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The differences between senior research investigators and assistant research scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a senior research investigator, becoming an assistant research scientist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a senior research investigator has an average salary of $90,336, which is higher than the $62,780 average annual salary of an assistant research scientist.
The top three skills for a senior research investigator include data analysis, drug discovery and chemistry. The most important skills for an assistant research scientist are research projects, data collection, and data analysis.
| Senior Research Investigator | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $90,336 | $62,780 |
| Hourly rate | $43.43 | $30.18 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 62,248 | 88,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A Senior Research Investigator specializes in conducting extensive research and analysis to develop conclusions and recommendations. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their place or employment industry, it usually includes adhering to guidelines and timelines, narrowing down leads to gather and analyze data, consulting with experts, and maintaining records of all procedures. As a Senior Research Investigator, it is essential to lead and serve as a role model to less experienced investigators in the joint effort to reach project goals, all while implementing the facility's standards and regulations.
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
Senior research investigators and assistant research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Investigator | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $90,336 | $62,780 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $139,000 | Between $43,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Crunchbase | University of California |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Education |
There are a few differences between a senior research investigator and an assistant research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Investigator | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between senior research investigators' and assistant research scientists' demographics:
| Senior Research Investigator | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.8% Female, 42.2% | Male, 55.6% Female, 44.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 24.9% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |