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The differences between senior research investigators and senior research fellows 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 senior research fellow. Additionally, a senior research investigator has an average salary of $90,336, which is higher than the $62,129 average annual salary of a senior research fellow.
The top three skills for a senior research investigator include data analysis, drug discovery and chemistry. The most important skills for a senior research fellow are python, research projects, and data analysis.
| Senior Research Investigator | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Yearly salary | $90,336 | $62,129 |
| Hourly rate | $43.43 | $29.87 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 62,248 | 53,535 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| 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.
Senior Research Fellows are reputable researchers employed in an academic institution or a research facility. The nature of their employment in the institution is related to their research work or field of interest. Senior Research Fellows lead a team of researchers on big projects that require more team members. They manage the team's budget, set timelines, and guide the researchers. They spearhead the analysis of the data gathered. They also set the tone for the presentation materials. Senior Research Fellows should be passionate about their field, should have a thirst for knowledge, and should be able to lead teams.
Senior research investigators and senior research fellows have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Investigator | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Average salary | $90,336 | $62,129 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $139,000 | Between $40,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Urban Honolulu, HI |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Crunchbase | |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | - |
There are a few differences between a senior research investigator and a senior research fellow in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Investigator | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between senior research investigators' and senior research fellows' demographics:
| Senior Research Investigator | Senior Research Fellow | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.8% Female, 42.2% | Male, 56.1% Female, 43.9% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |