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The differences between senior research fellows and principal research scientists 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 fellow and a principal research scientist. Additionally, a principal research scientist has an average salary of $127,191, which is higher than the $62,129 average annual salary of a senior research fellow.
The top three skills for a senior research fellow include python, research projects and data analysis. The most important skills for a principal research scientist are research projects, principal research, and data analysis.
| Senior Research Fellow | Principal Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $62,129 | $127,191 |
| Hourly rate | $29.87 | $61.15 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 53,535 | 126,911 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Senior Research Fellows are reputable researchers employed in an academic institution or a research facility. The nature of their employment in the institution is related to their research work or field of interest. Senior Research Fellows lead a team of researchers on big projects that require more team members. They manage the team's budget, set timelines, and guide the researchers. They spearhead the analysis of the data gathered. They also set the tone for the presentation materials. Senior Research Fellows should be passionate about their field, should have a thirst for knowledge, and should be able to lead teams.
Principal research scientists are responsible for designing and directing research laboratories, commencing new research activities, and searching for funding opportunities. Other duties include presenting proposals and attaining the terms of research grants and contracts, organizing, running, and reporting on original research, as well as constituting their research groups externally. These scientists usually propose, implement, and report a distinguished scientific program. The individuals appointed on this role may regularly serve as chief investigators on grants and contracts.
Senior research fellows and principal research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Fellow | Principal Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $62,129 | $127,191 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $95,000 | Between $87,000 And $184,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | ||
| Best paying industry | - | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a senior research fellow and a principal research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Fellow | Principal Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between senior research fellows' and principal research scientists' demographics:
| Senior Research Fellow | Principal Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.1% Female, 43.9% | Male, 78.7% Female, 21.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |