Senior research coordinator vs research administrator

The differences between senior research coordinators and research administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a senior research coordinator and a research administrator. Additionally, a senior research coordinator has an average salary of $65,316, which is higher than the $52,667 average annual salary of a research administrator.

The top three skills for a senior research coordinator include patients, data collection and IRB. The most important skills for a research administrator are research administration, customer service, and principal investigators.

Senior research coordinator vs research administrator overview

	Senior Research Coordinator	Research Administrator
Yearly salary	$65,316	$52,667
Hourly rate	$31.40	$25.32
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	56,854	99,798
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a senior research coordinator do?

Senior Research Coordinators assist the development of research data from laboratory investigations and clinical trials. The coordinators gather, handle, and analyze preliminary data through the SPSS statistical software. They coordinate training conferences to track IRB status, maintain study supplies, and for site recruitment. Part of their job is to lead cross-divisional initiatives to strengthen delivery system products. They take part in international conferences and investigator meetings. The skills and knowledge necessary for this job include research procedures and projects, study protocol, and data collection.

What does a research administrator do?

A research administrator oversees the progress of research programs, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities mostly revolve around devising strategies to optimize processes, coordinating different departments, setting goals and objectives, managing the schedule and budgets, and maintaining records of all transactions. There are also instances when a research administrator must produce progress reports, participate in gathering surveys and feedbacks, and resolve issues promptly and professionally. Furthermore, as a research administrator, it is essential to lead and encourage team members to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Senior research coordinator vs research administrator salary

Senior research coordinators and research administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Senior Research Coordinator	Research Administrator
Average salary	$65,316	$52,667
Salary range	Between $43,000 And $97,000	Between $41,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	California	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Apple	Kronos Incorporated
Best paying industry	Finance	Health Care

Differences between senior research coordinator and research administrator education

There are a few differences between a senior research coordinator and a research administrator in terms of educational background:

	Senior Research Coordinator	Research Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common major	Psychology	Business
Most common college	Duke University	Stanford University

Senior research coordinator vs research administrator demographics

Here are the differences between senior research coordinators' and research administrators' demographics:

	Senior Research Coordinator	Research Administrator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 30.5% Female, 69.5%	Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 10.8% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between senior research coordinator and research administrator duties and responsibilities

Senior research coordinator example responsibilities.

Perform insightful data analyses and adequately manage IRB protocol.
Collect, manage and analyze preliminary data using SPSS statistical software.
Coordinate patient screening and intake as well as educated patients about inform consent and drug accountability.
Create and present PowerPoint slides for training webinars, meetings, and conferences.
Oversee research program and ensure all elements of the program are in compliance with FDA regulations.
Create a process for FDA hold import shipments, in order so items will not be used.

Research administrator example responsibilities.

Create and manage multiple computer databases using SAS and SPSS, ensuring data up-to-date and accurate.
Collect, manage and analyze preliminary data using SPSS statistical software.
Prepare complex NIH clinical research proposals involving coordination with several clinical research sites.
Assist with new patient eligibility evaluation, registration, and coordinating protocol relate care of patients enroll in clinical trials.
Train in GCP, ICH, FDA, and local regulations for drug and device trials.
Attend HIV treatment information meetings in Washington, D.C.

Senior research coordinator vs research administrator skills

Common senior research coordinator skills

Patients, 17%
Data Collection, 11%
IRB, 9%
Research Projects, 6%
Data Analysis, 5%
Informed Consent, 5%

Common research administrator skills

Research Administration, 10%
Customer Service, 8%
Principal Investigators, 7%
PIS, 6%
Pre-award, 6%
Payroll, 5%

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Senior Research Coordinator
Senior Research Coordinator vs Research Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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