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The differences between senior research investigators and postdoctoral scholars 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 scholar. Additionally, a senior research investigator has an average salary of $90,336, which is higher than the $57,587 average annual salary of a postdoctoral scholar.
The top three skills for a senior research investigator include data analysis, drug discovery and chemistry. The most important skills for a postdoctoral scholar are chemistry, python, and patients.
| Senior Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Yearly salary | $90,336 | $57,587 |
| Hourly rate | $43.43 | $27.69 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 62,248 | 18,983 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| 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 Scholar is responsible for supporting an educational research group to conduct studies and gather relevant data to support study claims and scientific evidence. They review initial findings, perform field investigations, and interview the target respondents for data and statistical analysis. They also coordinate with the whole team for efficient research methods, ensuring adherence to budget limitations and required timetables. A Postdoctoral Scholar must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to document reports and discuss results with the research team.
Senior research investigators and postdoctoral scholars have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Average salary | $90,336 | $57,587 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $139,000 | Between $41,000 And $79,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Crunchbase | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between a senior research investigator and a postdoctoral scholar in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between senior research investigators' and postdoctoral scholars' demographics:
| Senior Research Investigator | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.8% Female, 42.2% | Male, 53.0% Female, 47.0% |
| 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, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |