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The differences between senior research investigators and postdoctoral research associates 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 a postdoctoral research associate. Additionally, a senior research investigator has an average salary of $90,336, which is higher than the $52,785 average annual salary of a postdoctoral research associate.
The top three skills for a senior research investigator include data analysis, drug discovery and chemistry. The most important skills for a postdoctoral research associate are python, research projects, and chemistry.
| Senior Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $90,336 | $52,785 |
| Hourly rate | $43.43 | $25.38 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 62,248 | 59,377 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| 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.
A postdoctoral research associate is responsible for assisting the educational institution's research department, writing research reports, analyzing research methods, and collecting information and related studies to support the research claims. Postdoctoral research associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, reporting research updates to the research head, performing adjustments as needed, and gaining more expertise on the subject by brainstorming and discussing strategic procedures for the study. They may also conduct field investigation or coordinate with other institutions for additional reference, depending on the research's scope and limitation.
Senior research investigators and postdoctoral research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $90,336 | $52,785 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $139,000 | Between $38,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Memphis, TN |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Crunchbase | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Professional |
There are a few differences between a senior research investigator and a postdoctoral research associate in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between senior research investigators' and postdoctoral research associates' demographics:
| Senior Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Research Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.8% Female, 42.2% | Male, 65.7% Female, 34.3% |
| 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, 5.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 38.1% White, 43.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |