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Senior scientist vs laboratory analyst

The differences between senior scientists and laboratory analysts 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 scientist, becoming a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a senior scientist has an average salary of $106,672, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for a senior scientist include patients, data analysis and molecular biology. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.

Senior scientist vs laboratory analyst overview

Senior ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Yearly salary$106,672$44,024
Hourly rate$51.28$21.17
Growth rate17%9%
Number of jobs49,71244,074
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age4138
Years of experience42

What does a senior scientist do?

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.

What does a laboratory analyst do?

A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.

Senior scientist vs laboratory analyst salary

Senior scientists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Senior ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Average salary$106,672$44,024
Salary rangeBetween $74,000 And $153,000Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityRedwood City, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyBill & Melinda Gates FoundationAbbVie
Best paying industryTelecommunicationPharmaceutical

Differences between senior scientist and laboratory analyst education

There are a few differences between a senior scientist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:

Senior ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorChemistryBiology
Most common collegeDuke UniversityStanford University

Senior scientist vs laboratory analyst demographics

Here are the differences between senior scientists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:

Senior ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Average age4138
Gender ratioMale, 70.1% Female, 29.9%Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between senior scientist and laboratory analyst duties and responsibilities

Senior scientist example responsibilities.

  • Lead the development and implementation of new technology for use in NMR applications.
  • Strategize and manage the PK/PD program with internal collaborations including chemistry, DMPK, formulation and toxicology.
  • Lead a team and develop a 24-channel GC parallel separation system for high throughput screening of catalysts.
  • Lead a team of 11 direct reports and 35 indirect reports to solve development problems for multicapillary electrophoresis instruments.
  • Influence and impact others through building and maintaining strong networks that are leverage to obtain critical information and accomplish objectives.
  • Manage collaborations with external CROs.
  • Show more

Laboratory analyst example responsibilities.

  • Use sophisticate laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, FTIR, UV, GC) and computer systems to collect and record data.
  • Analyze organic compounds using gravimetric, titration, distillation and spectrophotometry methods.
  • Prepare for and represent the laboratory during FDA, customer, and ISO audits.
  • Complete preparation of organic samples for GC, HPLC, IR and GCMS analysis.
  • Prepare solid and aqueous samples for analysis on diagnostic instruments including GC, GCMS and IC.
  • Utilize internal LIMS computer database for data entry and communication.
  • Show more

Senior scientist vs laboratory analyst skills

Common senior scientist skills
  • Patients, 11%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Molecular Biology, 3%
  • Research Projects, 3%
  • C++, 3%
  • Java, 3%
Common laboratory analyst skills
  • Test Methods, 8%
  • Lab Equipment, 7%
  • Lims, 5%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%
  • Sample Preparation, 5%
  • Analytical Methods, 4%

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