Research scholar vs laboratory research assistant

The differences between research scholars and laboratory research assistants 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 a laboratory research assistant. Additionally, a research scholar has an average salary of $58,047, which is higher than the $36,537 average annual salary of a laboratory research assistant.

The top three skills for a research scholar include analyze data, C++ and original research. The most important skills for a laboratory research assistant are data collection, patients, and laboratory equipment.

Research scholar vs laboratory research assistant overview

	Research Scholar	Laboratory Research Assistant
Yearly salary	$58,047	$36,537
Hourly rate	$27.91	$17.57
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	51,721	87,343
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

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 laboratory research assistant do?

A laboratory research assistant is an individual who performs lab experiments and carries out projects designed by senior lab staff members. Laboratory research assistants design and conduct experiments using biohazards and other dangerous materials to gain information and test scientific processes. They must write detailed reports of their research and experiments and then deliver these reports in written and verbal forms. Laboratory research assistants may also work in different settings such as medical facilities and pharmaceutical companies.

Research scholar vs laboratory research assistant salary

Research scholars and laboratory research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Research Scholar	Laboratory Research Assistant
Average salary	$58,047	$36,537
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $92,000	Between $24,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	New Jersey	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Google	New York University
Best paying industry	Technology	Education

Differences between research scholar and laboratory research assistant education

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

	Research Scholar	Laboratory Research Assistant
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Most common major	Chemistry	Biology
Most common college	Harvard University	Harvard University

Research scholar vs laboratory research assistant demographics

Here are the differences between research scholars' and laboratory research assistants' demographics:

	Research Scholar	Laboratory Research Assistant
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 51.8% Female, 48.2%	Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8%
Race ratio	Black 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, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.6% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between research scholar and laboratory research assistant 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.

Laboratory research assistant example responsibilities.

Manage participant records according to IRB guidelines to ensure confidentiality.
Lead experiments to assess survivor behavior differences in zebrafish contaminate with dietary mercury.
Maintain microbial culture and isolate and purify bacterial and viral DNA and RNA to study the genome of common pathogenic bacteria.
Perform protein extraction on larvae.
Perform biological assays, including ELISA and RT-PCR.
Gain extensive MLST, RT-PCR, conventional PCR, primer design and gel-electrophoresis experience.

Research scholar vs laboratory research assistant skills

Common research scholar skills

Analyze Data, 7%
C++, 7%
Original Research, 6%
PCR, 6%
Molecular Biology, 5%
Data Analysis, 5%

Common laboratory research assistant skills

Data Collection, 5%
Patients, 5%
Laboratory Equipment, 5%
Lab Procedures, 5%
Laboratory Techniques, 5%
Molecular Biology, 4%

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Research Scholar vs Laboratory Research Assistant

Updated January 8, 2025

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