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The differences between senior research investigators and senior 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 senior scientist. Additionally, a senior scientist has an average salary of $106,672, 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 senior scientist are patients, data analysis, and molecular biology.
| Senior Research Investigator | Senior Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $90,336 | $106,672 |
| Hourly rate | $43.43 | $51.28 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 62,248 | 49,712 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| 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 senior scientist is usually in charge of overseeing experiments and evaluating junior scientists' performance, especially in laboratory settings. Moreover, it is also their responsibility to assess every progress report to ensure it's accuracy and validity. As a senior scientist in the field, it is essential to lead and encourage fellow scientists in their joint pursuit for scientific innovations, all while adhering to the laboratory's standards and policies.
Senior research investigators and senior scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Investigator | Senior Scientist | |
| Average salary | $90,336 | $106,672 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $139,000 | Between $74,000 And $153,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Crunchbase | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a senior research investigator and a senior scientist in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Investigator | Senior Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between senior research investigators' and senior scientists' demographics:
| Senior Research Investigator | Senior Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.8% Female, 42.2% | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% |
| 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, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 26.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |