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The differences between senior research associate scientists and postdoctoral research 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 research associate. Additionally, a senior research associate scientist has an average salary of $72,094, which is higher than the $52,785 average annual salary of a postdoctoral research 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 research associate are python, research projects, and chemistry.
| Senior Research Associate Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $72,094 | $52,785 |
| Hourly rate | $34.66 | $25.38 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 90,457 | 59,377 |
| 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 research associate is responsible for assisting the educational institution's research department, writing research reports, analyzing research methods, and collecting information and related studies to support the research claims. Postdoctoral research associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, reporting research updates to the research head, performing adjustments as needed, and gaining more expertise on the subject by brainstorming and discussing strategic procedures for the study. They may also conduct field investigation or coordinate with other institutions for additional reference, depending on the research's scope and limitation.
Senior research associate scientists and postdoctoral research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Associate Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $72,094 | $52,785 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $110,000 | Between $38,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Memphis, TN |
| Highest paying state | - | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | - | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | - | Professional |
There are a few differences between a senior research associate scientist and a postdoctoral research associate in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Associate Scientist | Postdoctoral Research 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 research associates' demographics:
| Senior Research Associate Scientist | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.8% Female, 47.2% | Male, 65.7% Female, 34.3% |
| 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, 5.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 38.1% White, 43.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |