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The differences between senior research associate scientists and postdoctoral associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a senior research associate scientist and a postdoctoral associate. Additionally, a senior research associate scientist has an average salary of $72,094, which is higher than the $54,350 average annual salary of a postdoctoral associate.
The top three skills for a senior research associate scientist include cell culture, cell-based assays and data analysis. The most important skills for a postdoctoral associate are patients, TIP, and data analysis.
| Senior Research Associate Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $72,094 | $54,350 |
| Hourly rate | $34.66 | $26.13 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 90,457 | 18,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Senior research associate scientists serve a critical function assisting in the development of research. The senior research associate scientists support ongoing studies that have something to do with biometric identification, anti-drug or antibody detection, and cell functions, especially in our immune system. They should adjust well to fast-paced environments and apply their knowledge to various projects and experiments. They should be adept in doing cell-based experiments, techniques on a molecular level, and flow cytometry. Being detail-oriented and having strong communication skills can also help them become efficient in this field.
A postdoctoral associate is responsible for researching to support scientific claims and theories by collecting evidence and information to answer scientific questions. Postdoctoral associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to interact with people and document investigation findings. They also utilize laboratory tools and equipment for scientific researches, conduct field investigations, and interview participants. A postdoctoral associate designs comprehensive research models to discuss results with the panel and the team efficiently and accurately.
Senior research associate scientists and postdoctoral associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Associate Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average salary | $72,094 | $54,350 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $110,000 | Between $39,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Maine |
| Best paying company | - | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | - | Education |
There are a few differences between a senior research associate scientist and a postdoctoral associate in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Associate Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Duke University |
Here are the differences between senior research associate scientists' and postdoctoral associates' demographics:
| Senior Research Associate Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.8% Female, 47.2% | Male, 63.2% Female, 36.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 39.4% White, 42.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |