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Research scholar vs student research assistant

The differences between research scholars and student 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 student research assistant. Additionally, a research scholar has an average salary of $58,047, which is higher than the $27,475 average annual salary of a student research assistant.

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

Research scholar vs student research assistant overview

Research ScholarStudent Research Assistant
Yearly salary$58,047$27,475
Hourly rate$27.91$13.21
Growth rate17%19%
Number of jobs51,72159,758
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
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 a student research assistant do?

A student research assistant is responsible for supporting the school's research department on conducting various research tasks using the techniques and resources provided by the supervising faculty. Student research assistants collect and verify research data, interpret and document findings using research methodologies, organize and prepare research materials, write research reports, and provide recommendations to improve research strategies and techniques. A student research assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to multitask and be a fast-learner to interpret data within a specific time.

Research scholar vs student research assistant salary

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

Research ScholarStudent Research Assistant
Average salary$58,047$27,475
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $92,000Between $19,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAFairbanks, AK
Highest paying stateNew JerseyMassachusetts
Best paying companyGoogleGoogle
Best paying industryTechnologyEducation

Differences between research scholar and student research assistant education

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

Research ScholarStudent Research Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common majorChemistryBiology
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Research scholar vs student research assistant demographics

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

Research ScholarStudent Research Assistant
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 51.8% Female, 48.2%Male, 44.1% Female, 55.9%
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, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between research scholar and student 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.

Student research assistant example responsibilities.

  • Evaluate patients' study eligibility via medical history, obtain informed consent, enroll patients, and achieve enrollment quotas.
  • Perform PCR amplification and electrophoresis.
  • Prepare agarose gels for electrophoresis and sequencing.
  • Perform biological experiments which provide data for further DNA analysis.
  • Provide DNA sequencing and primer support study transposition in tobacco/tomato root development.
  • Experience gain in polymer chemistry, polymer physics, material characterization, photo-polymerization techniques.
  • Show more

Research scholar vs student research assistant skills

Common research scholar skills
  • Analyze Data, 7%
  • C++, 7%
  • Original Research, 6%
  • PCR, 6%
  • Molecular Biology, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
Common student research assistant skills
  • Lab Equipment, 10%
  • Student Research, 9%
  • Data Collection, 8%
  • Research Projects, 7%
  • Laboratory Equipment, 7%
  • C++, 4%

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