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The differences between senior research investigators and senior research associates 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 senior research associate takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a senior research investigator has an average salary of $90,336, which is higher than the $72,618 average annual salary of a senior research associate.
The top three skills for a senior research investigator include data analysis, drug discovery and chemistry. The most important skills for a senior research associate are patients, data analysis, and CRISPR.
| Senior Research Investigator | Senior Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $90,336 | $72,618 |
| Hourly rate | $43.43 | $34.91 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 62,248 | 58,903 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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 Senior Research Associate works closely with research team members to implement research ideas. They diagnose, solve system/software problems, and install application software according to research needs.
Senior research investigators and senior research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Investigator | Senior Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $90,336 | $72,618 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $139,000 | Between $51,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | Crunchbase | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Government |
There are a few differences between a senior research investigator and a senior research associate in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Investigator | Senior Research Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between senior research investigators' and senior research associates' demographics:
| Senior Research Investigator | Senior Research Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.8% Female, 42.2% | Male, 53.6% Female, 46.4% |
| 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, 2.5% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 13.4% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |