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Research scholar vs senior research fellow

The differences between research scholars and senior research fellows 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 senior research fellow takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior research fellow has an average salary of $62,129, 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 senior research fellow are python, research projects, and data analysis.

Research scholar vs senior research fellow overview

Research ScholarSenior Research Fellow
Yearly salary$58,047$62,129
Hourly rate$27.91$29.87
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs51,72153,535
Job satisfaction--
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 senior research fellow do?

Senior Research Fellows are reputable researchers employed in an academic institution or a research facility. The nature of their employment in the institution is related to their research work or field of interest. Senior Research Fellows lead a team of researchers on big projects that require more team members. They manage the team's budget, set timelines, and guide the researchers. They spearhead the analysis of the data gathered. They also set the tone for the presentation materials. Senior Research Fellows should be passionate about their field, should have a thirst for knowledge, and should be able to lead teams.

Research scholar vs senior research fellow salary

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

Research ScholarSenior Research Fellow
Average salary$58,047$62,129
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $92,000Between $40,000 And $95,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAUrban Honolulu, HI
Highest paying stateNew JerseyHawaii
Best paying companyGoogleGoogle
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between research scholar and senior research fellow education

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

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

Research scholar vs senior research fellow demographics

Here are the differences between research scholars' and senior research fellows' demographics:

Research ScholarSenior Research Fellow
Average age3841
Gender ratioMale, 51.8% Female, 48.2%Male, 56.1% Female, 43.9%
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, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between research scholar and senior research fellow 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.

Senior research fellow example responsibilities.

  • Lead a project aim at improving DNA yields from various soil types in Dr. Connell's lab.
  • Manage grant base research and submit the grant proposal to ICAR and get approved for fund research.
  • Mentore a graduate student on the following topics: study design, literature reviews, drafting data plans and SAS.
  • Contribute to the creation of new markup standards for scholarship in the humanities.
  • Research unidentify payments and patients.
  • Conduct long-term observations of grind water dynamics and chemistry.
  • Show more

Research scholar vs senior research fellow skills

Common research scholar skills
  • Analyze Data, 7%
  • C++, 7%
  • Original Research, 6%
  • PCR, 6%
  • Molecular Biology, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
Common senior research fellow skills
  • Python, 12%
  • Research Projects, 8%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • C++, 6%
  • Research Findings, 5%
  • Data Collection, 4%

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