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The differences between senior research investigators and research leaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a senior research investigator, becoming a research leader takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a research leader has an average salary of $107,345, 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 research leader are data collection, data analysis, and market research.
| Senior Research Investigator | Research Leader | |
| Yearly salary | $90,336 | $107,345 |
| Hourly rate | $43.43 | $51.61 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 62,248 | 77,051 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 41 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
Research Leaders are academicians who oversee a group of researchers conducting a study. They are usually well-known researchers in their field of study or area of interest. They manage the group throughout the whole research process. They may orient them at the start of the engagement to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Research Leaders direct the group in identifying the resources needed, finding these resources, and eventually managing them. They also guide the team in conducting the research properly by providing strategic direction, sharing techniques, and helping them analyze the gathered data. With their experience in the field, Research Leaders usually provide frameworks that the team may work within.
Senior research investigators and research leaders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Investigator | Research Leader | |
| Average salary | $90,336 | $107,345 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $139,000 | Between $64,000 And $178,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Jersey City, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Crunchbase | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a senior research investigator and a research leader in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Investigator | Research Leader | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Psychology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between senior research investigators' and research leaders' demographics:
| Senior Research Investigator | Research Leader | |
| Average age | 41 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.8% Female, 42.2% | Male, 56.4% Female, 43.6% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 10% |