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The differences between senior research investigators and associate 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 investigator and an associate scientist. Additionally, a senior research investigator has an average salary of $90,336, which is higher than the $76,461 average annual salary of an associate scientist.
The top three skills for a senior research investigator include data analysis, drug discovery and chemistry. The most important skills for an associate scientist are chemistry, patients, and cell culture.
| Senior Research Investigator | Associate Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $90,336 | $76,461 |
| Hourly rate | $43.43 | $36.76 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 62,248 | 54,950 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 Associate Scientist assists in various experiments and research, working under the direction of a lead scientist. Their specialties may include biological life sciences, geo-science, atmospheric physics, and computing.
Senior research investigators and associate scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Investigator | Associate Scientist | |
| Average salary | $90,336 | $76,461 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $139,000 | Between $53,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Crunchbase | Phillips 66 |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a senior research investigator and an associate scientist in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Investigator | Associate Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between senior research investigators' and associate scientists' demographics:
| Senior Research Investigator | Associate Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.8% Female, 42.2% | Male, 48.6% Female, 51.4% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |