What does a senior research investigator do?
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 investigator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior research investigator resumes:
- Process, analyze and upload HTS data that lead to the discovery of new structural classes of small molecules.
- Develop molecular analysis methods and cell-base assays for RNA interference (RNAi) and oligonucleotide decoy projects.
- Provide scientific support for CA125, a monoclonal antibody cancer immunotherapy program.
- Probe compound/receptor-ligand complexes by establishing mammalian reporter cell lines and biochemical competition assays with FACS and ELISA endpoints.
- Supervise activities of analytical cellular and molecular immunology laboratories.
- Supervise activities of analytical cellular and molecular immunology laboratories.
Senior research investigator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Senior Research Investigators are proficient in Data Analysis, Drug Discovery, and Chemistry. They’re also known for soft skills such as Observation skills, Communication skills, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Senior Research Investigators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Analysis, 11%
Established data analysis process for high throughput combinatorial libraries.
- Drug Discovery, 6%
Prosecuted drug discovery programs within department while collaborating with numerous and varied sections and teams.
- Chemistry, 6%
Designed and carried out research in quantitative biological chemistry.
- Visualization, 5%
Research includes developing robust and adaptive systems for computer-aided analysis and visualization with machine learning and image processing/computer vision approaches.
- BMS, 5%
Developed a strategic plan for BMS relative to the manufacture of its biotechnology products with the Vice-President European Operations for BMS.
- RNA, 4%
Implemented a working protocol for isolating RNA from metastatic cell lines for investigating gene expression using differential display analysis.
"data analysis," "drug discovery," and "chemistry" are among the most common skills that senior research investigators use at work. You can find even more senior research investigator responsibilities below, including:
Observation skills. One of the key soft skills for a senior research investigator to have is observation skills. You can see how this relates to what senior research investigators do because "medical scientists conduct experiments that require monitoring samples and other health-related data." Additionally, a senior research investigator resume shows how senior research investigators use observation skills: "make detailed observations, analyze data and interpret results. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling senior research investigator duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "medical scientists must be able to explain their research in nontechnical ways." According to a senior research investigator resume, here's how senior research investigators can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "examined the role of bacterial communication genes in establishment of chronic, persistent ear infections using animal models. "
The three companies that hire the most senior research investigators are:
- University of Pennsylvania36 senior research investigators jobs
- Bristol-Myers Squibb6 senior research investigators jobs
- Trellix5 senior research investigators jobs
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Compare different senior research investigators
Senior research investigator vs. Fellow
A fellow's responsibility will depend on the organization or industry where one belongs. However, most of the time, a fellow's duty will revolve around conducting research and analysis, presiding discussions and attending dialogues, handle lectures while complying with the guidelines or tasks set by supervisors, and assist in various projects and activities. Furthermore, a fellow must adhere to the institution or organization's policies and regulations at all times, meet all the requirements and outputs involved, and coordinate with every person in the workforce.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between senior research investigators and fellow. For instance, senior research investigator responsibilities require skills such as "drug discovery," "chemistry," "visualization," and "bms." Whereas a fellow is skilled in "patients," "professional development," "veterans," and "math." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Fellows tend to make the most money working in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $67,978. In contrast, senior research investigators make the biggest average salary, $117,364, in the pharmaceutical industry.fellows tend to reach higher levels of education than senior research investigators. In fact, fellows are 9.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Senior research investigator vs. Doctoral fellow
A doctoral fellow is a physician that has completed studies and receives a fellowship to cover his/her or her expenses while completing his/her or her medical dissertation. A doctor fellow undergoes this fellowship to get additional training for their chosen sub-specialty. During the fellowship period, a fellow can act as an attending physician or consultant physician with other physicians' direct supervision in the sub-specialty field.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, senior research investigator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "drug discovery," "visualization," "bms," and "rna." Meanwhile, a doctoral fellow has duties that require skills in areas such as "patients," "cell biology," "immunology," and "veterans." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Doctoral fellows may earn a lower salary than senior research investigators, but doctoral fellows earn the most pay in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $67,423. On the other hand, senior research investigators receive higher pay in the pharmaceutical industry, where they earn an average salary of $117,364.doctoral fellows earn higher levels of education than senior research investigators in general. They're 9.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for senior research investigators in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Betsy Smith
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College
Senior research investigator vs. Postdoctoral scholar
A Postdoctoral Scholar is responsible for supporting an educational research group to conduct studies and gather relevant data to support study claims and scientific evidence. They review initial findings, perform field investigations, and interview the target respondents for data and statistical analysis. They also coordinate with the whole team for efficient research methods, ensuring adherence to budget limitations and required timetables. A Postdoctoral Scholar must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to document reports and discuss results with the research team.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, senior research investigators are more likely to have skills like "drug discovery," "visualization," "bms," and "sops." But a postdoctoral scholar is more likely to have skills like "python," "patients," "nih," and "c++."
Postdoctoral scholars earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $72,557. Comparatively, senior research investigators have the highest earning potential in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $117,364.Most postdoctoral scholars achieve a higher degree level compared to senior research investigators. For example, they're 14.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 8.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior research investigator vs. Associate scientist
An Associate Scientist assists in various experiments and research, working under the direction of a lead scientist. Their specialties may include biological life sciences, geo-science, atmospheric physics, and computing.
Types of senior research investigator
Updated January 8, 2025
