
  • Analyze Data, 7%
  • C++, 7%
  • Original Research, 6%
  • PCR, 6%
  • Molecular Biology, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
Common assistant research scientist skills
  • Research Projects, 8%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Lab Equipment, 4%
  • Cell Culture, 4%
  • Chemistry, 4%

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