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The differences between senior research investigators and principal research 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 a principal research scientist. Additionally, a principal research scientist has an average salary of $127,191, which is higher than the $90,336 average annual salary of a senior research investigator.
The top three skills for a senior research investigator include data analysis, drug discovery and chemistry. The most important skills for a principal research scientist are research projects, principal research, and data analysis.
| Senior Research Investigator | Principal Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $90,336 | $127,191 |
| Hourly rate | $43.43 | $61.15 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 62,248 | 126,911 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| 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.
Principal research scientists are responsible for designing and directing research laboratories, commencing new research activities, and searching for funding opportunities. Other duties include presenting proposals and attaining the terms of research grants and contracts, organizing, running, and reporting on original research, as well as constituting their research groups externally. These scientists usually propose, implement, and report a distinguished scientific program. The individuals appointed on this role may regularly serve as chief investigators on grants and contracts.
Senior research investigators and principal research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Investigator | Principal Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $90,336 | $127,191 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $139,000 | Between $87,000 And $184,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Crunchbase | |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a senior research investigator and a principal research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Investigator | Principal Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between senior research investigators' and principal research scientists' demographics:
| Senior Research Investigator | Principal Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.8% Female, 42.2% | Male, 78.7% Female, 21.3% |
| 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, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |