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Research scholar vs graduate researcher

The differences between research scholars and graduate researchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research scholar has an average salary of $58,047, which is higher than the $32,346 average annual salary of a graduate researcher.

The top three skills for a research scholar include analyze data, C++ and original research. The most important skills for a graduate researcher are R, cell culture, and research projects.

Research scholar vs graduate researcher overview

Research ScholarGraduate Researcher
Yearly salary$58,047$32,346
Hourly rate$27.91$15.55
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs51,72117,313
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age3844
Years of experience2-

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 a graduate researcher do?

A graduate researcher is responsible for supporting an educational institution's academic research processes. Graduate researchers assist in data gathering and performing in-depth analysis using research methodologies under the supervision of a research professor. In some cases, graduate researchers also conduct field investigations and analyze other research publications to verify data accuracy. They prepare reports, share recommendations, and keep an organized database for research records. A graduate researcher must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, as this task requires interaction with the researchers and writing duties.

Research scholar vs graduate researcher salary

Research scholars and graduate researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Research ScholarGraduate Researcher
Average salary$58,047$32,346
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $92,000Between $15,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateNew Jersey-
Best paying companyGoogle-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between research scholar and graduate researcher education

There are a few differences between a research scholar and a graduate researcher in terms of educational background:

Research ScholarGraduate Researcher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorChemistryChemistry
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityCornell University

Research scholar vs graduate researcher demographics

Here are the differences between research scholars' and graduate researchers' demographics:

Research ScholarGraduate Researcher
Average age3844
Gender ratioMale, 51.8% Female, 48.2%Male, 57.3% Female, 42.7%
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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between research scholar and graduate researcher 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.

Graduate researcher example responsibilities.

  • Lead the in-vitro biophysical and biochemical characterization of homologous recombination and investigate structure-function effects of mutant enzymes.
  • Analyze the expression of MZF-1 gene using western blots and RT-PCR.
  • Train undergraduate, masters, and PhD-level students on HPLC and UPLC instruments.
  • Use of NMR, IR, and TLC to analyze product purity and identity.
  • Experience using GC/MS, LC/MS, and NMR to analyze molecules produce in the lab.
  • Create buffers, HPLC solvents, maintain laboratory notebooks, order chemical reagents and perform serial dilutions.
  • Show more

Research scholar vs graduate researcher skills

Common research scholar skills
  • Analyze Data, 7%
  • C++, 7%
  • Original Research, 6%
  • PCR, 6%
  • Molecular Biology, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
Common graduate researcher skills
  • R, 9%
  • Cell Culture, 8%
  • Research Projects, 6%
  • Protein Expression, 5%
  • Chemistry, 4%
  • Data Analysis, 4%

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