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Research scholar vs research scientist

The differences between research scholars and research scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a research scholar, becoming a research scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a research scientist has an average salary of $89,998, 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 a research scientist are python, data analysis, and patients.

Research scholar vs research scientist overview

Research ScholarResearch Scientist
Yearly salary$58,047$89,998
Hourly rate$27.91$43.27
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs51,72193,013
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age3841
Years of experience24

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 research scientist do?

The job of research scientists is to design, undertake, and analyze information from experiments, trials, and laboratory-based investigations. They usually perform experiments in different areas, including medical research, pharmacology, and geoscience. They have varied duties and responsibilities that include planning and carrying out experiments, conducting fieldwork, and overseeing junior staff members like the technicians. They are typically working for a government laboratory, an environmental agency, and other organizations. Many of these scientists also work in teams and support staff.

Research scholar vs research scientist salary

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

Research ScholarResearch Scientist
Average salary$58,047$89,998
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $92,000Between $58,000 And $137,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAMenlo Park, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyCalifornia
Best paying companyGoogleLyft
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between research scholar and research scientist education

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

Research ScholarResearch Scientist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorChemistryChemistry
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityDuke University

Research scholar vs research scientist demographics

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

Research ScholarResearch Scientist
Average age3841
Gender ratioMale, 51.8% Female, 48.2%Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5%
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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 29.6% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between research scholar and 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.

Research scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage the development of innovative visualization and concept mapping of contest environment analysis challenges and analyst skill sets.
  • Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
  • Used real-time PCR and DNA sequencing to troubleshoot and validate SNP base and gene expression assays.
  • Prepare clear technical presentations to NIH department heads in annual seminars.
  • Analyze chromatin dynamics during primordial germ cell specification with a CRISPR mouse model.
  • Identify impurities in final drug by LCMS and reject impurities with ethanol/water swish.
  • Show more

Research scholar vs research scientist skills

Common research scholar skills
  • Analyze Data, 7%
  • C++, 7%
  • Original Research, 6%
  • PCR, 6%
  • Molecular Biology, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
Common research scientist skills
  • Python, 11%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Patients, 6%
  • C++, 6%
  • Research Projects, 6%
  • Chemistry, 5%

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