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Senior research engineer vs senior research associate scientist

The differences between senior research engineers and senior research associate scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a senior research engineer, becoming a senior research associate scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior research engineer has an average salary of $115,047, which is higher than the $72,094 average annual salary of a senior research associate scientist.

The top three skills for a senior research engineer include python, java and project management. The most important skills for a senior research associate scientist are cell culture, cell-based assays, and data analysis.

Senior research engineer vs senior research associate scientist overview

Senior Research EngineerSenior Research Associate Scientist
Yearly salary$115,047$72,094
Hourly rate$55.31$34.66
Growth rate2%17%
Number of jobs120,79890,457
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4141
Years of experience64

What does a senior research engineer do?

A Senior Research Engineer leads a team of engineers to develop and implement innovative products and technologies. They also provide training and technical support.

What does a senior research associate scientist do?

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.

Senior research engineer vs senior research associate scientist salary

Senior research engineers and senior research associate scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Senior Research EngineerSenior Research Associate Scientist
Average salary$115,047$72,094
Salary rangeBetween $87,000 And $151,000Between $46,000 And $110,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyNetflix-
Best paying industryFinance-

Differences between senior research engineer and senior research associate scientist education

There are a few differences between a senior research engineer and a senior research associate scientist in terms of educational background:

Senior Research EngineerSenior Research Associate Scientist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBiology
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyUniversity of Southern California

Senior research engineer vs senior research associate scientist demographics

Here are the differences between senior research engineers' and senior research associate scientists' demographics:

Senior Research EngineerSenior Research Associate Scientist
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 88.8% Female, 11.2%Male, 52.8% Female, 47.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.0% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%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%
LGBT Percentage5%8%

Differences between senior research engineer and senior research associate scientist duties and responsibilities

Senior research engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage a proof-of-concept and prototyping program for a vehicle tagging and electronic tracking system.
  • Carry out ETL tasks using Java and Apache/Hadoop.
  • Design plastic and metal components for cells and batteries using Solidworks.
  • Select to travel to Malaysia to identify and resolve issues in filter prototyping and manufacture.
  • Develop test plans and set ups for imaging, chemical sensing, RF devices, and composite materials.
  • Project include optics, lasers, high-speed digital, high speed A2D, RF, liquid helium, etc.
  • Show more

Senior research associate scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage stability coordination activities for market drug products in accordance to company and ICH guidelines.
  • Develop, validate and implement an anti-drug antibody immunoassay for immunogenicity testing of biologics.
  • Maintain effective records for internal and external (FDA) reviewers.
  • Assist method optimization for ELISA, stability, clarity, and reproducibility assays.
  • Contribute to successful NPI projects by performing functional QC assays and co-authoring customer manuals.
  • Develop and produce anti-DNA single/double strand antibodies for nucleic acid probe detection diagnostic kits/ ELISA.
  • Show more

Senior research engineer vs senior research associate scientist skills

Common senior research engineer skills
  • Python, 15%
  • Java, 6%
  • Project Management, 4%
  • Software Development, 4%
  • Data Analysis, 4%
  • C, 4%
Common senior research associate scientist skills
  • Cell Culture, 13%
  • Cell-Based Assays, 11%
  • Data Analysis, 9%
  • Elisa, 6%
  • Experimental Design, 5%
  • Assay Development, 4%

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