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Senior research investigator vs phd researcher

The differences between senior research investigators and phd researchers 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 phd researcher. Additionally, a senior research investigator has an average salary of $90,336, which is higher than the $51,634 average annual salary of an phd researcher.

The top three skills for a senior research investigator include data analysis, drug discovery and chemistry. The most important skills for an phd researcher are python, chemistry, and research projects.

Senior research investigator vs phd researcher overview

Senior Research InvestigatorPHD Researcher
Yearly salary$90,336$51,634
Hourly rate$43.43$24.82
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs62,24819,736
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Doctoral Degree, 40%
Average age4141
Years of experience44

What does a senior research investigator do?

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.

What does an phd researcher do?

The primary job of a Ph.D. researcher is to plan and conduct experiments and analyzing their outcome. You will collect, organize, and analyze data and opinions to solve issues and predict trends. Other tasks you will perform include doing fieldwork to collect samples, writing reports, research papers, and reviews, and organizing materials testing. In addition, you need to liaise with research and production staff, develop ways to resolve problems, and supervise junior research staff.

Senior research investigator vs phd researcher salary

Senior research investigators and phd researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Senior Research InvestigatorPHD Researcher
Average salary$90,336$51,634
Salary rangeBetween $58,000 And $139,000Between $35,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANovato, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companyCrunchbaseMeta
Best paying industryPharmaceuticalTechnology

Differences between senior research investigator and phd researcher education

There are a few differences between a senior research investigator and an phd researcher in terms of educational background:

Senior Research InvestigatorPHD Researcher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Doctoral Degree, 40%
Most common majorChemistryChemistry
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Senior research investigator vs phd researcher demographics

Here are the differences between senior research investigators' and phd researchers' demographics:

Senior Research InvestigatorPHD Researcher
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 57.8% Female, 42.2%Male, 61.7% Female, 38.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 6.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 32.5% White, 47.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between senior research investigator and phd researcher duties and responsibilities

Senior research investigator example responsibilities.

  • Process, analyze and upload HTS data that lead to the discovery of new structural classes of small molecules.
  • Develop molecular analysis methods and cell-base assays for RNA interference (RNAi) and oligonucleotide decoy projects.
  • Provide scientific support for CA125, a monoclonal antibody cancer immunotherapy program.
  • Probe compound/receptor-ligand complexes by establishing mammalian reporter cell lines and biochemical competition assays with FACS and ELISA endpoints.
  • Supervise activities of analytical cellular and molecular immunology laboratories.
  • Supervise activities of analytical cellular and molecular immunology laboratories.

Phd researcher example responsibilities.

  • Manage and mentore graduate and undergraduate students in their physical chemistry relate studies and research projects on spin dynamics simulations.
  • Evaluate data employing GC/MS, gel electrophoresis, and UV/VIS spectroscopy.
  • Perform testing using gel electrophoresis as well as mixed and pour the gels used in testing
  • Optimize and redesign robotic components base on FEA for improve strength using ANSYS and SOLIDWORKS.
  • Coauthor an NIH grant proposal on DNA mismatch repair and malaria drug resistance (5R21AI072723-02).
  • Design a scent dispenser 3D model in SolidWorks and build a prototype by utilizing MasterCam and CNC machines.
  • Show more

Senior research investigator vs phd researcher skills

Common senior research investigator skills
  • Data Analysis, 11%
  • Drug Discovery, 6%
  • Chemistry, 6%
  • Visualization, 5%
  • BMS, 5%
  • RNA, 4%
Common phd researcher skills
  • Python, 9%
  • Chemistry, 8%
  • Research Projects, 6%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Renewable Energy, 6%
  • C++, 5%

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